Filmmakers Sue to End “Unconstitutional” Permitting Rules to Shoot in National Parks
The Hollywood ReporterStory by Winston Cho
scrn logline
Two indie filmmakers sue the government over 'unconstitutional' permits required to shoot in national parks, arguing it violates their free speech rights.
beat sheet
- The lawsuit alleges the permitting regime imposes arbitrary and discretionary restrictions that allow park officials to deny permits based solely on the content or message of the work being created.
- The plaintiffs claim they were denied a permit to film an attempt to break a mountain climbing record, forcing them to shoot from public areas using minimal equipment, and that they haven't fully commercialized the footage due to threats of criminal charges.
call sheet
Alexander Rienzie, Connor Burkesmith, Gordon Price, Carey Wagner, National Park Services, Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, National Press Photographers Association, The Brutalist