Indie filmmakers, photographers and small production crews
Free check of whether your film or photo shoot needs a city permit, what it costs and what to file, starting with New York City's rules.
ePlan fills in
How it works
What you get
The check is free. The paperwork after it is drafted at the Special event permit door.
Modeled on: NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment permit rules (worked example)
From public data
per consecutive 14-day period is New York City's non-refundable film permit fee; a feature shooting May 1 to June 15 pays $2,000
Source: NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, When a permit is required
Describe the event and get the special event permit narrative, event safety plan and site layout notes your city asks for. Free to read.
Questions
Not if you use only a handheld camera or tripod, don't claim exclusive use of the street or sidewalk, skip prop weapons, vehicles, stunts and police uniforms, and don't need parking privileges. Otherwise you need a permit from the Film Office.
$500 for each consecutive 14-day period, non-refundable. A one-day commercial pays $500; a feature filming May 1 to June 15 covers 3.3 periods, which count as four, so it pays $2,000.
Sometimes. The Film Office evaluates fee waiver requests case by case and may grant one to a filmmaker who can show they can't pay because of unreasonable hardship. Contact the office before you file the application.
Related doors
What's your event, and where is it?
Where will you build?
Where will the licensed premises be?
Which license is the floor plan for?
What's the building's address?
What is the project, and where?
Answer it and ePlan opens the Special event permit door, which drafts the paperwork.