City Guide Filming in Manhattan, 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
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Manhattan
The borough of Manhattan in New York City is famous all over the world because it has different aspects that attract folks in the financial, entertainment, technology, arts, culture, and media space. Filmmakers are not left out either, as Manhattan significantly contributes to New York City’s reputation as one of the leading film production cities in the world. After all, filming began here in the borough in the early 1900s and has not slowed down ever since.
Manhattan’s location on a large natural harbor north of Brooklyn, as well as the presence of diverse industries, residential neighborhoods, tourist attractions, and historic landmarks, all come together to make the borough a fantastic filmmaking destination. The abundance of filming locations here caters to diverse production requirements and offers filmmakers the chance to use the picturesque areas in the borough as backdrops. Find a filming location in Manhattan that suits your production needs now using Giggster.
Some of the popular filming locations in Manhattan include Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, and Central Park. Check out projects shot in the borough, such as Fame (1980), Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), Taxi Driver (1976), Spider-Man (2002), Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), The Devil Wears Prada (2006), and Friends with Benefits (2011).
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Manhattan?
You require a film permit for your film shoot in Manhattan if your project will involve any of the following:
You will shoot production with complex equipment.
You will have production vehicles that require parking (personal vehicles, SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks are not granted parking privileges).
You will require exclusive use of a city or municipal property during production.
You will film with prop weapons or prop vehicles.
Actors will wear police uniforms during production.
Actors will perform stunts when filming.
Production will involve special effects.
If you plan to film in a city park in Manhattan, inside city property, or on public right-of-way, you will require additional permits for such projects too.
On the other hand, you do not require a film permit to film in Manhattan under the following conditions:
You are a tourist or casual photographer in town.
You are a member of a news media team.
You will film with a hand-held camera, a camera on a tripod, a hand-held prop, or hand-held equipment.
You will not require exclusive use of a city or municipal property while filming.
You will not shoot with prop weapons or prop vehicles.
No stunts will be performed during production.
None of your actors will wear a police uniform.
You will not need parking privileges for your production vehicles.
There will be no special effects during production.
If Manhattan’s filming regulations do not require you to obtain a permit before your film shoot, you may opt for an Optional Permit. The application process for the Optional Permit is different from that for a film permit as it involves faxing your application to the Film Office. Alternatively, you may choose to go for a Letter in Lieu of an Optional Permit if you qualify for it. You will carry the letter while your production is in progress.
If you are a student looking to shoot a film in Manhattan as part of your education, Manhattan’s filming laws stipulate that you require a student filming permit.
Permit Management in Manhattan
Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting
The Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting in the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment is the designated unit in charge of film permits for the borough of Manhattan. Called the Film Office or OFTB, for short, the Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting provides more services to filmmakers that intend to shoot in Manhattan. You can count on the Film Office for services such as:
Free parking for your production vehicles.
Free police assistance.
Free access to many exterior locations in the borough.
Liaison with the NYPD Movie & TV Unit and other city agencies that will be involved in the production.
Support with contacts of external parties that control locations outside the jurisdiction of the OFTB.
Additional support and resources to make the production successful.
The first thing to do when you want to film in Manhattan is to schedule a pre-production meeting with the Film Office three weeks before the film's start date. The Film Office accepts requests from filmmakers to schedule the meeting up to five days before the film start date, but no later than that. When the pre-production meeting is over, and the details of your scheduled production have been discussed, you can proceed with your online film permit application.
The Film Office requires filmmakers to submit the online film permit application no later than two business days before the date filming is set to start. For simple productions, two business days is sufficient to process the permit application. However, for complex productions, it may take up to three or four business days for the permit to be fully processed. Therefore, apply for your filming permit as early as possible.
As you work on your application for the film permit, the OFTB also requires some additional documents and/or steps for your application to be processed. These include paying a non-refundable application fee, sending in a certificate of insurance ahead of the application, notifying the residents and businesses in the neighborhood where you intend to film, and getting whichever additional approvals you may require for the production in your desired location in Manhattan.
What Insurance Do I Need in Manhattan?
To comply with the filming laws in Manhattan, you must provide liability insurance that complies with the borough’s film production insurance requirements. This means providing a certificate of insurance to the Film Office 48 hours before you submit your permit application. Also, the certificate of insurance must cover a comprehensive general liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and list the City of New York as an additional insured.
