Q. Where is the office located?
A. The Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting (MOFTB) is located in the Ed Sullivan Theatre Building at 1697 Broadway. The entrance to the office is on 53rd Street, just around the corner from the "Late Show With David Letterman" marquee. You will need to bring picture ID to gain access to the building. Our offices are on the 6th floor.

Q. What are your office hours?
A. Our office is open from 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Permits are issued between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm.

Q. Is there a permit application fee?
A. There is NO fee for permits.

Q. What do I need to bring to the office in order to get a permit?
A. You can bring in your permit forms already filled out (click here to be directed to our Permit Download Center to get those forms) or you can use one of the computers at MOFTB to fill out the forms. Please bring photo ID. If you are applying for a shooting, scouting or rigging permit, you must also supply your insurance information. Please contact MOFTB, 212-489-6710 ext. 250, for information on additional requirements for scouting permits.

Q. What kind of insurance is required in order to get a permit?
A. The MOFTB requires a General Liability policy for at least $1,000,000 naming “the City of New York as additional insured pursuant to, or with coverage at least as broad as, ISO Form CG 20 12 (07/98ed.)” for all shooting, scouting and rigging permits. There is no insurance requirement for Optional permits. Click here for more information on insurance requirements and partial list of brokers.

Q. Can I fax or e-mail in a permit request?
A. At this time, only Optional permits are accepted by fax. MOFTB must have the typed original shooting, scouting and rigging permit applications. Emails are not accepted.

Q. When do I need police assistance on a set?
A. You will need police assistance if your shoot involves any interruption of traffic, stunts, weapons or if your actors are wearing NYPD, NYFD, EMT or other costumes resembling uniformed services personnel in New York City.

Q. How do I get police assistance?
A. If you need police assistance, please contact MOFTB, 212-489-6710 and we will direct you to a TCD officer who can further assist you with your shoot.

Q. How long will it take to get my permit signed?
A. Permits are reviewed the same day they are brought in. The amount of time it takes to get a permit signed depends on the complexity of the permit and how many people are in line ahead of you. The MOFTB makes every effort to process your permit as quickly as possible.

Q. How do I get a permit to shoot a student film?
A. If your school has insurance on file with MOFTB, you need to obtain a letter from your school stating your name and dates of shoot. Bring your student ID because permits will only be issued to the student named in the school letter.

Q. I am interested in shooting in a few locations that are not city streets or sidewalks. How do I do this?
A. For locations such as city parks, subways, bridges, ferries, etc, please contact MOFTB, 212-489-6710 ext. 250 and we will provide you with the appropriate contact information.

Q. Where can I find the tech list?
A. The tech list has become a new publication entitled “Reel Jobs NYC,” and can be found on the website or picked up at the security desk of 1697 Broadway. Click here to go to our "Reel Jobs NYC" page.

Q. How do I advertise my space as a location with your office?
A. We've developed a guide for people looking to rent out their personal home for production, click here to visit our Make Your Home a Star section.

Q. How do I find out about NY's tax credit for film and television productions?
A. Click here for information on the "Made in NY" Incentive Program

Q. How do I find out about the NY sales tax exemption on production goods and services ?
A. For tax information and to download forms, click here to visit our Guide to Sales Tax Exemptions & Forms page.

Q. How can I get an internship at the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting?
A. Fall, spring and summer internships are available and ideal for students interested in film and television production in NYC. Main responsibilities include greeting permit applicants, assessing needs, providing appropriate forms, fielding questions and reviewing completed permit application forms before submitting to a permit coordinator. Other duties include answering phones, filing paperwork, faxing documents, data entry, marketing research and running office errands as needed. Interns must be able to work 2-3 days per week from 9:00am until 5:00pm for a minimum of 3 months and maximum of 5 months. Internships are unpaid but can be completed for school credit. For more information, click here. You can also email us here.