CENTRAL PARK PERMIT INFORMATION
TURNAROUND TIME: minimum of 3 days advance notice is required for filming and that productions are not permitted on weekends or holidays
FEE: Donation (based on scale of production)
PHOTOGRAPHY
Visitors are welcome to take photos in Central Park using handheld equipment or a tripod, and do not need a permit. If you're bringing other equipment, want to inquire about a specific location, or have other questions, please email film@centralparknyc.org.
COMMERCIAL FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY
In order to film or photograph in Central Park, please submit this request form. Once you receive approval from the Conservancy, apply for an official permit with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.
GUIDELINES FOR FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY IN CENTRAL PARK
Please help us make Central Park easily accessible for all film productions while protecting and respecting the Park and its visitors.
PROHIBITED IN CENTRAL PARK
Filming in playgrounds, the Bowling Green, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary, closed landscapes, restricted areas, and all NYC Parks facilities, including all public restrooms, and visitor centers
Using props, lighting, or other equipment in the following areas: Sheep Meadow, East Green, Strawberry Fields, the Ramble, Hernshead, Cedar Hill, Great Lawn, North Meadow, and the North Woods
Tying, draping, or attaching in any way, rope, props, or equipment to trees, shrubs, fences, or benches
Tying or attaching anything to any architectural features or statues, sculptures, or fountains
Cutting, tying back, or altering shrubs, plantings, or trees in any way
Leaving uncovered cable when crossing any path; cable ramps must be used
Posting direction signs for filming locations of any kind on sculptures, trees, fences, or light poles
Digging and/or staking
Using open flames
Using amplified sound of any kind
Drones of any size or functionality
Tenting, popup tents, or using plastic tarps
Offering gifts or payments to Park employees
Using benches or other structures as storage areas
Exclusive use of any area; pedestrian traffic must be allowed through between takes
CARRY IN - CARRY OUT POLICY
All materials brought in by a production company, including trash, must be removed from the Park; Park trash receptacles cannot be used to dispose of any waste. Film companies will be summoned for any trash left behind or scattered across landscapes.
Film companies are responsible for any and all damage to Park property. All areas should be left in the condition in which they were found. Any damage must be reported to the Conservancy and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment immediately.
GUIDELINES FOR VEHICLE USE IN CENTRAL PARK
Parking is not guaranteed and is ONLY available to productions that have received permission from the Conservancy’s Film and Special Events staff. Parking is granted on a first come, first served basis.
VEHICLE USE IS RESTRICTED AS FOLLOWS
Production vehicles are allowed ONLY on Center Road (commonly known as Dead Road) with advance approval.
Parks Enforcement and NYPD will summons all vehicles without permits
No personal vehicles are allowed in the Park
Drivers must adhere to the speed limit of 15 mph on Central Park drives
Vehicles are only allowed on Park drives following the correct direction of traffic
No vehicles are allowed on the bridle paths
Vehicles cannot stop on Park drives at any time
Vehicles must not block paths
Stopped vehicles must turn off their engines (no idling)
Pedestrian paths and closed drives cannot be used as shortcuts
Trucks and oversized vehicles must receive special permission to park in Central Park
CENTER ROAD (COMMONLY KNOWN AS DEAD ROAD)
All vehicles on Center Road must be pre-approved by the Conservancy’s Film and Special Events staff. Center Road is heavily used and cannot be exclusively utilized for production parking. All vehicles must be parked on one side in a single file row. Vehicles or production equipment cannot block walkways. Exposed cables must be covered with cable ramps.