From time to time I get film location services requests regarding filming in the NYC Subway.
Here is some info that might help you get started and understand some of what is involved.
Note – 2/17/2008: Some more editing and another bump
Note – 2/16/2008: this post was originally from April 19, 2007 @ 11:39 from the old locationscout.us.
I am bumping this post up because it accompanies the current image on the front of the website.
Full disclosure: The photo is NOT from a film shoot, it is a simple “passerby” photo of a train platform in Grand Central Station sans tripod, using available light, which, to the best of my knowledge, is an “allowed activity”. Just in case anybody is wondering, additionally, I believe the photo serves to illustrate this post, which I believe is of valid news, informational and redeeming social value, under which freedom of the press allows a number of rights to individuals engaging in such activities.
To the best of my additional knowledge, a “proper” film or photo shoot (i.e. including a number of crew, talent, electrical, stationary lighting, tripod, sound equipment, etc.) under most circumstances, would likely NOT be allowed by MTA on the Grand Central platform, although the Wikipedia page for Grand Central Subway Station states, “This station was used in a famous scene in the 1971 film The French Connection.” and this page on the MTA website lists a number of “film/TV productions featuring NYC Transit Subways or Buses” my own personal experience is that filming is only allowed, as MTA might deem appropriate, at a disused or otherwise secluded platform, presumably, with regard toward maintaining a high level of service for the transit system’s actual intended purpose of getting people from point “A” to point “B” safely and quickly as well as with the MTA ridership’s personal privacy in mind.
So if you would like to close Grand Central for your shoot (some food for thought?):
- Bring lots of cash
- Assume you will be filming in the wee hours, if at all
- Would doubt seriously if it would hurt if your production was a popular tv show or big-budget mainstream feature with a household-name director and/or star(s) on the roster
Further disclosure: Opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinion or policy(s) of MTA or the City of New York.
Contact MTA for more info.
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