City Guide Filming in Red Hook, NY
Production Permit Fees
- Permit Fee: $300
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability: $1 million
- Worker’s Compensation: As per state requirements
- Automobile Liability: $1 million for “owned,” “non-owned,” or “hired”
- Aviation Insurance Coverage: $5 million
- UAS/Drone Insurance: $2 million
- Product Liability Insurance: $1 million
- Liquor Liability Insurance: $1 million
Additional Permits
- Police & Firefighter Monitoring: Organized by the NYC Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting
Discounts
About Red Hook
Red Hook sits in the northwestern region of Dutchess County, New York. The city probably gets its name from a small strip of land bordering the nearby Hudson River with trees featuring red foliage. But in any case, the town is an impressive sight, and its minimalist landscape contrasts the hustle and bustle of the ever-awake New York perfectly. Annandale-on-Hudson and Barrytown are two hamlets within the town and house Bard College and the Unification Theological Seminary, respectively. The Hudson River Historic District houses both of the mentioned hamlets. The earlier mentioned Bard College is also accessible to the general public; at least, some parts are. Other attractions include the Bard Conservatory of Music, Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities, Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Hessel Museum of Art at Bard College, and more.
Although Red Hook is not comparable to New York City, the town has been featured numerous times in successful Hollywood productions. Some of the most memorable titles featuring the town include Goodfellas, Ocean's Eight, Requiem for a Dream, Bullet, War of the Worlds, Shamus, The Caller, Across the Universe, Palindromes, Analyze That, Romance & Cigarettes, Little Odessa, Straight Out of Brooklyn, The Search for One-eye Jimmy, A Most Violent Year, and Hearts Beat Loud. We know what you are thinking right now — natural ambiance, scenic beauty, and a retreat from the busy environments of the big metropolitan centers — head there right now for your next film project! We appreciate your enthusiasm and wish you the best of luck, but let us do a small overview of the filming guidelines in Red Hook to get some perspective first.
When searching for the best local filming spots and venues in Red Hook, you need not worry because Giggster has got you covered!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Red Hook?
The filming guidelines in Red Hook state that film productions need to get a general filming permit from the NYC Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting before they can film in public spaces or request any assistance from local departments for their production. However, if you're filming in a private venue you've rented, you only need express permission from the property owner/manager (or may have to sign an agreement) before you start filming. A filming permit from the local film office is only needed for filming in public, using public resources (including special parking spaces, exclusive access to a right of way, etc.), or requesting assistance from local departments.
Additional permits are also needed in some cases, such as:
Pyrotechnics Permit –
you’ll need to get a pyrotechnics permit before you can use any fire-based special effects, gunfire effects, explosion effects, fireworks, and so on.
Animal Control Permit –
you’ll have to get an animal control permit if you wish to use animals like cats, horses, dogs, and so on, in your film production activities.
Aircraft Usage Permit –
you'll need an aircraft usage permit if you wish to incorporate helicopters or aircraft in your film production efforts; an additional $5 million in liability coverage will also be needed.
Drone Filming Permit –
you’ll need a drone/UAS filming permit if you’re planning to use a camera drone in your film production activities; additional $2 million liability coverage will also be needed.
Student/Non-Commercial Filming Permit –
if you’re a student filmmaker or are working on a non-commercial film project, you can request a discounted rate for your general filming permit; verification of student/non-commercial status is required.
Permit Management in Red Hook
NYC Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting
The NYC Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting issues filming permits in Red Hook and assists filmmakers with their concerns. You can access the permit application online, fill in all the required details, attach any required documents, and submit your application without leaving home. You can visit the film office at 1697 Broadway, Suite 602, New York, NY 10019, but it’s unnecessary. If you need technical assistance for your project, you can count on the film office’s staff to help you navigate the situation. Also, explore the film office’s website for all the resources you’ll need to film in Red Hook and beyond.
