Commercial Film/Photo Guidelines
Commercial film/photo guidelines
All requests to use the grounds of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park for commercial photography/filmmaking use must be made in writing at least 10 days in advance to the public relations department or 11610 Trek Dr. E., Eatonville, WA 98328.
Requests should include the exact location(s) proposed, the activities and animals you wish to film/photograph, the amount of people and equipment involved and the time and date and the amount of time needed. We may suggest an alternative date in case of rain, poor weather, scheduling conflict or an animal emergency. Scheduled times must agree with the wildlife park staff’s calendar. A valid certificate of insurance covering all persons involved must accompany the request. Northwest Trek reserves the right to determine number of people allowed during the shooting.
Northwest Trek’s first priority is staff and animal care and safety. Evaluation of each request is made on the basis of staff, visitor and animal safety, the content of the film/photo/art, and proper representation of the wildlife park and its mission.
All requests will be approved by Northwest Trek public relations staff. For a commercial filming/photography application, contact the public relations department. Note: Should any rules be violated or restrictions overlooked, the wildlife park has the right, at any time, to discontinue the session and refuse further arrangements.
Free-Roaming Area Guidelines
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park offers a 435-acre free-roaming area, which features moose, Roosevelt elk, deer, caribou, mountain goats and bison living in forests, meadows and lakes.
The keepers drive large trucks that provide ample space for a small crew and their equipment. No outside commercial vehicles are allowed inside the free-roaming area.
An animal keeper will escort all commercial photographers/filmmakers and, if necessary, a PR staff member will join them, in the free-roaming area.
The applicant(s) will not damage, destroy or remove any plants, animals, property nor interfere with the public’s use and enjoyment of the facilities.
No animals, plants, stereos or food will be brought into the free-roaming area.
The applicant will not in any way, shape or form identify Northwest Trek and its staff, animals, plants, conservation and education mission or exhibits in a derogatory or defacing manner. Footage taken at Northwest Trek will not be used in a way that misrepresents the park.
The applicant agrees there will be no anthropomorphizing (humanizing) of animals.
Applicants are not allowed to have direct contact with animals.
The contracted photographer/artist will be held accountable for the actions of themselves, crew and any damage to the park facilities and property. A valid certificate of general liability insurance is required.
Northwest Trek asks for a copy of the photographs/film/video and any accompanying text.
Fees
Because photo/film sessions require extra staff and disrupt routine park operations, fees are charged to offset these costs and difficulties.
Fees are $300 per hour per artist/filmmaker/photographer. A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required two days in advance of scheduled appointment. The deposit will apply toward the first hour.
Walking area Guidelines
The main walking area includes two separate acre-large wooded exhibits for the grizzly bears and gray wolves. Other wooded exhibits include lynx, cougar, bobcat coyotes, fox and wolves. In the wetlands area, river otters, raccoons, beavers, badgers, wolverines, porcupines, skunks and fishers are on display.
Crews are allowed in visitor-approved areas and public pathways only, unless behind-the-scenes arrangements are made in advance.
A PR and/or animal care staff member will accompany crews at all times.
Any use of electrical equipment and/or additional lighting must be approved prior to shooting. All cords or wires must be placed and guarded in such a manner so as not to alter the pathway and pose risk to visitors, animals and staff.
Filming must not obstruct public viewing.
The applicant(s) will not damage, destroy or remove any plants, animals, property nor interfere with the public’s use and enjoyment of the facilities.
No animals, plants, stereos or food will be brought into the park.
The applicant will not identify Northwest Trek and its staff, animals, plants, mission or exhibits in a derogatory or defacing manner. Footage taken at Northwest Trek will not be used in a way that misrepresents the park.
Applicants are not allowed to handle animals themselves.
The applicant agrees that there will be no anthropomorphizing (humanizing) of animals.
The contracted photographer/artist will be held accountable for the actions of themselves, the actions of their crew, and any damage to the park facilities and property. A valid certificate of general liability insurance is required.
Northwest Trek asks for a copy of the photographs/film/video and any accompanying text.
Fees
If an individual photographer/artist strictly wants to film/photograph animals from the public viewing areas, each member will be charged the regular park admission rate. This person must not block public views.