Bureau of Land Management

The public lands have long been a popular location for the motion picture industry. The Western deserts, dry lakebeds and mountain terrain are strong attractions to national and international television and film production companies. Many major motion pictures and television commercials have been filmed on public lands in Colorado.

Special permits to use the public lands for commercial film production are issued by the Bureau of Land Management. Film Production companies should contact the local Bureau of Land Management office to advise them of their activity and determine whether or not a permit and/or fees are required. Each local Bureau of Land Management Field Office authorizes filming on public lands within its jurisdiction. Each location is unique and is subject to different conditions.

Additional information about filming on public lands including a step-by-step guide on the Permiting Process, Schedule of Fees and Contact Information for Bureau of Land Management offices in Colorado are available here on Colorado Film's website.

National Forest Service

The National Forest Service manages over 192 million acres of National Forests and Grasslands that comprise the National Forest System. The Forest Service's Special Uses Program authorizes uses on National Forest Service land that provide a benefit to the general public and protect public and natural resources.

Each year, the Forest Service receives thousands of individual and business authorization applications for use of National Forest Service land for photography, film and video productions. The Forest Service carefully reviews and approves each application to determine how the request affects the public's use of National Forest Service land.

You will need to get in touch with the specific National Forest or National Grassland office and arrange a meeting at that office before submitting your request.

If you're not sure if your site is in a National Forest or Grassland, visit the National Forest Services' interactive Colorado Map and click on the area where you intend to film.

Additional information on the Application Process, Permit Fees and Contact Information for National Forest Service offices in Colorado is available here on Colorado Film's website.

National Parks and National Historic Sites

Lands of the United States were set aside by Congress to conserve and protect areas of untold beauty and grandeur, historical importance, and uniqueness for future generations. This tradition started with explorers who traveled with paint and canvas or primitive photo apparatus before the areas were designated as a National Park. The National Park Service permits commercial filming and still photography when it is consistent with the park's mission and will not harm the resource or interfere with the visitor experience.

All commercial filming activities taking place within a unit of the National Park system require a permit. Permit applications are available through each National Park office or on some local National Park web sites.

Additional information on the Application Process, Permit Fees and Contact Information for National Park and Historic Site offices in Colorado are available here on Colorado Film's website.

Additional information can also be found online at the National Park Services website complete with a Map of National Parks and Historic Sites in Colorado.

National Wildlife Refuges

Colorado has six National Wildlife Refuges. To film in a National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado, follow the link to the Directory Listing of Colorado National Wildlife Refuges and contact information to obtain permission for film or television production.

Colorado State Parks

Each year, Colorado State Parks receive thousands of individual and business applications for authorization for use of Colorado State Parks for photography, film and video productions. Colorado State Park Managers carefully review each application to determine how the request affects the public's use of the Colorado State Park land they manage.

Colorado State Patrol

When Commercial or Film Production involves state road closure or impacts the normal flow of traffic, you'll need to obtain a Special Event Permit from the The Colorado State Patrol. You can apply online or you can download a PDF or Microsoft Word formatted application and mail or fax it to the Troop Commander of the appropriate Colorado State Patrol Office. The application requires contact information and specific date, time, and location.

Additional information can be found on Colorado Film's website including the Colorado State Patrol's Special Event Permitting process, Special Event Fees and online directory of Colorado State Patrol offices.

Ports of Entry

The Colorado Department of Revenue regulates the movement of trucks and equipment into the state of Colorado. See rules and contact information at the State of Colorado's Port of Entry website.

Other Locations

You will also need permits for filming at some other locations within Colorado, such as the State Capitol. Please Contact Us for assistance.

Local Community Contacts

Colorado cities and towns are very familiar with the needs of filmmakers. The Colorado Film Commission also maintains an Online Directory of Colorado Film Community Contacts that will be able to facilitate local permits if needed, access and contacts for you within local Colorado communities.