Why Film in New York?
New York offers an extraordinary variety of filming locations—from world-famous landmarks and cutting-edge architecture to diverse neighborhoods, scenic coastlines, and mountain landscapes. Iconic NYC locations include Times Square and Central Park, among the most sought-after filming sites in the world.
A rich mix of geography, culture, and infrastructure makes New York one of the industry's most versatile destinations. Strong incentives and advanced facilities support productions of every scale.
Iconic Landmarks
World-famous sites including the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Grand Central Terminal suit prestige productions.
Coastal Beauty
Long Island beaches, the Hamptons, and waterfront locations provide stunning backdrops for luxury and lifestyle shoots.
Urban Diversity
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx offer contemporary architecture, historic brownstones, and vibrant street life.
Natural Landscapes
The Hudson Valley, Catskill Mountains, and Adirondacks deliver scenic beauty within easy reach of NYC.
Incentives and Tax Credits for Filmmakers
New York delivers exceptional value as your filming destination through established locations, experienced crews, and comprehensive financial incentives. State-backed tax credit programs reduce operational costs across feature films, television, and commercial content.
You gain immediate budget relief through structured tax credit systems for domestic and international productions, keeping creative vision intact while optimizing spend.
New York State Film Tax Credit
The New York State Film Tax Credit Program The NY Film Tax Credit Program delivers 30% fully refundable tax credit on qualified production costs, with bonus credits up to 40%. The 2025-2026 budget expanded annual allocation to $800M—the highest in state history.
Eligibility and Application Process
Feature films require minimum $1M budget. Applications submitted through Empire State Development before principal photography. 2025+ applications receive 100% credit payout in the same tax year.
Bonus Credits Available
Production Plus bonus (+10% for $100M+ spend), Upstate bonus (+10% outside NYC Metro), music scoring bonus (+10% for 5+ musicians), plus separate $100M Independent Film Program.
Film Permits in New York
New York has a streamlined permit framework through the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME). We handle city, borough, and state permissions so your production stays on track, including approvals from site managers for parks, landmarks, and public spaces.
Standard Permits (3-5 days)
Small crews with handheld gear in public spaces, no equipment placement.
Location Permits (1-2 weeks)
Exclusive use, equipment trucks, lighting setups, and production vehicles.
Complex Permits (2-4 weeks)
Street closures, traffic control, landmark sites, and multi-agency coordination.
Key Permit Requirements
- Production liability insurance (minimum $1M coverage)
- Detailed shooting schedule and location list
- Equipment list and crew size details
- NYPD and community board notifications as required
- Property owner permissions for private locations
- Environmental permits for sensitive areas
Best Time to Film in New York
New York features four distinct seasons that offer varied looks year-round. Understanding regional weather patterns keeps schedules realistic and helps capture the perfect seasonal aesthetic.
Spring (Mar–May)
- Comfortable temperatures (10-20°C / 50-68°F)
- Cherry blossoms in Central Park
- Fewer tourists than summer
- Ideal for outdoor shoots
- Occasional spring showers
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Long daylight hours (15+ hours)
- Warm temperatures (25-32°C / 77-90°F)
- Beach and water filming on Long Island
- Peak tourist season in Manhattan
- Outdoor events and street life
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Perfect temperatures (10-20°C / 50-68°F)
- Spectacular fall foliage
- Golden hour light quality
- Less crowded locations
- Stable weather patterns
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Cold temperatures (-5 to 5°C / 23-41°F)
- Holiday decorations and atmosphere
- Snow scenes possible
- Budget-friendly off-season
- Dramatic winter light
Visa Requirements for Film Crews
The United States has specific visa categories for film professionals. Premium processing is recommended for production timelines. O-1B approval rates exceed 94%.
ESTA/Visa Waiver
Citizens of 40 countries can use ESTA for stays up to 90 days for business meetings and scouting. Not valid for paid work.
O-1B Visa
For individuals with extraordinary achievement in motion picture/TV—directors, producers, cinematographers, key creatives. Must meet 3 of 6 criteria.
O-2 Visa
For essential support personnel accompanying O-1B holders—camera operators, technicians, crew members integral to the production.
We Handle Your Paperwork
- Official invitation letters for visa applications
- O-1B and O-2 visa petition preparation
- Premium processing coordination (15 business days)
- Immigration attorney referrals
- Equipment customs clearance (ATA Carnet)
Equipment & Technical Support
New York offers world-class filming equipment and technical support, with major studio facilities such as Silvercup Studios, Steiner Studios, and Kaufman Astoria Studios.
Advanced technology covers high-quality footage and VFX, while ATA Carnet procedures simplify temporary import of professional gear. We guide equipment choices and customs to keep production smooth.
Camera Equipment
- ARRI and RED camera systems
- Complete lens packages
- Steadicam and gimbal systems
- Drone equipment with FAA-certified operators
- Underwater filming gear
Lighting & Grip
- HMI and LED lighting packages
- Generator trucks and power distribution
- Grip trucks fully equipped
- Specialized rigging for NYC locations
- Condors and scissor lifts
Post Production
- Edit suites with latest software
- Color grading facilities (DaVinci, Baselight)
- Sound mixing studios (Dolby Atmos capable)
- VFX and animation services
- DCP creation for theatrical release
The US accepts ATA Carnet for temporary import of professional equipment. We handle customs procedures for bringing your own gear through JFK, Newark, or other ports of entry.
New York Filming Hub - Featured Locations
Explore New York's most cinematic destinations with local expertise. Locations can double for other cities and eras, supported by experienced New York crews and film commissions.
Manhattan Filming Services
Times Square energy, Central Park serenity, and iconic skyline views alongside SoHo cobblestones and Wall Street architecture for classic and contemporary looks.
- Iconic landmarks including Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center
- Diverse neighborhoods from Harlem to the Financial District
- Modern skyscrapers and historic architecture
- World-famous retail and entertainment districts
- Easy access to major studios and post facilities
Brooklyn Production
Brooklyn Bridge views, DUMBO's industrial charm, and Williamsburg's creative energy deliver versatile backdrops for commercials and narrative content.
- Brooklyn Bridge and waterfront locations
- Historic brownstones and tree-lined streets
- Industrial spaces in DUMBO and Red Hook
- Trendy Williamsburg and Bushwick scenes
- Steiner Studios - major film and TV production facility
Queens Filming
New York's most diverse borough offers authentic international neighborhoods, Silvercup Studios, and easy access to both airports.
- Silvercup Studios - home to major TV productions
- Diverse neighborhoods representing 100+ cultures
- Flushing's vibrant Asian communities
- Astoria's film history and Kaufman Studios
- Industrial locations in Long Island City
Hamptons estates, North Shore mansions, and beautiful beaches
Hudson Valley
Historic estates, river views, and charming small towns
Catskill Mountains
Mountain scenery, ski resorts, and forest locations
Upstate New York
Lakes, farmland, and small-town America aesthetics
Planning a multi-location production across New York State?
Ready to Film in New York?
From Times Square to the Hamptons, we make filming in New York simple, efficient, and unforgettable. Tell us about your project.