Info Every Film Production Coming to New York City Needs

Posted on April 21, 2008 by R. Richard Hobbs

If you are planning on shooting on location on New York City city property (i.e. streets / sidewalks / curb spaces or if you are shooting on private property and will be running cable across same …or need to clear parking…) in New York City (which includes the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island), you will need a City of New York Mayor’s Office of Film Theatre & Broadcasting (MOFTB) film permit. You should probably hire a local location scout or location manager to complete this paperwork for you.

In many instances location scouting, including checking availability of parking and local parking regulations, existence of schools, hospitals, churches, fire dept. / police stations etc in the area, availability of holding areas as well as other details is an appropriate and necessary step in the preproduction process. Consult with your location scout or location manager for professional, knowledgeable advice regarding these matters.

Currently, there are a few documents that location scout or location manager will need for you to complete that will contain basic info he / she needs to get you going as well as info you need:

  • Certificate of Insurance | The wording needs to be pretty exact, per the linked info. Best to check and make sure your insurance agent did it right! MOFTB will NOT issue a film permit unless your certificate of insurance is on file with their office and complies with their requirements.
  • Keys to the City | This is a form that MUST be signed and returned to MOFTB.

    • You should also call MOFTB at 1-212-489-6710 and request a Hotzone List, which is a frequently updated list of areas in New York City where filming is currently restricted or prohibited.

    Permits are also currently required for pretty much any sort of photography on city property beyond general tourist photography (i.e. tripod / lights / additional crew / talent, etc.)

    The MOFTB website contains complete information needed for obtaining film permits as well as Parks Film Permits, including Central Park

    Download: Insurance Requirements, Keys to the City, General Parks Guidelines and Central Park Guidelines – pdf’s in a .zip file (496kb).

    Hey, guess what?

  • Film Permits in NYC are FREE!
  • NYC offers FREE Police Assistance
  • NYC is, if not THE safest, one of the safest large cities in the U.S.

    • gotta LOVE it! :-)

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    About R. Richard Hobbs

    R. Richard Hobbs :: Location Scout, Location Manager, Location Library and Production Services
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