Film & Photo Shoots

We’re honored to have our Park and City captured on screen and in photos. It’s a testament to the Conservancy’s efforts that artists want to share the Park’s beauty in their work. We ask that crews of all sizes follow these rules and procedures designed to keep Central Park safe and accessible to visitors.

Photography

Visitors are welcome to take photos in Central Park using handheld equipment or a tripod, and do not need a permit. If you're bringing other equipment, want to inquire about a specific location, or have other questions, please email [email protected].

Commercial Filming and Photography

In order to film or photograph in Central Park, please submit this request form. Once you receive approval from the Conservancy, apply for an official permit with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.

Guidelines for Filming and Photography in Central Park

Please help us make Central Park easily accessible for all film productions while protecting and respecting the Park and its visitors.

Prohibited in Central Park

  • Filming in playgrounds, the Bowling Green, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary, closed landscapes, restricted areas, and all NYC Parks facilities, including all public restrooms, and visitor centers
  • Using props, lighting, or other equipment in the following areas: Sheep Meadow, East Green, Strawberry Fields, the Ramble, Hernshead, Cedar Hill, Great Lawn, North Meadow, and the North Woods
  • Tying, draping, or attaching in any way, rope, props, or equipment to trees, shrubs, fences, or benches
  • Tying or attaching anything to any architectural features or statues, sculptures, or fountains
  • Cutting, tying back, or altering shrubs, plantings, or trees in any way
  • Leaving uncovered cable when crossing any path; cable ramps must be used
  • Posting direction signs for filming locations of any kind on sculptures, trees, fences, or light poles
  • Digging and/or staking
  • Using open flames
  • Using amplified sound of any kind
  • Drones of any size or functionality
  • Tenting, popup tents, or using plastic tarps
  • Offering gifts or payments to Park employees
  • Using benches or other structures as storage areas
  • Exclusive use of any area; pedestrian traffic must be allowed through between takes

Carry In - Carry Out Policy

All materials brought in by a production company, including trash, must be removed from the Park; Park trash receptacles cannot be used to dispose of any waste. Film companies will be summoned for any trash left behind or scattered across landscapes.

Film companies are responsible for any and all damage to Park property. All areas should be left in the condition in which they were found. Any damage must be reported to the Conservancy and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment immediately.

Guidelines for Vehicle Use in Central Park

Parking is not guaranteed and is ONLY available to productions that have received permission from the Conservancy’s Film and Special Events staff. Parking is granted on a first come, first served basis.

Vehicle Use is Restricted as Follows

Production vehicles are allowed ONLY on Center Road (commonly known as Dead Road) with advance approval.

  • Parks Enforcement and NYPD will summons all vehicles without permits
  • No personal vehicles are allowed in the Park
  • Drivers must adhere to the speed limit of 15 mph on Central Park drives
  • Vehicles are only allowed on Park drives following the correct direction of traffic
  • No vehicles are allowed on the bridle paths
  • Vehicles cannot stop on Park drives at any time
  • Vehicles must not block paths
  • Stopped vehicles must turn off their engines (no idling)
  • Pedestrian paths and closed drives cannot be used as shortcuts
  • Trucks and oversized vehicles must receive special permission to park in Central Park

Center Road (Commonly known as Dead Road)

All vehicles on Center Road must be pre-approved by the Conservancy’s Film and Special Events staff. Center Road is heavily used and cannot be exclusively utilized for production parking. All vehicles must be parked on one side in a single file row. Vehicles or production equipment cannot block walkways. Exposed cables must be covered with cable ramps.