When Do You Need a Filming Permit in New York City?

Filmmaking in New York City is an extremely popular activity that is both a pastime for aspiring filmmakers and hobbyists as well as a career for professional film producers, many of which both live and work in the city. The Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting issues film permits to those interested in filmmaking in NYC, but when do you need a filming permit in New York City and what’s the process of acquiring an NYC film permit in order to film legally in the city?

Beverly Boy Productions can assist you in acquiring New York City film permits as needed. Give us a call at 646-448-8787 to assist you with filming throughout NYC. We provide a wide range of video production services in NYC and can’t wait to deliver your next project.

What is a Film Permit?

Film permits are issued by the local government to filmmakers and production crews providing legal rights to capture raw footage in the area. Each city or state has their own film permitting regulations and requirements. 

Typically, there is a single entity or office that handles film permitting, in NYC it’s the Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting.

When is a Film Permit Required?

Professional film production typically requires a film permit, but not always. If you’re an amateur videographer that is not filming for professional purposes, a film permit is typically not required.

However, if you’re filming somewhere in public property such as in a museum or in a library, you might be required to obtain a local film permit. The exact regulations on film permitting are based on where you are filming.

When Do You Need a Filming Permit in New York City?

New York City film permitting is required in a variety of cases based largely on the method of production and the location of the filmmaking.  For example, a permit is required when:

• Filming in a public area where others may be captured on film.
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• Parking privileges are required in order to film in a particular area.
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• Filming with professional equipment that is not hand-held or which interrupts normal processes or day-to-day activities on public property within the city.
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• When a dolly, wire, or generator is used in the filmmaking process.
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• When props and other equipment is setup which is not handheld.
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• When sidewalks, streets, or other city owned property is interrupted.

When Film Permits are NOT Required in NYC

In various situations, the Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting allows filmmaking to take place in New York City without a permit.

No permit is required when the following are used in the city and there are no interruptions to City property as a result:

• A hand-held camera is being used.
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• A camera on a tripod is being used.
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• Hand-held props are being used.

However, if prop weapons, vehicles, actors impersonating the police, or stunts are being performed in the above situations a film permit is required.

Make sure that if you ask, “When do you need a filming permit in New York City?” You are very specific about your filmmaking needs an what you’ll be shooting as well as how you’ll be shooting on production day. 

Want to learn more about when you’ll need a filming permit in New York City and what you can do to obtain a film permit? Call Beverly Boy Productions at 646-448-8787 or visit The Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting Website.