Commercial film and photography application guidelines

Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site

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The Parks Canada Yukon Field Unit sites span some of the most spectacular and ecologically and culturally significant areas in the region, offering unparalleled film and photographic opportunities. In order to protect the sites’ resources and visitor experiences, and ensure the rights of land claim beneficiaries are not affected, commercial filming and photographic activities have special considerations.

Applications must be submitted well in advance, and will be assessed against the following:

• Potential impact on ecological and cultural resources.
• Consistency with, and contribution to, site objectives, themes and messages.
• Required level of assistance and / or supervision by site staff.
• Type of proposed activities.
• Level of disturbance to visitors and traditional users.

When reviewing the application, Parks Canada may also consult with Indigenous partners in whose traditional territory the filming and/or photography is proposed. If approved, a Film/Photography permit will be issued.

Parks Canada reserves the right to refuse any application that is not in the best interest of the Agency or revoke permission without notice if terms and conditions of the permit are violated.

Parks Canada can assist with

• Details on site regulations, conditions and requirements.
• Advice on film / photography opportunities and locations.
• Arranging interviews with site staff, interpreters, and specialists, depending upon the scope of project and availability of staff.
• Advice on impact assessment processes that may be triggered.

What works well

• Simple productions involving minimal equipment and a small crew.
• Educational productions contributing to site objectives, messages and themes.
• Minimal impact on the environment, visitors, and traditional users.
• Hiring local location managers. Contact Yukon Media Development www.reelyukon.com

What won't work

• Portraying activities that are illegal or conflict with Parks Canada's mandate.
• Engaging in activities that may damage natural or cultural resources, or site structures.
• Disrupting, harassing, or manipulating wildlife, including using trained animals.
• Landing of aircraft without a permit.
• Low-level flying.
• Disrupting public access or enjoyment.
• Filming or photographing visitors, traditional users or staff without their consent.

Fees

Parks Canada reserves the right to charge the non-refundable application fee upon receiving an application for a film licence. Fees must be received prior to filming / photography activities. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is included in all fees.

Depending on the scope, location and crew size, monitoring fees in excess of the fees above may be charged. Fees may also be reduced for proposals that help Parks Canada meet its mandate and provide direct benefits to the sites.

How to apply

1. Call to discuss your project and determine if you require a permit.

2. Submit a document that addresses the 15 items below, to:

Stella Patera
Partnering and Engagement Officer
Parks Canada, Yukon Field Unit
(867) 332-3912
filmyukon@pc.gc.ca

Your application must include

1. Applicant Information: production company name, type of business (e.g., commercial, government, non-profit, student), address, website address and social media addresses.
2. Contact Information: name, telephone and email of producer (or company contact), AND name, telephone and email of designated representative on site.
3. Project name, description and intended use of images / footage.
4. Intended audiences and estimated viewers (circulation / reach).
5. Publishing deadline / air date.
6. A list of other Canadian national parks / historic sites where you have worked or propose to work.
7. How the production supports Parks Canada’s mandate, if applicable.
8. Production size including talent, crew, drivers and guides.
9. Proposed filming locations and brief description of scenes.
10. Details on any request to interview Parks Canada staff, specialists or interpreters.
11. Provide a script / storyboard, if applicable.
12. Proposed filming dates and times.
13. Type of equipment including vehicles, sets, props and craft services.
14. If requesting use of aircraft, details on where you wish to land, aircraft type and name of fixed wing / helicopter company.
15. If requesting use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, make, model, serial number and name and email of operator.

Important information

• Small scale travel media projects may not require a Parks Canada Film Permit; refer to: https://parks.canada.ca/agence-agency/courriel-email/touristique-travel.
• Before a film permit can be issued, you must provide proof of a comprehensive liability insurance policy indicating a minimum of $2,000,000, naming His Majesty the King in right of Canada as represented by Parks Canada Agency as additional insured, to be carried for the duration of the production in the park / site.
• Activities involving aircraft, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs, or “drones”), are restricted under the Canada National Parks Act and National Parks of Canada Aircraft Access Regulations http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca. Aircraft access may be approved by the Yukon Field Unit Superintendent. Additional time may be required to process applications involving aircraft.
• If you are travelling in the backcountry of Kluane NPR or the Chilkoot Trail NHS, you may be required to travel with a guide employed by an operator with a valid Business Licence.