City Guide Filming in Gramercy Park, NY
Production Permit Fees
- New project application fee - $300
- Optional Permit Fee - $0
- Letter in Lieu of an Optional Permit - $0
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability - $1,000,000
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Gramercy Park
Gramercy Park, also known as just Gramercy, is one of those New York neighborhoods that looks like it belongs in a different city and a different era, and parts, it does. In the Gramercy Park Historic District, there are apartment blocks and sizable townhouses on the tree-lined streets that date from the 19th century.
Since it first existed, Gramercy Park has been a draw for the more affluent creative community and has been home to many well-known actors and writers over the years. It's also inspired literary works and songs and has given its name to screen productions. There is one part of Gramercy Park that has been and still is, off-limits to all and sundry unless they live in the neighborhood and pay the fees for an entrance key.
Not being able to get through the gates or railings of Gramercy Park, the two-acre park at the heart of the neighborhood, hasn't stopped filmmakers from including it in their works. Two of Woody Allen's characters in the film Manhattan Murder Mystery, played by Diane Keaton and Alan Alda, talked about the park and then walked its perimeter. Even for a director of his caliber, there was no entry, so don't get your hopes up on that score.
As with all forbidden fruit, the more you're told you can't have something, the more you want it. That was the focus of a scene starring Zac Efron and Imogen Poots in the movie That Awkward Moment when they stole a key to gain entrance to the park. They still didn't get in though, so maybe the moral to that story should read something like don't bother trying.
What continues to attract filmmakers to this New York neighborhood is its peacefulness and its historic architecture. It's a complete contrast and incomparable to the rest of the city. If your interest is piqued, then take a quick look at filming locations in Gramercy on Giggster. They're worth an investigation. The regulations for filming in New York also apply to Gramercy, so make sure you're aware of what you can or can't do and whether you need a permit to film or not before you get there.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Gramercy Park?
The same as with filming in the majority of New York's neighborhoods, you may need a film permit to film in Gramercy, but then again, you may not.
The regulations for filming in Gramercy and in other parts of New York state that you must obtain a film permit:
When you want exclusive use of public property
When you'll be filming using anything other than hand-held equipment
When there are special effects are involved
When stunt work is involved
When the use of fake weapons is involved
When you'll be using prop vehicles such as ambulances or police cars
When you've chosen to film in a park
When the production calls for road or sidewalk closures
When your production doesn't involve any of those key factors, you don't need a film permit.
Keep in mind the fact that Gramercy is one of the more affluent and exclusive neighborhoods in New York. Start filming on the streets of Gramercy, and it's possible someone will question your activity. It might be a member of the elite community, or it could be an officer from the NYPD 13th Precinct who patrols the area on a regular basis for crime prevention reasons.
Optional Permit
When your film shoot is one that doesn't require permitting, you can obtain an Optional Permit instead. An optional permit demonstrates to anyone who questions your activity that you're legit and have had some contact with the New York filming authority. It also shows that you're not doing anything illegal (as long as you aren't) and have the right to be filming what you're filming.
Letter in Lieu of an Optional Permit
A Letter in Lieu of an Optional Permit is a simple document that shows you've had contact with the city's filming authority, that they are aware of your activity, and that your filming doesn't require permitting.
Student Permits
Permitting regulations in New York and the neighborhood of Gramercy are not differentiated from normal production company permitting regulations. Student productions that involve any of the key permitting factors must apply for a film permit. Optional Permits and a Letter in Lieu of an Optional Permit are also available for student productions, and considering the sheer amount of house burglaries in the neighborhood, any student production would be wise to have one or the other on set while filming. The one difference you may encounter if you're shooting a student production is the legal requirement to have a police presence if you're filming scenes containing the following: Fake weapons Actors dressed as police officers, firemen, or paramedics Prop service vehicles You may also be obliged to have a police presence during filming if the filming authority decides your filming might be a risk to public safety. NB: The cost of having police present at any film shoot in New York City is covered by the city, so it won't put a drain on your production budget. Keep in mind, though, that police presence is only available for student productions from Monday through to Friday.
