Are film permits being issued, enabling lensing to go on in your jurisdiction and if so, under what circumstances and with what, if any, requirements?

In March 2020, due to the pandemic, film permit activity in New York City ceased, apart from the news media. Film permit activity resumed in June of that year with restrictions on cast and crew filming on public property capped at 10 people, then 100 in September; the cap ultimately lifted in February of this year. In light of increased vaccination rates, New York State recently updated COVID protocols for media production. For more information about ongoing restrictions, including maintaining a COVID safety plan, limitations on locations, and more, please visit our website’s Filming Permits page.

Within your jurisdiction/territories, are any regions/areas in particular more conducive to filming in light of the pandemic? How have those areas made themselves more able to safely host lensing?

Since the State reopened media production in New York City last June, our office has worked tirelessly to land productions on locations throughout the five boroughs.

How have your procedures, modus operandi, process and responsibilities changed in light of the pandemic?

Are certain kinds of productions generally more feasible during this time? Commercials and shorter duration projects, for example.While we have always worked closely with the New York State Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development, throughout the pandemic, we have had greater interaction with their parent agency, the Empire State Development Corporation, and the NYS Department of Health which issued specific health and reopening guidance for media production. The staff of our Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting had to adjust to doing its office work remotely and maintaining COVID safety protocols during its field work. Given the speed and pace of changing regulations we also had to increase our communications to the industry with a weekly update from the Commissioner.

Are certain kinds of productions generally more feasible during this time? Commercials and shorter duration projects, for example.

Thanks to the ongoing work of our Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting, we’ve been able to accommodate productions ranging in scale from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to television series and small films and commercials. While restrictions on location filming were in place, smaller productions were more feasible, with larger productions availing themselves of our city’s strong infrastructure of soundstages. At this point, we are averaging 35 television series on the ground, which is where we were prior to the pandemic.

What advice or guidance have you to offer to the production community at large during these challenging times?

The production community has done a tremendous job of collaborating at every level—studios, unions, community, and government relations—to ensure a strong return of jobs and production during this challenging time. That has allowed production to be a real bright spot during the pandemic, and a leader in getting back online as we open the city.

What’s your biggest takeaway or lessons learned from your experience dealing with production during the COVID-19 pandemic?

As a former production person, I know that the industry is grounded in logistical planning. The pandemic showed that we have some of the most brilliant logistical minds in New York City both within industry and among our city agency partners. I am so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together thus far in the reopening.

Are film permits being issued, enabling lensing to go on in your jurisdiction and if so, under what circumstances and with what, if any, requirements?

Yes, we are accepting film permits at this time. You can register your project and get started here: https://cherokee.film/get-started/`

Within your jurisdiction/territories, are any regions/areas in particular more conducive to filming in light of the pandemic? How have those areas made themselves more able to safely host lensing?

Our state guidelines are here: https://oklahoma.gov/covid19/covid-19-alert-system/public-health-advisory.html . We follow masking protocols which are no longer required by Oklahoma but private businesses can require them at their discretion. We no longer have a limit on the number of people gathered outside as well. The Cherokee Nation follows CDC guidelines within our businesses and other facilities. We also offer testing sites and vaccinations as well.

How have your procedures, modus operandi, process and responsibilities changed in light of the pandemic?

Our process became very different throughout the pandemic. We worked remotely with productions to connect them with locations to quarantine before filming, local crew, and talent, as well as partnering with the Oklahoma Film + Music Office to help any productions that were shut down in other states.

Are certain kinds of productions generally more feasible during this time? Commercials and shorter duration projects, for example.

The Cherokee Nation, and the state of Oklahoma, saw smaller productions and commercials throughout the pandemic. But that being said there is a major feature film as well as a network television show filming within or right next to the borders of the Cherokee Nation. So we are open to any kind of production now.

What advice or guidance have you to offer to the production community at large during these challenging times?

The policies of our state apply to our jurisdiction so we don’t have any additional policies.

Are film permits being issued, enabling lensing to go on in your jurisdiction and if so, under what circumstances and with what, if any, requirements?

Atlantic City’s Free Permits have been issued since July 3, 2020 with no challenges. Requires specific locations and COI submitted together.

Within your jurisdiction/territories, are any regions/areas in particular more conducive to filming in light of the pandemic? How have those areas made themselves more able to safely host lensing?

All of Atlantic City has had no challenges when it comes to Film. There are safety precautions mandated by the State of New Jersey that everyone has to follow. We monitor the Governor’s weekly live meetings and posts to ensure all protocols are in place. Many of our Location Managers are now COVID Safety Officers.

How have your procedures, modus operandi, process and responsibilities changed in light of the pandemic?

The safety changes mandated by the State of NJ are followed until the Governor lifts the restrictions and most will not be permanent.

Are certain kinds of productions generally more feasible during this time? Commercials and shorter duration projects, for example.

All are welcome

What advice or guidance have you to offer to the production community at large during these challenging times?

Please always contact the Film Commission when considering Atlantic City as we are your voice in our City.

What’s your biggest takeaway or lessons learned from your experience dealing with production during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Having a COVID safety officer on set offers another layer of protection for all - and keeping your website and contact information relevant.

Are film permits being issued, enabling lensing to go on in your jurisdiction and if so, under what circumstances and with what, if any, requirements?

