Frank Rocco, the president of the New York chapter of the American Society of Media Photographers, alerts ASMP members and the broader photographic community to a proposed amendment to the rules that govern the issuance of permits for shooting television, film and still photographs in the City of New York. The amendment includes a $300 application fee and does not distinguish between small still shoots and more extravagant motion picture productions.
“ASMP-New York opposes the amendment and encourages everyone in the industry to attend the open hearing on June 3rd at 125 Worth Street, 2nd Floor, at 2:00 PM,” Rocco wrote in an email. Advertising Photographers of America, Editorial Photographers and the National Press Photographers Association joined ASMP in opposition.
APA, ASMP, EP and NPPA have jointly prepared a statement to be read at the hearing. However, Rocco stresses that presence of the photographic community is essential: “Bring your assistants, photo directors and everyone who cares.”
The proposed $300 permit fee can be waived if the applicant can show hardship, which requires proof. ASMP also characterizes the proposed process as tedious and unreliable. The organization hopes that the NY Mayor’s Office will distinguish between large-scale productions that stop traffic and a photographer with a couple of assistants.