NYC Permits for Film and Photo Overhaul

NYC.gov - Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting - Production News  Annotated

August 3, 2007 - Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting (MOFTB) Commissioner Katherine Oliver today announced that MOFTB will redraft proposed Charter-mandated rules for issuing permits to film or photograph on public property. The revision of the rules will take into account feedback MOFTB has received over the past two months. Public comment, which is scheduled to end today, will be re-opened for another 30-day period after the redrafted rules are published.

The decision to codify procedures came as part of a settlement from a recent lawsuit brought by the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU). By reflecting existing procedures in City rules, MOFTB has endeavored to meet the challenge of identifying a threshold level of activity which necessitates a film permit, while at the same time substantially mirroring its current practices. The goal is to maintain a safe environment for the public, while balancing the needs of filmmakers whose work may have a significant impact on pedestrian or vehicular use of public space. A copy of the rules that were initially proposed is available on the MOFTB website at www.nyc.gov/film.