City Guide Filming in Brooklyn Navy Yard, NY
Production Permit Fees
- Film Permit Minimum Cost: To be determined by the Office of Film, Theater, and Broadcasting.
- Film Permit Application Fee: $300
Minimum Insurance
- Comprehensive general liability of at least $1,000,000
- Name the City of New York as an additional insured
Additional Permits
- Police and Fire Requirements: Filmmakers are responsible for reaching out to the Fire and Police Departments to obtain approvals where necessary.
Discounts
About Brooklyn Navy Yard
The Brooklyn Navy Yard is a facility in northwestern Brooklyn that was established in 1801 as a shipyard and played a significant role as a major shipbuilding facility in the US in the 19th century. Also known as the United States Naval Shipyard and New York Navy Yard, this facility sits on more than 200 acres of space on the East River in Wallabout Bay and has today become a thriving industrial park that hosts all kinds of commercial film productions.
The Navy Yard has for a long time been a top production destination in New York, with film production dating back to the late 1800s here in the Yard. Furthermore, filmmakers find it hard to resist visiting the Brooklyn Navy Yard with their cast and crew because there are so many locations in the shipyard – including a world-class production studio — that are hard to find anywhere else. Even more, the Navy Yard is frequently referenced in video games, and books and the facility even hosts major concerts.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard’s reputation as a go-to place for filmmaking is further cemented by the caliber of projects shot there. Here is a short list — Enchanted (2007), Joker (2019), John Wick (2014), Fringe (2008–2013), The Greatest Showman (2017), Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014), Gotham (2014–2019), Inside Man (2006), West Side Story (2021), Spider-Man 3 (2007). Find the production location in the Brooklyn Navy Yard that suits your project requirements now on Giggster.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Brooklyn Navy Yard?
Any film production in Brooklyn Navy Yard falls under one of three categories when it comes to the question of whether the project requires a permit. Based on the filming laws in Brooklyn Navy Yard, your project could be:
Does not require a permit
One that does not require a permit
Choose to obtain an optional permit
One that you choose to obtain an optional permit
Must obtain a permit
One that you must obtain a permit for.
Permit Exemption Criteria
For film projects that do not require a permit before they can commence in Brooklyn Navy Yard, these are the things that the project will entail: The production equipment that will be used will either be a hand-held camera, hand-held equipment, hand-held props, or a camera on a tripod. The project will not require exclusive use of any property that belongs to the municipality or the city. The project will not involve the use of prop weapons or prop vehicles. There will be no stunt activities during filming. No actor or performer will wear a police uniform when filming. There will be no need for parking privileges. No form/type of special effects will be used during the project. If you have a project that does not require a film permit as highlighted above, you may still choose to go for an Optional Permit if you so desire. You will not need to pay an application fee for the Optional Permit nor meet any of the other requirements that productions requiring a film permit must meet. Still, another alternative to the Optional Permit is a Letter instead of the Optional Permit, which you may choose to request.
Productions Requiring Permits
You must obtain a film permit if you will shoot production in Brooklyn Navy Yard under any of the following conditions: You will shoot production with complex equipment packages. You will need space to park your personal or production vehicles. You will make exclusive use of property that belongs to the municipality or city. Your actors will wear police uniforms while filming. The production will involve special effects or stunts. You will use prop vehicles or prop weapons during production.
Students
As a student filmmaker who needs to shoot films as part of your education, you will need a student filming permit before you can start any production in Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Permit Management in Brooklyn Navy Yard
Office of Film, Theater, and Broadcasting
The film permit management agency that oversees the permitting process for the Brooklyn Navy Yard is the Office of Film, Theater, and Broadcasting. The agency is also otherwise referred to as the Film Office or OFTB.
The OFTB also assists film production companies with other services that will make their activities in the Navy Yard work out as scheduled. Some of the additional OFTB services that you enjoy as a filmmaker who chooses to shoot in Brooklyn Navy Yard include:
Free police assistance.
Free access to exterior locations within the facility.
Free parking privileges around the filming location.
Support with city agencies and units.
Support with contact for areas that are not under the direct control of the Film Office.
The moment you decide you will carry out any kind of filming activity in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, what you need to do is schedule a pre-production meeting with the Office of Film, Theater, and Broadcasting. The Film Office typically requires filmmakers to schedule this meeting three weeks before the date that production is scheduled to commence, however, it should be no later than five days before filming. It is at that meeting, which will be attended by representatives of the Film Office and other important stakeholders, that your filming schedule and production plans will be discussed.
