Westchester County attracts film and television productions of all sizes thanks to its diverse locations, proximity to New York City, and strong local support network. Whether you manage a municipality, business, cultural institution, or private property, being film-friendly starts with preparation and clear communication.
Why Be Film-Friendly?
Film and television productions bring real economic activity — hiring local vendors, filling hotel rooms, patronizing restaurants, and often returning for future projects.
Being film-friendly can help you:
- Attract film and television shoots
- Generate location fee revenue
- Support local economic activity
- Increase visibility for your property or business
- Build long-term relationships with the industry
- Position your community as welcoming and professional
What Productions Need from a Location
Film crews value locations that are organized, communicative, and realistic about logistics.
Strong filming partners typically provide:
- A clear point of contact
- Accurate information about the property and amenities
- Defined fees, rules and restrictions
- Flexiblity for scheduling changes
- Access details, parking information, and site logistics
- Coordination with local departments or stakeholders when needed
- Professional support before, during, and after filming
Permitting: The Basics
Every filming request is different and permitting requirements depend on the location and jurisdiction. In general:
- Westchester County Tourism & Film manages filming and related activity (such as basecamps and crew parking) on county-owned property
- Municipalities handle permitting for local roads, parks, and municipal and private property
- State, regional and federal agencies handle permitting for locations under their jurisdiction
- Contact the County Film Office or use our interactive map to verify what agency has permitting authority for specific film locations.
- Productions are encouraged to begin with a Letter of Intent so we can help guide the process
Prepare Your Property or Municipality
Use this checklist to help make your location production-ready:
- Identify what areas are available for filming
- Document parking, access points, power availability, and restrooms
- Note any restrictions, preservation rules, or operational limitations
- Determine who approves filming requests and scheduling
- Assign one primary contact person
- Clarify fees, hours, sound limitations, occupancy rules, and public access concerns
- Prepare staff, volunteers, or tenants for potential filming activity
- Consider nearby amenities such as hotels, restaurants, and staging areas
- Understand insurance requirements
- Identify any parking, traffic, police, or health approvals needed
If You Are a Municipality
Clear communication and consistency make municipalities easier for productions to navigate. Film-friendly municipalities prepare in advance:
- Identifying permit contacts
- Coordinating with police, parking, public works, parks, and other relevant departments
- Establishing clear filming guidelines and fee structures
- Communicating early with residents or nearby businesses if needed
- Creating a streamlined review process when possible
Support the Production on Shoot Day
The best filming experiences come from proactive coordination and communication.
Helpful practices include:
- Keeping your point of contact available throughout the day
- Confirming parking and load-in procedures ahead of time
- Sharing restrictions before crews arrive
- Addressing issues quickly and professionally
- Communicating with neighbors or stakeholders if filming impacts the area
- Helping crews understand site-specific rules and expectations
After the Production Wraps
A successful filming experience can lead to repeat business and future referrals.
After filming:
- Ask for feedback about the experience
- Review what worked well internally
- Update your processes based on lessons learned
- Keep your location information current
- Share approved production involvement on your website or social media if appropriate
Ready to Get Started?
Westchester County Tourism & Film helps municipalities, businesses, and property owners navigate the filming process — from first inquiry to a successful shoot.
Whether you’re exploring your first opportunity or looking to be better prepared for the next one, the Film Office can help. Check out the resources below.
Need help? Contact us.
Photo captions:
"Your Friends & Neighbors" (Apple TV+) filmed at Aurora Restaurant in Rye. Photo courtesy of Apple.
"Severance" (Apple TV+) filmed in Usonia, Pleasantville. Photo courtesy of Apple.
Tracy Morgan filmed a scene from "The Fall & Rise of Reggie Dinkins" (Peacock) at Carmine's Deli, owned by Robert Venuti. Photo courtesy of Robert Venuti.