And as mentioned earlier, you don’t need to go through this process if you’re filming on private premises. In those cases, you only need permission from the person renting you the venue and will have to agree to their rules — some venues don't allow pets/animals, others prohibit adult filming, and so on. If you're planning to rent a space for the long term to film there, you should sign a contract to avoid trouble later on. Moving back to general permits issued by the film office — there are limitations to what they can let you do as well. For instance, student filmmakers can't continue with their projects past 11:00 PM in residential areas. Also, if you're filming in a commercial area, outdoor filming past midnight is okay if you don't require police assistance on the set. These restrictions don't apply to filming indoors.
Contact the NYC Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting for further queries and concerns.
What Insurance Do I Need in Red Hook?
All productions that wish to get a permit from the local film office must also fulfill insurance requirements from the town of Red Hook. These production insurance requirements ensure your production can reimburse them for their losses if an accident victim files a liability claim. Accidents can happen without warning and may even occur in productions generally deemed safe (i.e. if there are no risky stunts, car chase sequences, etc.) However, the exact requirements can vary depending on the risk associated with the film production efforts.
We have highlighted the basic requirements as follows:
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 Red Hook?
Let’s pause our discussion on the filming laws in Red Hook and explore some of the most premium filming locations in the area. After all, you’re headed to Red Hook for the sights and the scenery, right? Well, you won’t be disappointed — there are several purpose-built recording and filming studios in the area, some set up a specific way and others designed generically. Prominent mentions include the Spacious Natural Light Modern Production Studio, Modern Production Studio with Creative Pop Art Space, Recording Studio with Lush Vibe & Epic Rooftop View, Green Screen and White Cyclorama Studio, Boombox Wall Retro Studio, Large Exposed Brick Studio, and Spacious Daylight Photo Studio – all of these are premium interiors with ample lighting, perfect contrast, and a generally vivid ambiance, making them perfect for filming your project here.
Towards the more homely end of the deal, we have the 150 150-acre farm with a Barn, Lake, and Beautiful Fields. The best thing about this farm is that yours won’t be the first film/television project they’ll host; they have done so for a couple of shows, such as The Americans. The barn has been specially modified to accommodate production crews, and for perspective, they used to store as many as 10,000 hay bales in there. The parking space is also expansive — you can park as many as 30 cars. The only restrictions are that you can’t smoke, and the property owners don’t allow adult filming on their premises.
Another example of what’s available is the Charming Federal Style Home, which features a 1795-style design reflected in all three stories of the main building. The house sits next to a quiet walking road in a peaceful and noise-free area — you can explore the full extent of the property, which expands to 27 acres. Amenities and features include a fully air-conditioned interior, Wifi, dedicated hair/makeup area, exposed beams, wooden doors, short driveway, front and back yards, barn, sprawling grounds, brick fireplace, and more.
If you’re in town and are looking for a premium venue to record your project in, you don’t need to go out scouting for the ideal location — you can reach out to us at Giggster to find ideal spots for your project!
Special Requirements in Red Hook
Filming At The Red Hook Central School District
You must get approval for filming at the Red Hook Central School District from the school board before you can proceed with such activities on the school premises. First, decide on a schedule for the said activities and make sure that you choose the time and dates when it would be the easiest to access the school's premises exclusively. After approval of the schedule, you must get $1 million in general liability insurance coverage and complete the general filming permit application process to finalize the deal.
Filming At Neighborhood Parks
Red Hook hosts many scenic parks such as the Richard Abrahams Park, Red Hook Recreation Park, and Poets' Walk Park – these are all managed by the local parks and recreation department. If you need exclusive access to these parks, you’ll have to discuss it with the parks department and comply with their requirements (specific to your case).
