
SCENE 01 / PRE-PRODUCTION
Pre-Production Services
Our team handles production planning, creative development, and logistics, so your schedule, budget, and creative vision all stay on track.
Planning with Precision
Comprehensive Pre-Production Services
From initial concept to production-ready plans, our team sets the foundation for successful films, TV, commercials, and digital content around the world.
Creative Excellence
Our creative team has worked with Netflix and HBO, plus international co-production partners, to build scripts, storyboards, and visual treatments.
Strategic Planning
Our line producers build USD budgets that fold in NY State tax credits, and they set each production timeline around New York holiday schedules and union rules.
Local Expertise
Our Fixers cover every New York region, from Long Island beaches to mountain villages to coastal areas.
Service Catalog
Our Pre-Production Services
Every phase is coveredβcreative development, casting, permits, budgeting, crew, logistics, and compliance.
Creative & Development
Linked ServicesScriptwriting
We adapt global scripts for New York viewers and write fresh content, making sure every line of dialogue works in New York, English, or both languages.
Script Consultation
Our team gives scene-by-scene notes that flag pacing, structure, and dialogue problems early, before extra filming drives up costs.
Storyboarding
We map a frame-by-frame visual plan that sets camera positions, blocking, and VFX needs before production costs begin.
Concept Development
Our writers set the story direction, visual style, and narrative structure first, which gives them a clear base for production-ready content.
Creative Direction
We hold the visual and narrative identity steady from first look development through final delivery.
Moodboards
We pull reference images, color palettes, and style frames to guide the look before production work starts.
Pitch Decks
We build investor-ready presentations with loglines, budgets, cast attachments, and visual treatments to help you win funding.
Casting & Talent
Linked ServicesCasting Services
Access to New York actors, diverse talent, models, and background extras through our network of Manhattan and regional casting directors.
Voiceover Casting
We provide native New York voice talent for narration, dubbing, and ADR, recorded in NYC studios or directed through remote sessions.
Talent Coordination
We manage call times, transport, costume fittings, and on-set scheduling, so your actors can focus on their roles.
Union Management
We manage SAG-AFTRA and IATSE rules, music and likeness rights, and talent agreements all at once.
Location & Permits
Linked ServicesLocation Scouting
We scout mansions, Manhattan rooftops, and coastal cliffs, then build detailed photo reports and secure access permission for each one.
Location Management
We run on-site coordination, handling owner relations, neighbor communication, parking, power supply, and crowd control.
Permit Acquisition
We handle all the paperwork for the NYC Film Office, city authorities, and private property owners, so you can focus on the creative work.
Site Surveys
We run technical recces to check power supply, plan the best cable routes, read sun angles, and spot acoustic trouble before production begins.
Production Insurance
We arrange equipment coverage, liability protection, and E&O policies that meet what New York location owners and international distributors require.
Budgeting & Scheduling
Linked ServicesProduction Budgeting
Using Movie Magic and Excel, we build line-item budgets that cover New York labor costs, tax benefits, and currency exchange rates.
Cost Estimation
Our estimates help you choose between Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and regional areas for your commercial, documentary, or feature production.
Production Scheduling
Our stripboard scheduling weighs actor availability, free time slots, work locations, and New York national holiday dates.
Call Sheets
Our daily crew calls give the team location addresses, weather backup plans, and emergency contacts before each production day starts.
Crew & Logistics
Linked ServicesLine Producing
We manage the budget day to day and handle crises fast, which stops surprise costs from stretching New York production lead times.
Crew Hiring
Our network gives you pre-screened DPs, gaffers, sound mixers, and department heads who work across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and more.
Local Fixers
Our Fixers are field-based problem solvers who know local operations and keep your production running smoothly.
Travel Logistics
We book flights, hotels, ground transport, and carnet documents for international crews coming to work in New York.
Equipment Planning
New York rental houses supply camera, grip, and lighting packages, with crew on hand whenever you need them.
Catering Services
We run on-set catering that meets every cast member's dietary needs, follows New York workplace rules, and reaches even remote locations.
