$300 film permit application "processing" fee?

[RobAnderson]

Howdy folks

This affects some of us here in NYC. I had not heard about it till today, so I thought I'd call it to everybody's attention.

Apparently the Mayor wants to begin charging a $300 "processing" fee for film permit applications. There is a hearing on June 3rd.


Here is a website run by a guy I know where you can find out some more information:

Off the Farm: The Story of Idaho Bob

Here is a link to an online petition to voice your opposition (if you feel so inclined):

"NO" to the NYC MOFTB $300 Film Permit Application Processing Fee Petition

[bishopthomas]

That's bullshit! As if they don't make it difficult or cryptic enough to file all the paperwork, using EXACTLY the right words and NONE of the wrong ones. I was there for HOURS the first time I did it. "No, you did it wrong, try again." "You didn't fill out the Add/Drop Vehicle form using the proper syntax that we won't actually tell you, START OVER!" I HATE that place and now they want me to PAY for the "privilege?" I'm not sure what difference a petition is going to do (if the government wants our money they'll take it), but I'll give it a shot.

[Remoteness]

I heard about this a couple of weeks ago and I'm really concern on how this will affect the small productions.
You know, the ones that don't have the extra bread to fork out $300.00 USD for this privilege.

It's one thing if you have a million plus budget, but what about the small audio recording dates?
I don't understand why this fee must also affect the non-film and small film projects in NYC.
It's a crying shame for this to happen to us...

Do what you can; vote even if you think it will not help!
Enough votes in our favor could make the difference.
Please don't wait for the other guy (gal) to make the move!
Sign the petition today!!!

[jude]

so true, petition signed

[Fuzzy Logic]

people should take this more seriously. more votes are needed. did you vote yet?

[DannyL]

I signed. AND I posted it to my Facebook Page. I suggest everyone post this to their favorite social networking site.

The more negative votes this gets the smaller chance it has of passing.

Danny

[RMJAZZ]

Wow. I would not work in NYC if this went through.......Nashville or bust!


I pray you guys can keep this from going through...NYC is a great place with vibe for days!

I'll vote for sure.....

[piano]

Liberal spending politics at it's best in NY!

Ya.... I used to be a dem/ liberal ---- until I found out the multitude of ways I pay for other people's pipe dreams.

[RobAnderson]

Update:
http://nyc.gov/html/film/html/news/0...tion_fee.shtml

[Slik dA Relic]

and they wonder why we move to other states... i guess we'll see an increase in hand held cameras, and camera phones on the street, i expect those to get shut down in the future as well since technology has made them so much better... this is more a Hollywood thing now... not for the up n coming film maker... that person will just film in other cities, and "sneak" footage here.

da relic

[bishopthomas]

It says that only one project application is needed for the entire season of a television series. I think we all just became involved in filming TV series...

[mfischman3]

This is a good thing - at least for the larger film/TV productions. Trucks, trailers and countless other equipment consistently take over public spaces all over NY - especially here in Brooklyn.

Residents/business do not generally benefit from this. This extra $ will eventually (and I stress that word) make its way back to the people in one form or another. Maybe as a park (that can also be taken over for filming) or to help defray the cost of cleaning up all the garbage that's usually left behindtutt

[RobAnderson]

Residents/business do not generally benefit from this.

I respectfully disagree. Local eateries stand to gain from a film crew in the neighborhood, and there is the notoriety of having your neighborhood or business in a film or on TV.

It also depends on your definition of "local resident." Most crews are local - meaning from the nearby geographical area. If the work moves to another place (Vancouver or Toronto anyone?), then so do many of the jobs.

It can also effect the local film studios as well. If the location work is not being done here, then there may be less need to do additional work in KAS, Silvercup, or Steiner. These are all tax paying businesses - if they pay less taxes because of reduced revenue, guess who is going to pick up the slack.

But for us, it can effect a recording truck - what was once a free parking permit now costs $300. For a single truck, I think it is cheaper to just get the parking ticket instead. With budgets and margins as tight as they are, are you going to get the client to pick up the tab?

[Slik dA Relic]

bs like this is why i REFUSE to believe NYC is broke... 1st chance get to leave im gone!!! they wanna nickle and dime u for everything... at the same time, theyre takin away more and more parking spaces and adding meters everywhere.

da relic

[mfischman3]

Maybe I should invest in a food-service truck But that will require a permit too, I guess. The notoriety point of view is bogus, unless you're looking to pimp your public housing project for some serious street cred... we're already in NYC.

[boojum]

Here is another perspective. If I could get the gigs I would leap at the chance to pay the $300 fee. I mean it is NY! A huge talent pool, clubs likes crazy, and just a great place to be, hang out and make a living. Try living somewhere else for a while. ;o) I haven't had a good egg creme in decades. Pastrami disappoints everywhere but where you guys are. And pizza?! Come on.

Take my advice: do not cross to the west bank of the Hudson. tutt