November 25, 2009 - The Department of Citywide Administrative Services
(DCAS) and its predecessor City agencies have for more than twenty years allowed
and supported film production activities on properties and within facilities
under the jurisdiction of the agency. Given the frequency and complexity of
filming activities by both amateurs and professionals, it has become necessary
to codify the process that has been followed over time.
DCAS has adopted
rules that govern filming and photography conducted on properties and within
facilities under its jurisdiction, which require permits from the Mayor’s Office
of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting. These properties and facilities include
various City buildings, such as the Manhattan and Brooklyn Municipal Buildings,
all Borough Halls, and City and State Courts.
In order to conduct film
or photography shoots in DCAS properties and facilities, DCAS approval must
first be obtained prior to obtaining a required permit from MOFTB. Forms and
documents required for DCAS review and approval must be submitted to the DCAS
Film Office no later than four business days prior to the date on which prepping
or rigging for shoots is set to commence.
Upon approval, a
non-refundable fee of $3,200.00 shall accompany any application submitted to
MOFTB for a required permit for filming or photography in DCAS properties and
facilities. The fee shall be in the form of a certified bank check or money
order, payable to the New York City Department of Finance.
The required
fee shall be imposed for each instance in which prepping or rigging commences,
is followed by shooting and/or photography for such production, and then is
concluded by wrapping, de-rigging, and/or related activities.
The rules
were initially published for comment in The City Record on August 25,
2009, and a public hearing was held on October 2, 2009. The adopted rules
include changes made as a result of the comments submitted prior to and during
the comment period and public hearing by members of the public, filming industry
representatives, and City agency officials. The final adopted rules were
published in The City Record on November 23, 2009.
The rules will
go into effect beginning December 23, 2009. Click here to read the adopted
rules in full.
design by
The City of New York Mayor's Office of Film Theatre & Broadcasting
1697 Broadway Suite 602, New York, New York 10019.