New York City is currently hosting a robust slate of film shoots that span major studio features, limited series, and independent projects. Crews are navigating updated health protocols, location availability, and competitive scheduling across all five boroughs.
This overview captures the active productions, essential resources, and practical guidance for crew and vendors working in the city right now.
| Production | Genre | Distributor/Studio | Primary Borough | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arcane: The Animated Series | Live-Action/CGI Hybrid | Netflix | Manhattan | Principal photography |
| The Last Verona | Romantic Drama | Warner Bros. | Brooklyn | Second unit |
| Concrete Jungle | Crime Thriller | Amazon Studios | Queens | Pre-production |
| Borough Lights | Comedy Ensemble | Apple TV+ | Staten Island | Pick-ups |
| Harbor Protocol | Sci-Fi Action | Universal Pictures | Manhattan/Queens | Scheduled shoot |
Union Regulations and Work Stoppages
IATSE Local 847 and Location Shoot Permits
Current IATSE agreements are shaping crew hours and overtime for camera, grip, and electric departments on active NYC film shoots. Location permits remain tied to strict time windows that affect night shooting and street closures. Producers must align call times with union minimums to avoid fines and delays.
SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreements
SAG-AFTRA interim deals are influencing rates for background performers and principal actors on lower-budget features and streamer pilots. Understanding rate tiers and signatory obligations helps avoid payroll holds when talent is engaged for ongoing episodes or limited series.
Location Scouting and Permitting Workflow
Department of Buildings and Community Board Coordination
Securing a DOB film permit in NYC requires detailed site plans, insurance, and, in many cases, community board notification. Production offices should submit location paperwork early to accommodate review cycles and minimize last-minute reroutes.
Street Closures and Vendor Access
Managing street closures involves coordination with the NYPD and local DOT offices. Vendors and residents often need advance notice, so scheduling block parties and deliveries in advance keeps neighborhoods supportive and productions on schedule.
Insurance, Safety, and Health Protocols
Carriage and Equipment Coverage
Insurers are scrutinizing gear manifests more closely, especially for high-value cameras and lighting. Clear inventory logs and bonded transport reduce risk and streamline claims when equipment moves between soundstages and on-location sites.
Set Safety and Crowd Management
Stunt coordinators and safety managers must file detailed safety plans for scenes involving vehicles, heights, or public areas. Crowd control barriers and signage help maintain safe perimeters without disrupting pedestrian flow in busy districts.
Best Practices for the Current Shooting Landscape
- Verify union signatory status and current rates before signing crew contracts.
- Submit DOB and community board filings with generous lead time.
- Maintain a detailed gear manifest and updated insurance riders.
- Schedule traffic and vendor coordination sessions early in pre-production.
- Confirm location-specific noise and lighting restrictions with neighbors and officials.
- Keep contingency buffers in the schedule for weather or permit delays.
- Use centralized communication tools for cast, crew, and vendors on active NYC film shoots.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I obtain a location permit for a commercial shoot in Brooklyn?
Contact the NYC Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting with your shoot details, including addresses, dates, and crew size, then apply through their portal and follow up with the local Community Board for zoning and notice requirements.
What documentation do I need to hire background actors under current union rules?
Provide SAG-AFTRA Tsheets or equivalent time records, proof of signatory status or eligibility, and adhere to hour caps and meal penalties to remain compliant with interim agreements and local labor standards.
Can vendors film on set during active production in Manhattan?
Vendors need written permission from the production office and must coordinate with the AD team for access windows that do not interfere with principal photography, stunts, or locked set protocols.
How are traffic and parking managed during night shoots in Queens?
Coordinate with the NYPD precinct and local DOT to secure parking permits, tow zones, and loading bays, ensuring signage and barricades are in place to protect crew and neighborhood access.