Bowing to Public Pressure, New York City Rewrites Film Rules

Click here to view the Olde English video on this subject.

• Click here to read the proposed rules (PDF).

Earlier this year, the New York City Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcast proposed rules that would have required permits and $1 million of insurance for a wide range of casual photography and videotaping in public places. The NYCLU and scores of filmmakers and photographers called on the city to revise the proposal, rules that would have violated people’s First Amendment rights to photograph in public places. The MOFTB rescinded the proposal in August, and has since been negotiating with the NYCLU on a new set of rules, which led to today’s release.

Under the new proposal, anyone using handheld cameras or cameras with tripods does not need a permit unless they exercise exclusive control over more than half the sidewalk. Short of establishing a physical perimeter or directing passersby away from a sidewalk area, anyone with a handheld camera or a tripod would be free to film on city sidewalks for as long as they please.

“We applaud the City for making these much-needed revisions,” said Donna Lieberman, executive director of the NYCLU. “People shouldn’t have to get a permit to casually snap photos and make videos in public places.”

Christopher Dunn, associate legal director of the NYCLU, worked with the MOFTB to revise the proposal.

“Given the prominent role that New York City plays in the world of photography and film, the City’s recognition that virtually all photography and filmmaking should be free of permit and insurance requirements should set a national standard,” Dunn said.

Until recently, New York City had no written rules governing the issuance of photography and film permits. The City agreed to adopt written rules and to narrow its permit scheme after the NYCLU filed a federal lawsuit challenging the MOFTB’s permit practices.

Click here to read the proposed rules (PDF).