The Illinois Film Office does not issue film permits; our focus is delivering the 30% Illinois Film Production Tax Credit Program, and leveraging our state’s resources to attract film projects and grow film production infrastructure in Illinois. Film permitting is handled at the local level – and our Office coordinates with local officials to support new and returning film projects in gaining all requisite approvals to do business here.

Within your jurisdiction/territories, are any regions/areas in particular more conducive to filming in light of the pandemic? How have those areas made themselves more able to safely host lensing?

Illinois is open for business, and has worked hard over the past year to implement public health protections to keep communities safe and support a robust return of the film industry. On June 22, 2020, Governor JB Pritzker and our public health officials released business reopening guidance for film and a number of other industries through the Restore Illinois program to support a safe return of workers. Working with public health officials and business representatives, guidelines were developed to keep workers and customers safe as the economy recovers. Today, more than 2,000 film workers have returned to set throughout Illinois.
Since that time, film production in Illinois has bounced back to pre-production levels – with new and returning projects underway in the City of Chicago and in locations statewide. In the first quarter, production reached pre-pandemic levels in Illinois, and has since surpassed 2019 film production levels. This includes a return of iconic shows and movies, including NBCUniversal’s “One Chicago” shows, multiple TV pilots, the latest installment of Batman and a Disney holiday film. Several exciting new productions from HBO, Amazon, Apple, and Netflix are scheduled for summer and fall 2021.

How have your procedures, modus operandi, process and responsibilities changed in light of the pandemic?

Everything has changed since the pandemic, with safety guidelines instituted through the Restore Illinois plan, informed by the latest health data, are making it possible for film studios to do what they do while protecting the safety of crews. Film industry guidelines, created with input from industry and labor, require crews to be tested regularly, enhanced cleaning and other procedures seen on sets across the country these days. Here in Illinois, our diligence on COVID-19 safety is paying off, with the state on track to reaching a full reopening – Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan – in the coming weeks.

Are certain kinds of productions generally more feasible during this time? Commercials and shorter duration projects, for example.

Production of all types have returned to Illinois. Since Season 4 of Fargo returned to production in August of 2020, Illinois has been home to TV series, features, TV pilots, and commercials.

What advice or guidance have you to offer to the production community at large during these challenging times?

As most productions are aware, you must budget for a COVID-19 safety team and adhere to the protocols established by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Film Industry as a whole. Our continued vigilance on safety is what will allow the industry to continue thriving here in Illinois.

What’s your biggest takeaway or lessons learned from your experience dealing with production during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Working together with industry stakeholders we were able to bring film production safely. The collaboration between government and the industry has led to a safer production environment, something we could not have done without industry feedback and support.

Are film permits being issued, enabling lensing to go on in your jurisdiction and if so, under what circumstances and with what, if any, requirements?

Local cities and counties throughout Utah are currently accepting film permit applications. Film permitting agencies across the state may require a production company’s COVID-19 guidelines to be implemented for cast, crew and general public safety and shared with the local health department for approval. Currently, Utah’s National Parks and State Parks are open with some restrictions in place. Any filming requests in these areas will be considered on a case by case/park by park basis. For other federal lands in Utah, please check the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management before filming in these areas. Visit https://film.utah.gov/covid-19-updates/ to view our recommendations for healthy & safe productions.

Within your jurisdiction/territories, are any regions/areas in particular more conducive to filming in light of the pandemic? How have those areas made themselves more able to safely host lensing?

Currently, Utah’s National Parks and State Parks are open with some restrictions in place. Any filming requests in these areas will be considered on a case by case/park by park basis. For other federal lands in Utah, please check the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management before filming in these areas. Private residences and businesses allow filming on their own determination as long as the guidelines set forth by the state and local health departments are adhered to by the production. Check the Film Locations Database at https://film.utah.gov/locations/ for more information about available filming locations across the state.

How have your procedures, modus operandi, process and responsibilities changed in light of the pandemic?

The Utah Film Commission has remained available to respond to all requests for information about filming in Utah since the beginning of the pandemic. We continue to work with productions to advise on best practices while filming in Utah during the pandemic in accordance with state, local and industry guidelines.

Are certain kinds of productions generally more feasible during this time? Commercials and shorter duration projects, for example.

Utah has received an increase of inquiries during the pandemic with a significant amount being commercial-related. Commercial productions are specifically seeking out Utah as a filming location since Utah offers productions unique outdoor locations across the state from desert lands to mountain grandeur that allow for social distancing, a drivable location from Los Angeles that eliminates the need for air travel, and a lower rate of COVID-19 cases in comparison to other states.

What advice or guidance have you to offer to the production community at large during these challenging times?

Film production remains a reliable economic driver and the Utah Film Commission continues to adapt our resources to meet the challenges brought on by the pandemic. This includes moving workforce development online, providing virtual location scouts, and consultation to productions that are navigating filming restrictions. These tactics will allow us to continue providing services to the film industry.

What’s your biggest takeaway or lessons learned from your experience dealing with production during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our industry is constantly reinventing itself and this past year really challenged all of us to rethink how we do things. Nonetheless, we continue to be inspired by the Utah film industry’s creativity, innovation and dedication to keep our film sets and crews safe during the pandemic.