Official Website of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
Permits and Services > Guidelines for Filming and Photographing in New York City Parks
NYC Parks supports film, television, and photography projects that are consistent with park use, public access, and resource protection. Depending on the scope of your project, you may need approvals from both NYC Parks and the Mayor's Office of Media & Entertainment (MOME).
Mayor's Office of Media & Entertainment (MOME) is the City's primary permitting authority for film and television production. If your project requires a MOME permit, you must apply directly through MOME.
If your project requires a MOME permit and takes place on NYC Parks property, you must also obtain a Media Production Authorization (MPA) from NYC Parks. The MPA allows NYC Parks to review and approve the use of parkland based on public access and safety, park operations, and protection of park resources.
Athletic fields, courts and other designated sports areas (such as basketball courts and baseball fields) are scheduled through the NYC Parks Athletic permit system. If your project involves use of these areas, you must apply for and receive an athletic permit instead of a Media Production Authorization (MPA). Hourly fees may apply.
You must obtain both a MOME Permit & an NYC Parks MPA if your activity involves any of the following:
You do not need a MOME Permit or NYC Parks MPA if your activity meets all of the following conditions:
Examples include student projects with minimal equipment, news crews using a camera and tripod, and small-scale photography or video shoots.
Public access to the park must be maintained at all times. Exclusive use is generally not permitted, although limited temporary crowd control may be approved under NYC Parks staff supervision.
Equipment must be hand-carried unless otherwise approved. Large equipment, lighting, and generators require prior approval. Vehicle access is limited and must be approved in advance.
Filming in playgrounds, beaches, and sensitive natural areas is limited and may require additional review.
Productions may be required to cover NYC Parks staff supervision costs. Any damage to NYC Parks property must be repaired or reimbursed. Failure to comply with conditions may affect future requests.
Applicants must ensure they obtain the appropriate NYC Parks authorization based on the purpose of their drone use.
Submit your request through the NYC Parks online application portal. Applications must be submitted at least seven calendar days in advance.
Please plan to allow at least 14 calendar days for review of more complex or multi-day requests.
After you apply, NYC Parks staff will review your request. A Park Manager may contact you for additional information. A site visit may be required for larger or more complex productions. You will receive an approval or denial by email.
If you've never held an event with us before, you may have to create an account to get started. If you have already created an account with the Street Activity Permit Office or Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment you do not need to create a new account.
Looking for the perfect shot? Check out some of our favorite film and photo locations from across the city.
Some City parks are managed in coordination with partner organizations and use separate film and photography request processes.
NYC Parks does not process requests for the following locations. Please apply directly through the appropriate organization linked below.
For film requests related to Historic House locations, please visit the Historic House Trust of New York City to view a directory of sites and contact each location directly.
Consistent with applicable law and NYC Parks policy, certain partner organizations manage film activity in their respective parks while continuing to use the NYC Parks Media Production Authorization (MPA) application. While applications are submitted through the NYC Parks E-Apply system, these organizations oversee and coordinate film operations at their respective locations:
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