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Shiv Rajagopal is a filmmaker based out of Hong Kong & Los Angeles. With a background as a producer of indie films, music videos, and commercials, he writes about the entertainment industry at large. He is also the Co-Founder of Forgotten Films, an indie film company with a slate of films revolving around superheroes from the golden age of comics.
At Wrapbook, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding free resources to producers and their crews, but this post is for informational purposes only as of the date above. The content on our website is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for legal, accounting, or tax advice. You should consult with your own legal, accounting, or tax advisors to determine how this general information may apply to your specific circumstances.
New York City is more than just an iconic backdrop; it’s a production powerhouse. Anything a filmmaker needs to execute the logistics of their project is within arm’s reach.
The city boasts an extensive network of production resources, such as equipment rental houses, prop suppliers, post-production facilities, and more. Beyond that, NYC is also home to a highly skilled pool of cast and crew, making it easy to find top-tier talent for any project.
New York State’s production tax incentives also play a major role in supporting filmmakers in NYC. These lucrative incentives help offset the cost of production, making New York an attractive location for producers looking to stretch their budgets. This combination of production resources and financial support makes the city an ideal filming location.
While shooting in The Big Apple, producers must submit a variety of government forms to stay compliant with local regulations. Below, we’ve outlined eight forms every filmmaker should be aware of.
The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment in New York City offers the Made in NY Marketing Credit program, which provides qualified productions with free advertising within the city.
Given that NYC is one of the biggest media markets in the world, advertising there can generate significant buzz before the film’s release. To qualify, producers must complete the Made in NY Marketing Credit Application and ensure that at least $400,000 in below-the-line costs occur within the city. It’s also important to note that if selected, participants must feature a “Made in NY” logo during the end credits.
The NYC DCAS Activity Approval Form is required for any production activities taking place on a property managed by the New York Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). DCAS oversees 55 buildings within the city, including municipal buildings and courthouses across the five boroughs. Submitting this form is the first step to unlocking some of NYC’s iconic government-owned locations.
Production companies looking to shoot in DCAS-owned buildings must also submit the NYC DCAS Prohibited Conduct Memorandum. It must be filed before any approvals are granted. This form serves as a reminder that filmmakers are not allowed to offer gifts or gratuities to city employees, as doing so is illegal.
Like the previous two forms on the list, the NYC DCAS Sample Letter of Intent is also required if you intend to shoot in a DCAS-owned building. As the name suggests, this document serves as a template of what the letter should include when submitting an application to DCAS. The letter of intent should detail the production’s team, shooting schedule, logistics, and insurance coverage. Ensure that you are detailed and include any special considerations unique to your project for a smoother approval process.
Any production entity structured as a C corporation with a tax liability exceeding $1,000 in the second preceding year must file this form. The NYC-300 Mandatory First Installment (MFI) by Business C Corporation is due within two and a half months of the C corporation’s fiscal year.
Failing to file this form on time can lead to penalties and possibly disrupt your production company’s cash flow. Keeping track of the MFI form and its corresponding deadlines ensures that the production company stays compliant with NYC tax regulations and reduces the risk of any financial setbacks.
Similar to the previous form, the NYC-400 Estimated Tax by Business C Corporations and Subchapter S General Corporations is also related to tax filings. If your production company is registered as a C corporation or subchapter S corporation and anticipates a tax liability of over $1,000 for the current fiscal year, consider filing this form. It enables you to pay estimated taxes over four total installments, helping you manage your tax obligations.
Sample Resident Notification Letter is essential for any production filming in New York City. If your shoot will impact the daily lives of residents, the location manager must notify the community in advance. This document includes details like the shoot date, time, and any expected disruptions to help the locals prepare. Proactively notifying nearby residents fosters goodwill and minimizes potential disruptions.
Larger-scale productions often manage their own waste disposal. The Sample Trash Removal Sign informs local residents that a private waste management company will remove any trash bags left behind by the production. The production team must list their contact information on this sign, so residents can report issues if the trash remains for over 12 hours.
Staying on top of paperwork is essential to keep production running smoothly in New York City. Use Wrapbook’s Government Forms Database to quickly find and complete local, state, and federal paperwork.
If you’re filming in New York City, you can also benefit from the state’s production incentives. Check out our Production Incentive Center to learn more!
When it comes to cinematic backdrops, few locations rival the vibrancy of New York City.
From its iconic skyline to bustling streets, NYC has shaped countless stories and cemented its place in cinema history. Shooting in New York isn't just a location choice; it is a creative statement. The city is home to filmmakers of all types, from indie creators to blockbuster directors, solidifying it as a hub for the entertainment industry. But behind every production in NYC lies a big stack of government paperwork and permits.
To film in the city that never sleeps, filmmakers must navigate its unique production requirements. In this guide, we will walk you through some essential government forms needed to bring your project to life. Understanding these forms is the first step to ensuring your production runs smoothly.
Before jumping into NYC’s essential government forms, take a moment to explore Wrapbook’s Government Forms Database.
Instead of scouring the internet, you can access all the necessary local, state, and federal forms in one place. Whether you’re applying for permits or filing tax forms, our database is a one-stop shop that keeps your production on track.
