I'm working on an outdoor sport documentary series, my second series actually. Both have been for non-profit organizations, so often no permit is required by the US Forest Service, US Parks, BLM, Etc. However, some representatives will flat out refuse to give a permit- say for following 1 person through a wilderness area with a small camera and tripod and two crew members. I have three frustrations with the process- 1. Responses are inconsistent- sometimes yes, sometimes no. 2. There are no rules that apply to non-profit- they only talk about commercials where there are paid talent or products being sold, and 3. Isn't that a violation of free speech to say you can't document someone's experience?