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Each month we will showcase a City agency employee or an industry specialist who helps to facilitate production in New York City.
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Chief Inspector James Lauer: Setting Stunts on Screen May 1, 2004 Chief Inspector James Lauer at the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) specializes in helping filmmakers to set their special effects and stunts on screen. Inspector Lauer has been assisting film, theatre and television crews through the Explosives Unit of the FDNY for the past fifteen years. In that time, he has helped to plan and execute some of the most intricate – and unusual—stunts to hit the screens. From recreating fire scenes for America’s Most Wanted, to blowing up a pumpkin for David Letterman to sending stand-ins of Nicole Kidman and George Clooney through a stained glass window for the film The Peacemaker, Inspector Lauer says he has done it all. Permission of this unit is required whenever producers would like to create a barbeque, fireworks, smoke, blasts, explosives, or any other scenes which involve fire. The Fire Department requires that filmmakers use a New York City licensed pyrotechnican, submit a letter of request and proof of insurance - and location permission from the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting several days ahead of shooting. For Inspector Lauer, “the possibilities are endless. It’s really a matter of what filmmakers want.” Inspector Lauer and his team regularly advise film crews on the best locations and techniques to make their stunts work. The team is willing to scout locations with producers to plan scenes even before official requests are submitted. “My inspectors and I all have years of experience with explosives, so we know what will and will not work,” he said. “Anything is possible, but we need to find the right area and implement the proper safety precautions.” Inspector Lauer often refers crews to armories, former military buildings throughout the City, which he says are perfect for production and for stunts because of their high ceilings. For Inspector Lauer, safety is the number one priority – and his team has a perfect record. “We’re here to ensure the safety of casts and crews as well as New York City residents and property,” he said. Inspector Lauer is assisted by Anton Ferrone, Mark Cahill, Neil Criscuolo, Jake Dunleavy, Robert Brenta and John Reilly at the FDNY Explosives Unit. Contact the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting to let us know how we can work with you and this agency to make all your stunts come true!  More Industry Stars | |
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 design by  The City of New York Mayor's Office of Film Theatre & Broadcasting 1697 Broadway Suite 602, New York, New York 10019. |
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