As the largest arts service organization in New York City, Fractured Atlas represents over 2,000 filmmakers and photographers in the five boroughs. Since the proposed rule changes were announced, we have witnessed more acute distress amongst our membership than on any other public policy issue in our nine-year history.
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Re: Chapter 9, Title 43 of the City Rules of New York Film Permits

Dear Ms. Cho:

I am writing to express my concern about the proposed new rules on film permits (Chapter 9, Title 43 of the City Rules of New York) currently under consideration. While there is unquestionably a need to regulate filmmaking and photography in public places, the thresholds outlined in Sections 901(b)(1)(ii) and (iii) are unreasonably low and would impact countless independent artists whose activities I suspect the City does not intend to restrict.

As the largest arts service organization in New York City, Fractured Atlas represents over 2,000 filmmakers and photographers in the five boroughs. Since the proposed rule changes were announced, we have witnessed more acute distress amongst our membership than on any other public policy issue in our nine-year history. Such concern among these independent artists is justifiable. The new rules, if enacted, threaten to burden their daily work with substantial additional costs as well as an imposing amount of red tape. The net result would inevitably be a meaningful reduction in their creative output.

Independent filmmakers and photographers like those in our membership are constrained by tiny budgets and typically get by without any fancy or expensive equipment. Instead of trucks and cranes, they use hand held cameras manned by 2-3 person crews. It would be extremely unusual for such equipment or activities to cause any kind of safety hazard or traffic impediment, which I assume is the city’s primary concern.

As I’m sure you know, the arts and creative industries make an enormous contribution to the city’s economy, not to mention its cultural and social vitality. To ensure that the city retains its role as the cultural capital of the world, it is vital that we work together to make it as hospitable an environment as possible for creative professionals. I urge you to consider modifying the proposed rule changes on film permits so as to help keep New York City a fertile ground for filmmaking, photography, and all of the arts.

Sincerely,
Adam Forest Huttler
Executive Director
WWW. FRACTUREDATLAS. ORG