Filming in NYC

Check out this awesome video the Olde English guys made protesting the policy changes being considered by the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcast:



I just sent an email on behalf of DAW. Here's the full text of my letter. If you want to send a letter, too, feel free to swipe any of this that's relevant:

Dear Ms. Cho,

I am an independent filmmaker, writer and comedy producer who has been living in New York for the last nine years. As an amateur, I have yet to have the pleasure of working directly with the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting, but as my career develops I hope to. My great dream is to shoot a feature length film in New York City.

I have for the last couple of years enjoyed the extraordinary freedom that the mayor's office extends to developing artists, by shooting scenes for small scale productions in public places. There is no more inspiring city, nor any more perfect backdrop for film and photography than this one. Being able to create my work even though I don't currently have the financial resources to obtain insurance, and often, don't have the luxury of time to complete an extensive permit application process, has allowed me to grow as an artist and develop the skills necessary to become a professional filmmaker. It has also served to deepen my commitment to working in New York as my career grows.

I thoroughly understand the need for having clear guidelines that govern the way productions of various sizes operate in public spaces. However, it is equally important that those guidelines contain clear, concise language that protects the right of amateur filmmakers and photographers to create their work without permits and insurance.

Artists working at the amateur level have to be able to seize the moment. Inspiration doesn't wait for the proper permits, nor does a break in the weather or the perfect light. By fostering the creative spirit and integrity that drives artists to work long hours for no money, New York City will continue to develop generation after generation of loyal and adventurous New York filmmakers and photographers.

A city must maintain a healthy bottom-line and organized public life, but maintaining it's artistic soul is equally important. Placing additional obstacles in front of struggling artists undermines that soul. I had a nice moment on the street the other night as a friend and I filmed a short scene for an upcoming video; a neighborhood patrolman walked by and asked what we were shooting. It was a scene for a comedy show and as we explained it he laughed, and asked where and when he might get a chance to see it. Those moments are what make me happy to be a New Yorker. I would hate to have the proposed guidelines change the timber of those kinds of conversations, making New Yorkers and the police who protect us ever more suspicious of each other.

As a proud citizen of this great city and a working artist, I simply ask that as you take steps to clarify the language in this policy, that you be sure to make a very clear statement about OUR rights as artists and filmmakers.

Thank you for your time!

Carol R. Hartsell
Drink at Work Productions, LLC