Filming At The Tivoli Bays
The Tivoli Bays are state-owned saltwater marshes that are managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation. You don’t need a permit from the local government to film here; instead, you need to reach out to the conservation department and submit your request to film here. You’ll need to hire some officials from the park to accompany your crew. Plus, you’ll also have to review all the rules and regulations for using the premises (and abide by them), since it is a conservation area; any form of pollution or destructive activity is out of the question. Plus, if you’re planning on using a boat for your film project, an additional $1 million in liability coverage will be needed.
Filming At The Mills Norrie State Park
The Mills Norrie State Park spreads over 356 acres and hugs the eastern bank of the Hudson River, the park is managed by the NY State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Department. Once again, the protocol is simple: you must approach the park management with your request to film in the area, submit all your details and proof of insurance ($1 million in general liability), schedule your shoot as per the availability of the park premises, and then start filming after approval. Park rules and fees will apply like usual, and you’ll also have to hire park guides for production monitoring.
What Does it Cost to Film in Red Hook?
The filming regulations in Red Hook are very relaxed and easy to follow when compared to most other places in the USA. Not only do you get complete assistance from the NYC Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting in all matters concerning your film project, but you also get all the services you may need from the local authorities for a single fee! Here’s a breakdown of the fee structure for acquiring a permit in Red Hook:
Additional Fees
And here’s what this single $300 fee gets you in this town:
You may have to pay extra if you need assistance from other departments not discussed here, but overall, for a single $300 fee, this is a good deal. Filming without paying the necessary fees can lead to a production shutdown, so it’s best to play by the book, and if you’re a student or are filming a non-commercial video, you can always ask for a waiver.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Red Hook?
Red Hook is part of Dutchess County in New York and sits in the northwestern part of the county. To the west of the town flows the famous Hudson River, although it doesn't border it. On the other side of the river lie Kingston and Lincoln Park to the southwest, Lake Katerine to the west, and Glasco and Saugerties to the northwest. Tivoli is also to the northwest of the town, but it falls on the eastern bank of the river. Red Hook is not immediately bordered by any nearby settlements, but its boundaries are well-demarcated, and this is the area where the filming laws in Red Hook discussed so far are applicable. To the south, the city is connected to Rhinebeck, Milan and Mt Ross are to the east, and to the north, lies Nevis.
Outreach in Red Hook
The Red Hook filming laws require you to send detailed notifications to all affected residents and business owners before filming. This must be done at least two business days in advance. Your notification must include your production’s contact information, details of the filming schedule, information about any street closure (and any alternative routes you may opt for), and other information concerning the recipient. Before you post the notifications, share a copy with the film office and get their approval.
Community Management in Red Hook
The warm and receptive attitude of the locals in Red Hook is notable. We’ve seen that the filming regulations in Red Hook are relaxed, and the same is true for the locals here. People are acquainted with film production and will be as cooperative as practical. Overall, do not be overly concerned about anything — as long as you stick by the rules, avoid causing excessive hardship to the locals, respect people’s privacy ( when operating a camera drone), and do not cause noise pollution, you won’t run into any roadblocks with your production efforts.
Conclusion
The scenic beauty of Red Hook and its calm and serene atmosphere contrast perfectly with the busy streets of New York, making the town the perfect oasis of seclusion. You will also find a ton of public places of interest, such as Bard Conservatory of Music, Bard College, Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Poets' Walk Park, Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities, Unification Theological Seminary, and the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Apart from these spots, you also have a myriad of filming venues for rent that offer perfect ambiance, contrast, and all the other features that anyone can wish for. Movies like Goodfellas and Ocean's Eight have already shown us how impressive your project can be here. We have explored the filming guidelines in Red Hook, which indicate the procedure for getting a filming permit in town, the associated insurance requirements, and any additional costs you may have to contend with. The local departments will also cooperate where needed, and the NYC Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting will assist you at all stages of production. Overall, there is much to love about the town if you choose to base your next project here, and the best part is that you do not have to explore the area to find the perfect matches for your script — Giggster lists all the top picks for filming venues in the area and beyond. Choose whatever works best for you and get started!