Commercial Film and Photography Application Guidelines

Parks Canada Agency

Commercial Film and Photography
Application Guidelines

Commercial filming and photographic activities in a site administered by Parks Canada must be pre-approved through an application process for a film or photography permit. To apply, a proposal must be submitted.

Proposals will be evaluated to ensure compatibility with the Parks Canada mandate, the preservation of the park’s resources, and to ensure minimal disturbance to both visitors and wildlife.

The three national parks in the Western Arctic (Aulavik, Ivvavik and Tuktut Nogait) and the Pingo Canadian Landmark fall within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR) and, as such, are subject to the terms of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (IFA).

A number of the processes and cooperative management bodies established through the IFA have been put in place to ensure that the Inuvialuit are adequately involved and consulted with respect to activities occurring within the ISR, including commercial filming and photography.

Community Consultation

One of the cornerstones of effective cooperative management is proper community consultation. Commercial film operators must consult the community closest to the park in which they plan to work by sending a proposal and a covering letter to the chairpersons of the local Community Corporation and the Hunters and Trappers Committee.

• The nearest community to Aulavik National Park is Sachs Harbour;
• The nearest community to Ivvavik National Park is Aklavik,
• The nearest community to Tuktut Nogait National Park is Paulatuk; and
• The nearest community to the Pingo Canadian Landmark is Tuktoyaktuk.

The consultation process can take several months, depending on the time of year and the frequency of each organization’s meetings. Please plan accordingly and allow 4 to 6 months for the consultation process.

Environmental Assessment

All development projects, including filming, conducted within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region are subject to the screening process of the Environmental Impact Screening Committee (EISC). This process must be completed before an authorization is issued by Parks Canada. The EISC also requires proof of community consultation as part of the environmental assessment review process.

Insurance

Proof of comprehensive liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $2,000,000 naming “His Majesty the King in Right of Canada as represented by Parks Canada Agency” is also required.

Submitting a Proposal

Your application proposal should include the following information:

• Production company name, address, and contact information; production title, name of producer, contact information for producer (phone, e-mail, fax); designated representative on site.
• Description of the production - include scope, overview of the storyline, intended audience, and planned distribution and use of footage.
• Define the size of the crew on location (cast, crew, and drivers).
• Describe how the production will support the Parks Canada mandate to protect and present examples of Canada’s natural and cultural treasures.
• Planned itinerary for filming and logistics (dates, times, shooting locations).
• Transportation plans for the shoot (e.g. boat access, aerial filming – note that special permits are required for aircraft landings in the park and altitude restrictions may apply).
• Outline type of equipment, sets, props, and extent of use. *Please note: drone usage must comply with guidelines outlined by Transport Canada*.
• Product description and name of company selling the product.

Timing

4 to 6 months should be allowed for the consultation process and environmental assessment. During these ongoing processes, applications can be submitted to Parks Canada however, a film permit can only be issued once proof of environmental assessment and consultations have been received.

Summary

To obtain a film Permit from Parks Canada in the Western Arctic, you must submit the following:

1. A project proposal
2. Letter of community support from consultation process
3. Letter of support from the Environmental Impact Screening Committee
4. Proof of comprehensive liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $2,000,000 naming “His Majesty the King in Right of Canada as represented by Parks Canada Agency”

Depending on the nature of the proposal, certain conditions or restrictions may apply. Parks Canada has the right to refuse film productions that negatively impact a park’s natural and cultural resources or are incompatible with the Parks Canada mandate.

Submit your proposal to:

Western Arctic Field Unit
Box 1840
Inuvik, NT
X0E 0T0
Attn: External Relations Manager
Ph. 867-777-8800
Fax 867-777-8820
E-mail: infoinuvik-inuvikinfo@pc.gc.ca

How We Can Help?

We can provide details on park regulations, conditions, and requirements

All film / photography activities must comply with National Park Regulations, policies and conditions and film crews must obtain a landing permit for aircraft access to the parks. Landing permits are free and are issued during the mandatory registration process for groups and individuals entering national parks.

Please also note that altitude restrictions for aircraft flying over a national park in the Western Arctic are 2,000 feet, as per the EISC flight guidelines.

We can provide advice on Environmental Assessment requirements.

The Environmental Assessment Coordinator at the Parks Canada office in Inuvik is available to provide guidance and advice on the EA requirements that may apply to your proposed activity.

For information on how to make a submission to the Environmental Impact Screening Committee, download their Operating Guidelines from: http://www.screeningcommittee.ca/screening/operating_guidelines.html.

You can also call (867) 777-2828 to find out the dates of scheduled meetings and for advice or further information on the process.

Certain projects in Ivvavik National Park may also require an evaluation under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act (YESAA) Process. Information on this process can be found at: http://www.yesab.ca/

We can provide advice on opportunities and potential locations for shooting. Locations must be determined prior to the environmental assessment being completed for the film permit.

We can help arrange interviews with park staff, traditional users, and specialists.

Fees and Payment

Payment in full of all applicable fees must be received by the park prior to filming. Fees include an application fee, location fee, and, depending on the nature of the proposal and level of assistance provided by the park, cost-recovery fees may also apply. Fees may be reduced for proposals that assist Parks Canada in meeting its mandate and provide direct benefits to the park. An example of a direct benefit would be sharing of photos / footage for educational use by Parks Canada.

• Fees are applied to productions according to the Parks Canada fee structure (see table below). GST is included in the fees.
• Discounts may be available depending on content and client (see Schedule of Discounts)
• Payments can be made by credit card, cheque or money order payable to “Receiver General of Canada”
• Payments must be received prior to the start of filming / photography in the national park.

Film and Photography Fees

Schedule of Discounts

Project Content	Project Content	Client and Percentage of Discount
	Government	Non-profit organization/Student	Commercial
Scenery
Identifiable NP, NHS, or NMCA	5%	10%	0%
Backdrop	0%	0%	0%
Communications Objectives
High priority messages	25%	50%	15%
Informing, influencing, and involving	25%	50%	15%
Primary Use
Educational	35%	50%	15%
Tourism promotion	35%	50%	15%
Entertainment	0%	0%	0%

Note: Discounts are additive by column to a maximum of 100%

Definitions of Project Content

Scenery:
a) projects that use a location as an identifiable national park, national historic site or national marine conservation area.
b) projects that use a location purely as a backdrop with no reference to the park or site’s significance.

Communications Objectives:
a) projects that present Parks Canada high priority messages without necessarily mentioning the Agency (i.e. ecological and commemorative integrity).
b) projects that contribute to informing, influencing and involving Canadians concerning Canada’s nationally significant natural and cultural heritage.

Primary Use:
a) primary outcome of the project is either educational, or linked to tourism or entertainment.