Legal & Administrative
Linked ServicesContract Management
We draft crew employment contracts, talent agreements, and vendor deals that meet every New York labor law requirement.
Talent Releases
On-camera appearance releases, likeness rights, and GDPR-compliant data handling documentation.
Location Agreements
Access terms with property owners and municipal authorities covering damage deposits and usage restrictions.
Licensing & Rights
We clear the rights to music, archival footage, and trademarks for every broadcast, streaming, and theatrical distribution platform.
Health & Safety Compliance
We work with New York labor inspectors to write risk assessments and safety protocols that protect stunt performers and special effects crew.
Why Fixer in New York
Why Choose Fixer in New York for Pre-Production
Integrated creative, logistics, and compliance backed by seasoned producers and local fixers.
01.
Proven Expertise
Industry-leading team across all formats and budgets, trusted by global broadcasters.
02.
Fast Response
Rapid 24-48 hour turnarounds for quotes, permits, and scheduling updates.
03.
Global Network
On-the-ground partners in 100+ countries with local permits handled for you.
04.
Full Service
End-to-end coverage from concept and casting to legal, logistics, and delivery.
On Location
Pre-Production Planning Across New York
From Midtown Manhattan boardrooms to the converted warehouses of Bushwick, pre-production in New York needs a team that knows how the city works at every level. Our team handles each stage of planning β breaking down scripts, holding locations across all five boroughs, lining up key crew, and keeping your creative vision on track from the first concept meeting through the final shoot day. Whether your project sits in a single studio in Long Island City or spans exterior locations from the Bronx to Staten Island, we build the framework that keeps your schedule and budget intact.
Schedules built on actual MOFTB permit timelines and real Five-Borough crew availability β not optimistic guesses dressed up as a plan.
Strong pre-production starts with the right creative base. Our scriptwriting and concept development shape your story before a camera rolls, while storyboarding turns the director's intent into visual blueprints the whole crew can follow. For shoots that pitch internally or to financiers, our pitch decks present the vision and logistics in polished form. Casting and talent planning draws on a wide pool of New York-based performers and on-screen talent, which gives directors real options rather than compromises and saves time when the shoot date is fixed.
FAQs
Pre-Production FAQs
Clear answers on timelines, coverage, and how we tailor planning to your production.
What's included in pre-production services?
Our team gives you full production services from start to finish. We handle script breakdown, scheduling, and location selection across New York regions, plus NYC agency casting and crew picks from our OK'd network. We build the budget in USD with NY State tax credit calculations, and we file permits with the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment and local film offices. You get a production-ready package that is set before the cameras roll.
How long does pre-production take?
For feature films, locking locations, casting actors, and clearing NY State forms takes at least 8 to 12 weeks. Commercials move faster and need only 2 to 4 weeks when shoot sites are easy to reach. For documentaries, the access you can get and the interviews you can book shape when work can begin. We can speed things up when needed, though New York permit rules still set firm time needs.
Do you work with international productions shooting in New York?
That's our specialty. We bridge the gap between global shoot firms and New York crews, vendors, and authorities. Our team covers it all, from carnet needs for gear crossing borders to setting up with New York unions and handling NY State co-production rules. Most of our clients are UK, US, German, and Asian shoots working on New York soil.
Can you work within a specific budget?
We build budgets in USD with detailed line items that follow New York industry formatting. If you have a target number, we'll tell you honestly what's doable, whether that means shifting the shooting schedule, finding other locations, or reshaping the crew. We'd rather have a frank talk upfront than hand you surprises later.
What happens if permits get denied or locations fall through?
It happens, and we plan for it. Every location package we give you includes backup options, and we keep close ties with New York property owners and film commissions to cover sudden changes in filming locations. Our location managers have pulled off same-week swaps for everything from mansion shoots to NYCian apartment interiors.
On Set
Ready to Start Your Pre-Production?
We'll build a production-ready plan with detailed budgets, schedules, and permit timelines for your project.