Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in New York City, NY

New York City, NY is home to a population of 14,404,100 and industries spanning Financial Services, Media, Communications, Technology. Known as The Empire State, The Big Apple and The Capital of the World, the city was founded in 1624. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in New York City — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.

Written by Reid Petro, Cameraman — New York City, New York — Assignment Desk

New York City at a Glance

Population

14,404,100

Founded

1624

Nicknames

The Empire State, The Big Apple, The Capital of the World

Industries

Financial Services, Media, Communications, Technology

About New York City

New York City is the most populous city in the United States and one of the most significant cultural, financial, and media capitals of the world. It consists of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. NYC is home to the United Nations headquarters, Wall Street, Broadway, and countless iconic landmarks. The city’s energy is unmatched — it truly is the city that never sleeps.

Attractions & Things to Do

Iconic landmarks include the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge. World-class museums include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, and the American Museum of Natural History. Broadway offers unparalleled theater. The city hosts major events year-round including Fashion Week, the Tribeca Film Festival, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Higher education includes Columbia University, NYU, The New School, and CUNY.

Sports Teams

New York Giants (NFL), New York Jets (NFL), New York Knicks (NBA), Brooklyn Nets (NBA), New York Yankees (MLB), New York Mets (MLB), New York Rangers (NHL), New York Islanders (NHL), NYCFC (MLS)

Where to Stay

NYC has thousands of hotel options at every price point. Midtown Manhattan hotels offer the most central location. Budget-friendly options exist in Brooklyn, Queens, and near the airports. Popular business hotels include the New York Hilton Midtown, Marriott Marquis, and the Westin New York at Times Square.

Airport & Drive Times

Primary Airport

John F. Kennedy International Airport / LaGuardia Airport / Newark Liberty International Airport

Approx. 45–90 minutes depending on traffic and airport to downtown

Getting Around

NYC has the most extensive public transportation system in the country. The subway runs 24/7 with 472 stations. Buses cover every borough. Taxis and ride-shares (Uber, Lyft) are everywhere but can be expensive and slow in traffic. For production crews, pre-arranged parking and loading zones are essential. Filming permits are required for most shoots.

Locations & Drive Times

JFK to Midtown Manhattan takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic. LaGuardia is closer at 30-60 minutes. Newark is 40-60 minutes via the NJ Turnpike. The city’s five boroughs can take significant time to traverse during rush hour. Always plan extra time for NYC traffic.

Weather

NYC experiences all four seasons. Summers are hot and humid with highs in the 80s and 90s. Winters can be brutal with temperatures in the 20s and 30s, plus snow and wind. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons. Annual precipitation is about 50 inches.

View 10-day forecast for New York City →

Production Guidelines

Shoots in New York City are based on a ten hour day and the crew is on the clock at the specified crew call. Overtime at a rate of time and a half begins after ten hours. NYC requires filming permits for most commercial shoots — contact the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. Verify with your crew their specific policies.

Our Crew in New York City

Assignment Desk has staff crew members based in the New York City area, ready to handle your production needs.

Karl Egbe

New York City

Chamber of Commerce

If you have additional questions about New York City, you can always contact the city's Chamber of Commerce.

Partnership for New York City, One Battery Park Plaza, New York, NY 10004, www.pfnyc.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before shooting video in New York City?

New York City shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers financial services, media, communications, technology industries as primary production subjects. NYC experiences all four seasons. Summers are hot and humid with highs in the 80s and 90s. Winters can be brutal with temperatures in the 20s and 30s, plus snow and wind. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons. Annual precipitation is about 50 inches.

Where should my crew stay in New York City?

How do I get from the airport to my shoot in New York City?

The primary airport is John F. Kennedy International Airport / LaGuardia Airport / Newark Liberty International Airport. JFK to Midtown Manhattan takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic. LaGuardia is closer at 30-60 minutes. Newark is 40-60 minutes via the NJ Turnpike. The city’s five boroughs can take significant time to traverse during rush hour. Always plan extra time for NYC traffic.

What is the weather like for shooting in New York City?

How do I book a video crew in New York City?

Assignment Desk provides professional video production crews in New York City, NY. Call 312-464-8600 or visit our booking form at assignmentdesk.com/hire-a-crew. Our staff Directors of Photography come equipped with full camera, lighting, and audio packages.

Read about recent productions shot in New York City. Browse Production Stories →