If you take photos or shoot video on public lands like national parks or national forests, a new law could make your life a whole lot easier. It’s called the Federal Interior Lands Media Act, or FILM Act, and it helps protect your ability to create content without jumping through unnecessary hoops.

Whether you’re working with clients, creating content for social media, or filming a documentary, the FILM Act makes the rules simpler, fairer, and easier to follow.
PPA’s Government Affairs Manager, Luc Boulet sat down recently with Joanna Adams to talk about these recent changes. Watch the full video interview below or go to the @OurPPA YouTube Channel and hit "subscribe" so you don't miss an update!

Keep reading for a quick look at the FILM act and how it applies to photographers like you.

Why Was the FILM Act Created?

Before the FILM Act, rules for filming and photography on federal lands were inconsistent and outdated. Some parks required permits while others didn’t, and creators could be fined simply for posting video content online. 
The old law, written in 2000, didn’t account for modern tools like smartphones or platforms like YouTube—and often treated small creators like full film crews. In response, photographers, advocates, and lawmakers joined forces to push for clearer, fairer rules, resulting in the FILM Act. The FILM Act, which was included as part of the EXPLORE Act bill, was passed earlier this year on January 4, 2025. A major win for creatives!

What Does the FILM Act Do?

The FILM Act changes how photo and video shoots are regulated on federal lands like national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. Instead of focusing on whether a project is “commercial” or “non-commercial,” the law now focuses on impact.

Here’s what that means in simple terms:

• If your shoot is low-impact, you don’t need a permit.
• If your shoot disturbs the land or other visitors, you might.

Low-impact shoots generally mean:

• You’re using handheld or easily carried gear (like a camera, tripod, or small light)
• You’re not closing off public areas or blocking access
• You’re not damaging natural resources
• You’re not bringing a large crew

When working with five people or fewer, you can film or photograph without a permit in most cases. For groups of six to eight, the rules fall into a “de minimis use” category, which may require an automatic permit. Anything over eight people still requires a permit.

These rules apply equally to still photography and video, so now there’s no more worrying about which button you press on your camera!

How to Comply When Working on Federal Land

The National Park Service has already released official guidance on how to follow the FILM Act, and other agencies (like the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management) are expected to follow soon.

To stay in compliance be sure to:

• Stick to open public areas – don’t block trails or close off spots
• Carry your gear – no dollies, carts, or large setups unless permitted
• Avoid environmental damage – don’t trample wildflowers, leave trash, or disturb wildlife
• Be respectful of other visitors – don’t interfere with their experience

If you're filming something that's already permitted, like a wedding, you no longer need a separate permit just to photograph or record it.

What Happens Next?

Even though the FILM Act is now law, there’s still work to do. Some parts of the legislation may be updated to make things even clearer—such as how “high traffic areas” are defined, or how “de minimis use” permits should be handled. Organizations such as ours and Public Land Creatives are continuing to advocate for these updates.

In the meantime, photographers and filmmakers can feel more confident when working on public land. It’s a huge step forward in making sure that the creative community is treated fairly and that our national parks remain places to celebrate artistic expression.

Why This Matters

Photos and videos help tell the story of America’s public lands. They inspire people to explore, protect, and care about these special places. Some of the most iconic images of parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone helped convince leaders to protect them in the first place.

With the FILM Act in place, creators can keep sharing these places with the world—without worrying about outdated rules or unnecessary permits.