The restriction of spontaneity is the enemy of creativity; even if it may be financially possible for artists with smaller budgets to obtain insurance waivers and continue to film and photograph the streets of New York, it would be a great loss for a lens of red tape and permissions to become the only one through which such a vital city may be captured.
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Dear Associate Commissioner Cho:

I am writing to express Creative Capital’s concern about the recent “film permit rules” proposed by The Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting.

As a national arts funder based in Manhattan, Creative Capital has the unique perspective of an organization that serves artists across the country, yet whose local community are the artists of New York. It is therefore deeply disheartening that leadership would diminish New York’s cultural vibrancy, through policy that would trammel, rather than nurture, the creative processes that enliven the spirit and economy of our city.

That the Mayor’s Office considers these rules to be only “codifications” of rules that already exist is no consolation. The restriction of spontaneity is the enemy of creativity; even if it may be financially possible for artists with smaller budgets to obtain insurance waivers and continue to film and photograph the streets of New York, it would be a great loss for a lens of red tape and permissions to become the only one through which such a vital city may be captured.

There is a subset of filmmakers and photographers who fall between the commercial (whose impact on public space is significant) and the recreational (who, according to your announcement, will rarely be affected by these regulations). These are the artists, activists and amateurs who do not make films exclusively for profit or entertainment but for greater social purposes. The new film permit rules would jeopardize the work of these artists.

In a financial climate that is an increasing challenge for artists wishing to live and work here, it seems incumbent on the city to work even harder to engender an environment of openness that has long been the hallmark of New York’s cultural prominence. We look forward to working with you to address these concerns and to maintain the rights and creative economy of New York’s artistic community.

Sincerely,
Ruby Lerner FOUNDING DIRECTOR / CREATIVE CAPITAL