The Film Office does not accept the certificate of insurance from filmmakers directly but rather from the filmmaker’s insurance broker. Therefore, have your insurance broker send your certificate of insurance to the Film Office via email. Ensure that the name on the insurance certificate matches the name of your production company. You cannot cancel or modify the insurance policy except when you provide the Film Office with a written notice seven days in advance.
If you are a student filmmaker, provide the insurance of your school and a letter from your school on the school’s letterhead that verifies your student status and the date(s) of your production. An authorized school representative must sign the letter.
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 Manhattan?
Just as Manhattan has numerous points of interest for tourists, it also has lots of interesting spots for filming. Virtually all the top spots in the borough are available for filmmaking, and that’s something that always delights producers that choose to come here for commercial films. A chance to feature places such as the American Museum of Natural History, Broadway and the Theater District, the Empire State Building, Wall Street, the Chrysler Building, Penn Station, Times Square, or any of the other attractions in the borough in your project is hard to pass up.
Additionally, Manhattan is a desirable destination for filming because of the iconic bridges that connect the borough to municipalities across the rivers that surround it. These bridges, such as the George Washington Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, and Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, are beautiful filming locations. Tunnels like Lincoln and Holland Tunnels are also additional masterpieces that offer good underwater filming opportunities.
Filmmakers shouldn’t underestimate Manhattan and its skyscrapers because of the picturesque views and the fact that it is easily adaptable for business settings. The office buildings in the borough are simply perfect for any kind of production that a filmmaker dreams up. There are many options to choose from, especially when you bear in mind that Manhattan is a leading industrial hub in New York City.
If you seek natural areas in Manhattan, check out the parks in the borough. Whether it’s Central Park you choose to go with, Hudson River Park, or some other park in the borough. Some other interesting parks include Fort Tryon Park, Fort Washington Park, Harlem River Park, and Holcombe Rucker Park. Regardless of where you choose, you can rest assured that your outdoor filming experience will be delightful.
Special Requirements in Manhattan
State Parks
The NYS Park Office welcomes filmmakers to apply for film permits in state parks within Manhattan. The first step is to complete an NYS Park Film Shoot Request Form and submit it by email. If the Park Office considers the request feasible, you will be provided with the permit application form and the list of required documents that will accompany your application. Additional requirements include:
An application fee of $30 (non-refundable).
Any other fees (location, personnel, site visit, etc.)
A certificate of general liability insurance of $2,000,000 aggregate.
A detailed site plan and copy of the script.
A walk-through of the park.
The processing of a film request form takes approximately five business days, while the review of an application can take up to ten business days. Because complex shoots may require more time, apply as soon as possible. Students who want to film in a State Park are welcome to do so, but they must start applying at least two weeks before the production date.
City Parks
To film in a city park in Manhattan, complete the NYC Parks Film Shoot Request Form. The park manager will respond to your request within five business days, and you will be informed whether the park can accommodate it. Proceed with the OFTB permit application and refer to the park manager who approved your park film shoot request if your request is granted.
Some city park filming rules and regulations are as follows:
Do not park vehicles within the park unless you have prior authorization.
Do not film in parts of the park that will violate the privacy of park patrons.
Do not carry out any extensive setup on lawns unless authorized.
Do not post or stake any directional sign(s) for filming locations into the ground.
Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS)
Before you can film on DCAS property in Manhattan, you must first obtain a permit from the DCAS and pay a non-refundable application fee of $3,200. Note that the OFTB application fee is different. Before applying for an OFTB film permit, you should first obtain permission to film on DCAS property by doing the following:
Submit all required forms and documents to the DCAS Special Events Office seven business days in advance of the start of production.
Provide general liability cover of $1,000,000 minimum per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate.
List DCAS as an additional insured.
Provide statutory workers’ compensation insurance.
Settle all fees required by DCAS.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
Filmmakers are welcome to shoot on Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) property in Manhattan. To get the film permit, the filmmaker must reach out to the MTA at least three weeks in advance of the filming date and fulfill the following requirements:
Provide insurance that covers general liability, auto liability, worker’s compensation, and railroad protective liability.
Provide a letter of intent, the script, and the storyboard for the project.
Pay the production fees.
Comply with safety instructions.
The MTA's Special Events Unit notifies filmmakers about the required amounts for the production fees and insurance minimums.
The Roosevelt Island Tramway
Film production is welcome on the Roosevelt Island Tramway on weekdays only, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm and 8 pm to 6 am. Filming is not allowed during rush hours or on weekends. The OFTB manages the film-permitting process for the Tramway.