Permit Management in Gramercy Park
O.F.T.B of the M.O.M.E
With one exception, all film permitting in New York, including for the neighborhood of Gramercy, is managed by the Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting (OFTB) of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment or MOME. The exception is if you want to film in a park. If you want to film in a park, then check out the special requirements section of this article to find out what you need to do.
Optional permits and letters instead of permits are also issued by the Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting.
When your production requires permitting, you'll find the online application process uncomplicated. From the OFTB's official website, you can register your production on the Online Permit Application app. Once you've completed all the required sections and submitted the form, your film permit will usually be processed within seven working days.
To obtain an Optional Permit when your production doesn't require permits, you'll need to register your production on the OFTB's Online Permit Application app. You will be requested to complete a form which you will then need to print and sign.
You cannot apply for an optional permit online. You will need to fax the completed form to the OFTB. Once they've assessed your application and approved it, they will fax you back a copy of the optional permit.
Optional permit applications can also be delivered and collected in person from:
The Film Office
1697 Broadway
6th Floor
New York
NY 10019 (212)
NB: The OFTB office hours are from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 4 pm.
Obtaining a Letter In Lieu of an Optional Permit is a straightforward process. First, you will need to register with the OFTB's Online Permit Application app and then complete an eligibility questionnaire. Once you've answered the questions, you'll be able to print the letter. A letter instead of a permit doesn't need to be authorized by the OFTB.
What Insurance Do I Need in Gramercy Park?
The only time that having liability insurance when filming in Gramercy is obligatory is if you need a film permit. Having liability insurance is not obligatory if you're filming with an optional permit or a letter in lieu of an optional permit.
When you are going to be applying for a film permit, then you will need to get your insurance before making your application. Your insurance broker must submit a valid insurance certificate to the OFTB, at the latest, 48 hours before you submit your online permit application. Insurance certificates submitted directly by production companies are not accepted.
Even if your production doesn't need a film permit, it's wise to have at least some form of general liability insurance coverage. Accidents can happen, or someone could make a claim against the company, and without insurance, that can turn out to be financially devastating.
Student productions permitted or not, can use their school's insurance. In some cases, the OFTB may already have the school certificate on file, but if not, you will need to submit a letter from your school to the OFTB, and they will obtain 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 Gramercy Park?
Gramercy is a neighborhood that suits movies set in eras of the 1850s to the 1900s. It has a Victorian appearance that is hard to find in any other area of New York. Yes, there are modern elements like cars on the streets that need to be removed to give them authenticity, but once they're gone, it's as if a time warp has occurred.
In Gramercy, you'll find iconic buildings like the Gramercy Park Hotel and the Public Library with facades that haven't changed in decades. Many others don't exceed five or six floors, which is a complete contrast to New York's renowned skyscraper-infested skyline.
19th Street is known as the Block Beautiful. It's a street lined with mature trees where the buildings have various types of architecture, including some in the Beaux-Arts style, and there are many fronted by small garden plots. That's something of a rarity in New York.
As far as internal filming locations are concerned, Gramercy could be given the nickname of the land of the lofts because, in this neighborhood, they abound. There are luminous lofts, lofts that have been converted into photography studios, art studios, yoga studios, and dance studios, as well as offices. If you can think of a type of studio, chances are there'll be one in a loft in Gramercy.
Some lofts have been remodeled into all styles of living space, from ones with bare brick walls to boho décor to deluxe penthouses. You name the style, and you'll find it.
Business premises available as filming locations in Gramercy are as varied as the loft spaces. In Gramercy, you can film in one of NYC's oldest event spaces, the Irving Plaza, or in the city's oldest bar, Pete's Tavern, although your actors might have to fight for a table.
You won't have to scout far to discover bars that can double as speakeasies or gentlemen's clubs, diners with eclectic décor, or dark, Spanish-style tavernas ideal for movie mafia meetings. You'll even come across a Ukrainian Vodka Bar, and if that doesn't top the lot, then nothing does.
Special Requirements in Gramercy Park
Filming In Parks
Before you read about filming in parks, you should be aware that this does not apply to Gramercy Park, the two-acre green space bordered by East 20th Street and East 21st Street. This park is private property and does not permit filming or photography.
