Location scout resources for the City of New York, NY
a plethora of references and links of use to location scouts, location managers and other production personnel.
Please also see Location Scout Resource: New York City-2
Location Scout. Accidental Tourist.
One of the great things about being a location scout and location scouting in New York City is all the kewl stuff you pass on your way to get to whatever location it is you are scouting for the client. Often, there simply is not time to stop and shoot a photo of an “incidental”, but whenever there is an extra few seconds, I try to make a quick snapshot!
This will be an ongoing project, so be sure and 
Location Scout Resource: Filming in the New York City Subway
From time to time I get film location scout / location manager / location services requests regarding filming, video or photography in the NYC Subway.
Here is some info that might help you get started and understand some of what is involved.
Full disclosure: The photo below is NOT from a film shoot, it is a simple “passerby” photo of a train platform in Grand Central Station sans tripod, using available light, which, to the best of my knowledge, is an “allowed activity”. Just in case anybody is wondering, additionally, I believe the photo serves to illustrate this post, which I believe is of valid news, informational and redeeming social value, under which freedom of the press allows a number of rights to individuals engaging in such activities.
To the best of my additional knowledge, a “proper” film or photo shoot (i.e. including a number of crew, talent, electrical, stationary lighting, tripod, sound equipment, etc.) under most circumstances, would likely NOT be allowed by MTA on the Grand Central platform, although the Wikipedia page for Grand Central Subway Station states, “This station was used in a famous scene in the 1971 film The French Connection.” and this page on the MTA website lists a number of “film/TV productions featuring NYC Transit Subways or Buses” my own personal experience is that filming is only allowed, as MTA might deem appropriate, at a disused or otherwise secluded platform, presumably, with regard toward maintaining a high level of service for the transit system’s actual intended purpose of getting people from point “A” to point “B” safely and quickly as well as with the MTA ridership’s personal privacy in mind.
So if you would like to close Grand Central for your shoot (some food for thought?):
- Bring lots of cash
- Assume you will be filming in the wee hours, if at all
- Would doubt seriously if it would hurt if your production was a popular tv show or big-budget mainstream feature with a household-name director and/or star(s) on the roster
Further disclosure: Opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinion or policy(s) of MTA or the City of New York.
- Contact MTA for more info.
- Grand Central Terminal
New York Film Locations at Amazon
NYCTV
NYC Media Group | About NYC Media Group
NYC Media Group, formed in early 2005, is the entity responsible for managing and programming the City of New York’s media assets and forms an integral part of New York City’s Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications.
In conjunction with and in addition to NYCTV the NYC Media Group oversees and operates a number of other media assets.
Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting – Production News | NYC TV – the Station that’s ‘Everything New York’ – Celebrates Fifth Anniversary | August 1, 2008
NYC TV just celebrated its fifth anniversary as the official television network of the City of New York. Launched in June 2003, NYC TV expanded its coverage of City history, culture and entertainment by developing a slate of original programs showcasing the vitality of the City, while also continuing coverage of important governmental activities such as City Council hearings and Mayoral events.
- NYCTV has been nominated for and has won a number of prestigious entertainment industry awards including 7 Emmy Awards.
NYCTV | Programming
Media
- Live Streaming (Channel 25)
- Video on Demand
I couldnt get the Live Streaming to work but there was a generous selection of programming to watch on Video on Demand. I especially liked the Emmy Award-winning Secrets of New York, wherein the show currently explores mysterious and largely unknown areas of the city, including a tour thru the abandoned New York City City Hall Subway Station as well as other locations that simply make a location scout’s mouth water! 😉
Location Scout Resource: JV III NYC Film Production Resource Locator
NYC production guide, listings and resources for film production
Thoughts behind the production of a NYC Film Production Resource Locator
Here’s a short discourse on what motivates me to produce this kind of a Web resource for the local community.
Location Scout Spotlight: Filming on the streets of New York City | The Location Guide
by Mark McKennon
…But for those of us who live here, and live by production here, the city remains the same but changes daily, shrinks and expands. It is very familiar but highly mysterious. Location Scouts explore it for years but getting to know the Big Apple is to know how much is not known.
Queens house is an unlikely ‘Ugly Betty’ co-star (New York Daily News)
The filming of “Ugly Betty” has switched from Los Angeles to New York this season, but the Suarez clan has always called Jackson Heights home.
