How to Permit a Driving Shot in NYC: A NYC Location Scout Guide

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.

1. Understand the Permit Requirements

The first step is determining if your production requires a NYC film permit. In NYC, any film production that involves equipment, vehicles, or exclusive use of public space requires a permit from the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME). Driving shots, especially those with camera rigs or process trailers, fall into this category.

2. Coordinate with the NYPD

Doing a driving shot requires coordinating with the NYPD Film Unit. As a NYC location scout or producer, you'll need to get their approval before submitting a NYC film permit application with the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment. When you contact the NYPD Film Unit, you will need to have the full scene completely spelled out so they can get a clear picture of your request. This could require photos of the camera rig or a map of the route you want to take. Clarity is key in making this part of the process seamless.

3. Prepare Your Application

Visit the MOME website to access the online NYC film permit application. You’ll need to provide:

• Production company details

• Shoot dates and locations

• Description of the driving shots

• Number of cast and crew

• Type of equipment used (e.g., car mounts, process trailers, drones)

• The name of the officer who approved your driving shot

The Mayor's Office will contact the officer who approved the shot to confirm.

4. Street Parking Permits

If your production requires parking for support vehicles or picture cars, apply for parking privileges through the MOME system. Marked vehicles like process trailers will typically receive priority.

5. Notify the Community

In some cases, productions are required to notify community boards and local businesses ahead of time. MOME will advise you on any notification requirements.

6. Final Approval and Fees

After approval, the NYPD Film Unit will give you a time to call back to confirm the meeting place and to finalize booking the officers that will be on set. The NYPD Film Unit was created to support productions on set, so they are extremely easy to work with. Typically, there is no additional fee to have the Film Unit on set, but there will be your standard NYC film permit fee.

7. Day of the Shoot

On the day of your shoot, keep your NYC film permit paperwork on hand at all times. Follow all safety protocols and be ready to adjust your plans if the NYPD or MOME representatives request it.

Conclusion

Permitting a driving shot in NYC requires careful planning, but with the right preparation, you can capture the city’s unique energy without any roadblocks. As a NYC location scout, start early, stay organized, and work closely with the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment to bring your vision to life on the streets of New York.