After the pre-production meeting, you can proceed with your application for the permit to shoot production in Brooklyn Navy Yard. As for the timing for simple productions, you must complete your permit application at least two business days in advance of the date filming is set to commence. If you intend to shoot a complex production in the Navy Yard (for instance, one with special effects or advanced production gear), you must complete and submit the permit application three to four business days ahead of the date of production. This is because the NYPD Mobile & TV Unit takes part in the review process for such complex projects and they take longer to review.
As you prepare your application, bear in mind that there are other requirements that you must also fulfill before you can be issued the film permit. These include:
Paying the non-refundable application fee for the permit.
Providing proof of insurance according to the production insurance requirements of the OFTB.
Providing appropriate notification to the community in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Securing additional approval and permits, where necessary.
What Insurance Do I Need in Brooklyn Navy Yard?
As part of Brooklyn Navy Yard’s filming regulations, you must provide proof of insurance for your film permit application to the Film Office to be approved. The production insurance requirements have information about what liabilities your Certificate of Insurance (COI) must cover.
What Insurance Do I Need in Brooklyn Navy Yard?
As part of Brooklyn Navy Yard’s filming regulations, you must provide proof of insurance for your film permit application to the Film Office to be approved. The production insurance requirements have information about what liabilities your Certificate of Insurance (COI) must cover, how you must send the COI, and when you must send it
If you can’t meet any of these requirements, you’ll need to explain in writing why you can’t meet the requirement to the Office. They will determine if the shoot can go ahead without the necessary insurance.
Note that these requirements are minimum requirements. Larger and more complex shoots may require additional insurance which will be determined by the Office.
What Kind of Filming Locations Are Available in Brooklyn Navy Yard?
In Brooklyn Navy Yard, there are acres of production space, hundreds of businesses, dozens of manufacturing buildings, piers and docks, iconic skyline views, waterfront areas, a superb production studio, and many other fascinating spots that make film shoots a delightful experience.
The standout feature in Brooklyn Navy Yard among filmmakers is Steiner Studios, a production facility that features thirty soundstages, abundant parking spaces, a screening room, office spaces, artist workspaces, prop storage areas, a fitness center, etc. Within this facility, filmmakers can shoot all kinds of productions like TV series, feature films, commercials, and music videos from start to finish without stepping out of the Hollywood-style studio.
Because the Navy Yard was established in 1801, the facility features dozens of structures that date back to this period. Good examples of these historic and iconic structures in the Yard are the Brooklyn Naval Hospital and Dry Dock 1. Besides that, the Yard also features more modern buildings constructed in the late 20th and early 21st century, reflecting more recent commercial development in the area. One thing that is certain in this neighborhood is that you won’t run out of historic landmarks, structures, and buildings. For instance, check out Quarters A, the federal architectural style commandant’s house built in 1807.
Special Requirements in Brooklyn Navy Yard
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
Filming is welcome on Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) property in and around Brooklyn Navy Yard. To qualify for any kind of production, you must reach out to the Special Events Unit of the MTA three weeks in advance of the date you intend to shoot production. You will be required to:
Provide a certificate of insurance that covers certain determined minimums for general liability, auto liability, worker’s compensation, and, when required, railroad protective liability.
Provide a letter of intent.
Provide a script and storyboard for the production.
Pay the required fees.
Comply with the safety directives on MTA property.
Each production request is treated on a case-by-case basis by the Special Events Unit of the MTA; therefore, the cost estimates or specific insurance minimums are communicated to individual filmmakers.
NYC Ferry
Film shoots are welcome on the New York City Ferry. To get the permit to shoot on NYC Ferry, you are required to reach out to the Hornblower Marketing department in advance of your production date, complete the film application, and send it to a designated Hornblower email address for review.
If you intend to conduct aerial filming, you must obtain authorization from The Port Authority and NYC Ferry and abide by the FAA Rules and Regulations as well.
The Port Authority
Before you can carry out any film production activity on property belonging to the Port Authority, you must first contact the Port Authority to discuss your project requirements and production details. Thereafter, a scouting visit to your intended filming location(s) may be arranged if it is deemed necessary. When you are done with that, you can apply for the permit to film on the property by registering online.
These are the requirements for a film permit on Port Authority property:
Submit the request thirty days in advance of the first day of filming.
Pay the non-refundable $250 application fee.
Pay other required production fees such as location fees, personnel fees, etc.
Provide a signed cover letter that contains a summary of your production details.
Provide an Operations Plan.
Provide a Security Plan.
Provide Signed and Sealed Drawing and Code Analyses.
Provide a certificate of insurance in line with the Port Authority’s insurance requirements. The Risk Finance team will tell you the exact liability minimums for your project.