Possibly film locations in New York City – Queens
Location Scout Resource: About Filming at NYC YMCA’ s
– From YMCA of Greater New York | Requesting YMCA Space for Film & TV:
If you are a film or television producer scouting locations, please DO NOT CONTACT YMCA BRANCHES. E-mail the following information to kshermach@nullymcanyc.org:
- Your name, company’s name, telephone number and e-mail address
- Description of your project
- Treatment and/or script, including working title
- Specific request (space, duration, preferred dates and times)
- Proof of insurance
- Planned contribution
- Any additional information”
Location Scout Landmark: Two Boots Pioneer Theater NYC
– Update 8/2010: I hear the Two Boots Theater has closed. – RH
Two Boots Pioneer Theater | New York City’s Showplace of Independent Cinema | About The Pioneer Theater
A throwback to a by-gone era that looks to the future, the TWO BOOTS PIONEER THEATER is a new but old-fashioned neighborhood movie theater. Mixing current independent and foreign films with special programs and retrospectives, THE PIONEER is a haven for filmmakers and film lovers alike.
Theaters at Amazon
Location Scout Resource: Angelika Film Center NYC
Welcome to AngelikaFilmCenter.com
Where you can see films in New York City you cant see anywhere else.
New York University College of Dentistry Film Location
Actor Will Janowitz, who plays Meadow’s dental student boyfriend Finn DeTruillio on The Sopranos, during the shooting of a scene in NYUCD’s simulation lab.
The College of Dentistry’s high-tech simulation lab where first-and second-year dental students learn clinical skills and decision making before they have actual patient contact- was the site recently of a scene for the HBO hit series, The Sopranos.
About.com | Pamela’s Manhattan, NY Blog
Bloomberg’s Congestion Pricing Plan Passed by City Council
By Pamela Skillings, About.com Guide to Manhattan, NY since 2005 | Tuesday April 1, 2008
The City Council narrowly approved Mayor Bloomberg’s congestion pricing plan last night by a vote of 30 to 20.
…In a nutshell, the congestion pricing plan would require drivers to pay $8 to travel south of 60th Street in Manhattan between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays.
There has been talk around New York City for some time now about a proposed Congestion Pricing Plan and now the matter has come to a vote – and passed by the New York City Council
- New York City Council press release: City Council Approves Home Rule Request on Congestion Pricing
- PlaNYC Congestion Pricing Fact Sheet (pdf)
- About.com: Congestion Pricing Guide for New York City | Everything You Need to Know About Bloomberg’s Congestion Pricing Plan | From Margot Tohn, for About.com
According to the About.com reports, there are $345m in federal funds for New York City attached to the Traffic Congestion proposal – and requirements for the city to make reductions in the number of automobiles travelling in the city, come up with attractive public transportation options for travelers in NYC and make improvements in air quality and general public health. The New York City Council proposal must be reviewed by New York State lawmakers and a decision made by them by an April 7th deadline.
What does any of this mean for film production and location scouts? (…if the measures pass at state level and become law)
- Obviously, there will be at least nominal increases in expenses by location scouts and other crew driving / equipment trucks / motorhomes traveling below 60th Street in Manhattan, (also known as the Central Business District (CBD)
- More of us will be traveling by subway and bus to get around at times 😉
- There are concentrations of production companies in the Times Square, Chelsea, and Soho areas, all areas that would be affected – be interested to see what this does to the general city’s production and general demographics – businesses making exoduses uptown, to the outer boroughs and even to New Jersey, the lower Hudson Valley and Long Island?
..more news as it develops…
Location Scout Resource: New York on Film: Great TV and Movie Locations in Manhattan
New York on Film from Lauren M. Krauze – Famous New York City Filming Locations
Some of the greatest moments on camera have unfolded not only on the streets of the city, but in the parks, churches, bridges, restaurants and historical landmarks.
Yet another historical reference of iconic New York City television and cinema locations from iconic New York movies and tv productions.
..not that I am complaining 😉
New York Film Locations at Amazon
Location Scout Resource: Museum of the Moving Image
Location Scout Resource: Museum of the Moving Image | About | Mission
Museum of the Moving Image advances the public understanding and appreciation of the art, history, technique, and technology of film, television, and digital media. It does so by collecting, preserving, and providing access to moving-image related artifacts; screening significant films and other moving-image works; presenting exhibitions of artifacts, artworks, and interactive experiences; and offering educational and interpretive programs to students, teachers, and the general public.
- Expansion
- Calendar
- Exhibitions
- Web Projects
- Education
- Collection
- Shop
