Alaska's land is governed by a patchwork of overlapping jurisdictions unlike anywhere else in the US. Federal agencies manage more land here than in any other state. Alaska Native Corporations own millions of acres. State, municipal, and private lands each have their own requirements. A single production shooting across multiple locations may need permits from four or five different agencies.
We manage the entire permitting process for every production we support. Here is what is involved.
National Park Service (NPS)
Commercial filming in National Parks requires a permit from the park superintendent. Lead times vary by park. Denali National Park, Glacier Bay, Kenai Fjords, Katmai, Lake Clark, and Wrangell-St. Elias all have specific requirements. Fees are based on crew size and production scope. Some parks require a monitor or escort for the shoot.
US Forest Service (USFS)
The Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska and the Chugach National Forest in Southcentral are the two largest national forests in the US. Commercial filming permits are required and issued by the local ranger district. Lead times are generally shorter than NPS.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
BLM manages vast tracts of Interior and Western Alaska. Commercial filming permits are required. BLM lands are generally less regulated than National Parks but still require advance application.
US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
National Wildlife Refuges including Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and others require commercial filming permits. Some refuges have specific restrictions during sensitive wildlife periods.
State Parks
Alaska State Parks require commercial filming permits. These cover state park lands, trails, campgrounds, and recreation areas. Applications go through the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation.
State Highways
Filming that involves highway closures, traffic control, or equipment staged along state roads requires coordination with the Alaska Department of Transportation. This applies to iconic routes like the Seward Highway, Richardson Highway, and Dalton Highway.
Each municipality has its own requirements. The Municipality of Anchorage, the City and Borough of Juneau, the Fairbanks North Star Borough, and other local jurisdictions issue permits for filming on public property, streets, parks, and rights-of-way. Requirements and timelines vary significantly by municipality.
This is the jurisdiction most visiting producers do not understand and the one most likely to create problems if mishandled. Alaska Native regional and village corporations own millions of acres across the state under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). Filming on these lands requires direct engagement with the relevant corporation.
Each corporation has its own approval process, timeline, and fee structure. Some require board-level approval. Cultural sensitivity, community engagement, and respectful communication are essential. Our cultural consulting services and established relationships across multiple Native corporations ensure this process is handled properly.
Filming on private property requires location agreements with the property owner. We negotiate fees, access terms, insurance requirements, and restoration obligations as part of our standard location management services.
FAA Part 107 (Drones)
All commercial drone operations require FAA Part 107 certification. Additional authorizations may be needed for airspace near airports, over people, at night, or beyond visual line of sight.
NOAA Marine Wildlife
Productions filming marine mammals (whales, sea lions, seals, sea otters) must comply with NOAA regulations including minimum approach distances. Violations carry significant federal penalties.
US Coast Guard
Marine-based productions in navigable waters may require Coast Guard notification or coordination, particularly for productions involving vessel operations near shipping lanes or in port areas.
We manage permits for every production we support. We know the contacts, the timelines, the fee structures, and the specific requirements for every jurisdiction in the state. We start the permit process during pre-production and ensure every clearance is in hand before your crew arrives. Contact us with your locations and we will map out the permit requirements and timeline.
45161 W Glenn Hwy #1185
Chickaloon, AK 99674