NYC Ferry
Hornblower operates the NYC Ferry, and filmmakers are welcome to shoot on the ferry as long as the necessary preparations are made in advance. Complete the application form and send it to the Marketing department via email to arrange for your production. You may need to submit a proposed site plan with your application or seek additional authorization from the Port Authority, depending on the nature of your production.
Staten Island Ferry
To film on the Staten Island Ferry, a filmmaker needs to apply to the Department of Transportation’s Staten Island Ferry Division for a film permit. Apply for the film permit about five business days in advance of the filming date, as it takes three to five business days to process an application. The Division reviews and approves permit applications on a case-by-case basis and does not allow filming during rush hours.
Additional requirements for a permit to film on Staten Island Ferry include the following:
A permit fee of $100 per hour (payable by certified bank check or money order) must be received at least three days before the date of filming.
A certificate of insurance with a commercial general liability of at least $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence naming The City of New York as an additional insured.
A filming permit from the OFTB.
A signed and notarized Film Release Form.
Port Authority
An online application is required for commercial film production on Port Authority property in Manhattan. The first thing to do is to get in touch with the Port Authority to discuss the specifics of the scheduled production and determine if a scouting visit is required. Then, you may proceed with the application.
Submit a request to film at least 30 days in advance of the filming date and accompany it with a $250 non-refundable filing fee. Additional fees may apply for location and personnel use during production. The following is the required documentation:
A signed cover letter with an overview of the scheduled production.
Operations and Security Plans.
Signed and Sealed Drawings and Code Analyses.
A Certificate of Insurance with the required minimums as specified by the Port Authority’s Risk Finance team.
Other applicable licenses and certificates.
What Does it Cost to Film in Manhattan?
There is a $300 non-refundable film application fee for each commercial film project in Manhattan. If you can demonstrate unreasonable hardship that may make you unable to pay the fee to the Film Office, it may be waived for you. The Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting offers filmmakers free access to most of the exterior public filming locations in Manhattan; however, interior locations may come at a fee. City services, too, may come at a cost.
Additional Fees
The Film Office supports film and television productions of all sizes and shapes, which is why access to most exterior locations in New York, including Manhattan is free of charge. While it provides free parking privileges and free police assistance, the production is responsible for the cost of additional resources and rental fees of private properties used in film activities.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Manhattan?
The borough of Manhattan is made up of Manhattan Island and several other small islands such as the Wards, Randalls, U Thant, and Roosevelt Islands. Manhattan Island is bounded by the East River (east), Hudson River (west), and Harlem River (north). Bergen County, New Jersey, lies west of the Hudson River, while Queens lies east of the East River. The Bronx is located north of the borough beyond the Harlem River, while Brooklyn sits south.
Bergen County
The Bergen County Film Office manages the film permitting process in Bergen County, New Jersey. The Film Office is reachable via email and phone and accepts film permit applications from filmmakers. The application must be submitted about three to four weeks ahead of the production date and must contain any special conditions required for the production, such as special effects, traffic control, etc.
Additional requirements are as follows: Permit fee of $1,250 per day (free for students and non-profits). Certificate of Insurance Commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate, and $5,000 medical expenses per person. Automobile liability of $1,000,000. Worker’s compensation insurance of $500,000. Name Bergen County as an additional insured. A signed hold harmless and indemnification agreement.
Outreach in Manhattan
As long as you require a film permit to shoot production in Manhattan, you must also conduct outreach in the neighborhood where you intend to film. Manhattan’s filming guidelines stipulate that you inform the businesses and residents that will be impacted by the production at least 48 hours before the filming activity begins. Those you will notify include folks within the vicinity of filming, parking, base camps, and feeding areas. A sample resident notification letter is available as a guide so that you do not leave out any crucial information about your production. You may conduct the outreach by email, telephone, or letter.
Community Management in Manhattan
There are different ways of connecting with the local community where you intend to film. You may choose to engage the local community board, business improvement district, and city council district. You can also connect with the people in the neighborhood directly via community events, public meetings, open houses, and other such avenues that encourage positive conversations and deliberations.
Conclusion
Manhattan is one of those places that has virtually everything a filmmaker needs to start and complete a project on any scale – be it a low-budget production or a large-scale blockbuster movie. The locations in the borough are top-class, the views are second to none, the neighborhoods are easily accessible, and to crown it all, the permit management agency is production-friendly. No matter how long you and your film cast and crew plan to be in Manhattan, you can rest assured that you will never get bored. The borough is, to a filmmaker, a gift that never stops giving!