Provide other required certificates and licenses.
What Does it Cost to Film in Brooklyn Navy Yard?
The Film Office helps filmmakers who have obtained a film permit with access to some public locations in Brooklyn Navy Yard at no cost.
Additional Fees
If you can show reasonable hardship that makes you unable to pay the application fee to the OFTB, the application fee may be waived for you by the OFTB. You will be notified accordingly when there are other fees to pay for your project.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Brooklyn Navy Yard?
The Brooklyn Navy Yard sits on the East River in northwestern Manhattan, bordered by Flushing Avenue to the south, Navy Street to the west, East River on the north, and Kent Avenue to the east. Nearby municipalities include Williamsburg (east), Vinegar Hill (west), and Wallabout (south). Brooklyn Bridge Park The Brooklyn Bridge Park is managed by the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation and all film production applications here must be made online to the Corporation. The film permits are issued for weekdays only and not apply to weekends or holidays. If you wish to film at Brooklyn Bridge Park, apply for the permit at least two days before the shoot date. You will be required to pay site fees as well as other fees for using additional locations, personnel, equipment, etc. The production insurance requirement for Brooklyn Bridge Park is as follows: Commercial general liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. Commercial property insurance that covers the perils insured under the ISO Special Causes of Loss Form (CP 10 30), as a minimum. Comprehensive business automobile liability of at least $1,000,000 per accident. Workers’ compensation, employer’s liability, and disability benefits per the requirements of the State of New York. Name the following as additional insured: Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation. Brooklyn Bridge Park. New York State Urban Development Corporation. Empire State Development Corporation. Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation. The State of New York. The City of New York. NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. New York City Parks To film in any of the New York City Park in the vicinity of Brooklyn Navy Yard, you must send a request to the NYC Parks Film Office by completing a Parks Film Shoot Request Form. The Manager of the park where you intend to film will review your request and should reply to you after five business days. When you get the response from the Manager and if it is favorable, you can then proceed to apply to the OFTB. Ensure you include a note of the approval from the particular Park Manager when submitting the OFTB application online. Here are a few considerations as you schedule production in a NYC park: No vehicles are allowed to park within the Park area unless you have approval for it. Filming is not permitted in any area that infringes on the privacy of Park patrons. Do not install equipment, ropes, and props on trees, benches, shrubs, or architectural features in the park. Install all cables that will cross pedestrian paths safely and cover them. Do not affix directional signs for film locations on the ground. Take out all items that are brought into the park after production is complete. Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Filming on DCAS property has unique requirements in addition to OFTB’s film permit requirements. These are highlighted below: Apply for a DCAS permit (required by the OFTB when applying for the OFTB film permit). Submit all supporting documentation and forms to the DCAS Special Events Office at least seven business days in advance of the first filming date. Pay the non-refundable $3,200 application fee (separate from the $300 OFTB fee). Provide insurance: General liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. Name DCAS as an additional insured. Provide workers’ compensation insurance that complies with the statutory laws of the state of New York. Pay any other fees required by DCAS.
Outreach in Brooklyn Navy Yard
To comply with the filming guidelines in Brooklyn Navy Yard, all filmmakers must conduct outreach in the Yard before production starts. The outreach requirements are as follows:
Notify all businesses and residents that will be affected by the production at least 48 hours before filming starts.
Follow the template of the sample resident notification letter when drafting the letter to be sent out.
Include all pertinent details about your planned production in the notification letter.
Community Management in Brooklyn Navy Yard
The Brooklyn Navy Yard has a local community board that provides an avenue for filmmakers to engage with the local community in the Yard and get involved in community activities that will foster a positive and sustainable relationship. In addition, filmmakers can also reach out to the City Council District and the Business Improvement District to find out additional ways to connect with the folks in the neighborhood. Direct meetings through face-to-face conversations and public forums also further strengthen the relationship between filmmakers and the host community.
Conclusion
Steiner Studios is one major reason why Brooklyn Navy Yard is a standout film production location in New York, and deservedly so, but that is not all that this historic Yard offers to filmmakers. The waterfront views, business areas, docks and piers, landmark structures, and many other amazing spots in the Navy Yard make filmmaking an absolute delight for production of any scale and type. Check out the picturesque locations here on Giggster.
To secure a permit to film here in Brooklyn Navy Yard, reach out to the Office of Film, Theater, and Broadcasting for a pre-production meeting, apply online, pay the necessary fees, provide the required insurance, and notify the community about your production. The Film Office will be with you every step of the way and you can bet that you will love every moment of your production here.