Should you wish to film in any other park in Gramercy or in any other park in a surrounding neighborhood, you will need to apply to the New York Parks Department for permission.
Permission to film in a park can only be obtained from the New York Parks Department, and to begin the process, you will need to complete the Parks Film Shoot Request Form on the Parks Department's official website. If you are applying for a film permit, then you need to do this before submitting your application to the OFTB.
Once submitted, your request is forwarded to the relevant park manager. You can expect a response within five working days. If you receive permission to film in your chosen park, then you can use the park as a location on your film permit application, or if yours is a production that doesn't require one, you can go to the park and film on the dates you requested.
Filming With Special Effects
Permission to film in Gramercy using special effects may be difficult to acquire as this is a very peaceful neighborhood. In any case, if you are allowed to film with special effects like pyrotechnics, smoke, or open flames, you will be required to have a set inspection carried out by the NYC Fire Department before you can begin filming.
NB: It's obligatory to have a fire safety officer present on set during the filming when pyrotechnics or explosives are involved. The NYC Fire Department does not provide this service for free.
What Does it Cost to Film in Gramercy Park?
The film permitting service provided by the OFTB carries a one-off application fee only. They do not charge a permit fee or fees per location.
Additional Fees
In some cases, they will even waive the application fee if hardship can be proved.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Gramercy Park?
Gramercy Park doesn't feature highly in the list of the biggest neighborhoods in Manhattan. It's a compact, roughly square area located between Midtown and Lower Manhattan with around a dozen streets and not many more blocks.
The streets that define Gramercy's borders are East 23rd Street to the north, 14th Street to the south, and Park Avenue to the west, while 1st Avenues lines the eastern border.
The neighborhoods that surround Gramercy are Peter Cooper Village to the northeast, Union Square to the west, the Ukrainian Village and Noho to the south, and Flatiron and Rose Hill to the north.
Should your chosen filming location fall outside of the jurisdiction of Gramercy, and if you require one, you will still need to apply to the OFTB for a film permit. At least that’s better than having to contact several different places!
Outreach in Gramercy Park
Conducting outreach is obligatory when you want to film in Gramercy. It's a compulsory measure put in place by the OFTB to help counteract the effects of multiple film crews filming on the streets of New York every year.
Regardless of whether your production requires a film permit or not, you will need to distribute notification letters to the community around your chosen filming locations in Gramercy. This should be carried out at least two days before your proposed filming date.
The notification you distribute must be written to the standards set by the OFTB. You can download an example of a notification letter from the OFTB website to ensure you get the content right. Keep in mind that Gramercy is an affluent neighborhood, and many of the people living here are celebrities, so you need to approach your outreach with that in mind.
You may well receive some objections, so it's a good idea to have a personable community manager around who can deal with any entitled people who might try to interrupt your filming.
Community Management in Gramercy Park
Gramercy is one of the New York neighborhoods where you are quite possibly going to need an exceptionally diplomatic community manager on your team. The streets of Gramercy are not your typical New York streets teeming with people from all walks of life. This is an elite area, and that's something that can often make filming difficult.
Artistic egos can be easily dented. You'll need a community manager who can deal with a celebrity who may be frustrated because they're not starring in your production or just don't want to see a film crew outside their front door during their time off. They may feel as though their privacy is being invaded or any other manner of things. This applies not just to those with celebrity status but those who have significant sums of money in their bank accounts.
The right community manager will know exactly how to manage the types of people in Gramercy that could cause you problems. They'll be able to smooth over any issues and eventually get the complainers on your side. Take note, though, that bribery in the form of offering bit parts in the production or flattery in the form of asking for autographs or photos is not the right way to win them around.
Conclusion
Gramercy is a beautiful neighborhood in New York with a lot of unique filming locations. It's a neighborhood every screenwriter or filmmaker should have a wander around at some time in their career as it's inspired so many different works. But remember, no sneaking over the railings of Gramercy Park to get a couple of quick shots inside. It's not allowed.