Ah, the classic standoff: producers and location managers butting heads over what you think you can get away with on set vs. what the City of New York actually allows. You want to feed your crew fast, park where it’s convenient, and run cables wherever they’ll reach — but the City’s got other plans, and they come with hefty fines attached.

You’ve got your MOFTB permit, your trucks are locked up, crafty’s on the way, and your shoot’s fully crewed up. But then someone asks: “Did we letter-drop the block?”. Cue the panic. So… do you legally have to notify neighbors when filming in NYC? Short answer: No, not always. Long answer: You absolutely should — unless you enjoy complaints, permit flags, and angry neighbors calling 311 mid-take.

If you’ve ever shot in New York, you’ve definitely crossed paths with the NYPD Movie & TV Unit — maybe they cleared a lane for your car rig, held up foot traffic for a walk-and-talk, or gave you that subtle nod when your generator parked a little too close to a hydrant. But who are these guys, really? Do they care what’s happening on set? And how hard is it to get one of those coveted “Film Unit” jackets? Let’s break it down.

You’ve got a 7AM crew call, sunrise light, and a director who wants to roll by 8:01. But it’s 6:15AM, your cube truck just woke up the block, and there’s already a guy in sweatpants filming you on the Citizen App. So… how early can you legally start shooting in NYC? Here’s what your permit actually allows — and what your neighborhood won’t.

So you’re ready to produce your first shoot in New York City — but you hit the first (very real) wall: “I can’t pull a permit because I don’t have an account with the Mayor’s Office.” Good news: setting up an account with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOFTB) is easier than it looks — as long as you follow the steps and submit all the right docs.

If you're planning a photo or film shoot in Central Park, there are essential guidelines to follow to ensure your project runs smoothly. As an NYC location scout or a producer seeking a film permit, here's what you need to know:

New York City is a filmmaker’s paradise, offering an incredible mix of iconic landmarks, urban landscapes, and historic architecture. But one of the most underrated yet highly versatile filming locations in the city is its university campuses. From grand ivy-covered buildings to modern glass-walled structures, NYC universities offer a variety of settings that make them ideal for commercial photoshoots, TV productions, and feature films.

Filming a driving shot in New York City adds a dynamic layer to any production, but navigating the NYC film permit process can feel like steering through the city’s infamous traffic. Whether you’re capturing a cinematic car chase or a simple dialogue scene behind the wheel, here’s a step-by-step guide to securing the necessary permits and ensuring a smooth shoot.

With spring around the corner, NYC’s streets will once again be prime locations for film and photography shoots. However, securing the right permits is crucial to avoiding unexpected delays. As a location scout, understanding the city's regulations can make or break a shoot. At White Wall Locations, we’re here to help streamline the process. Two essential tools every location scout and production team should use are the Hot Spot Map and Open Street Map.

As a location scout, I help commercial productions and creative agencies find the perfect backdrops to bring their creative visions to life. One of the key partners I rely on is the film commission.

A location scout plays a critical role in the production process, primarily responsible for finding and evaluating locations for commercials, films, photoshoots, and other productions. They help bring the creative vision to life by finding locations that match the director, photographer, or creative agency’s concept while also ensuring the practicalities of shooting in those spaces.

New York City's iconic streets have long been a backdrop for filmmakers, but as the film industry grew, so did the need for regulation. Film permits became crucial for managing productions, ensuring safety, and minimizing disruptions