The City of Paterson Office of Special Events looks to support film and television productions of all shapes and sizes, and we look to make each and every one of those projects a clear, seamless, and enjoyable production experience. The steps outlined below can guide you through our simple process, or if you’re looking for something specific, you can keep scrolling down and also look on the left hand navigation for specific sections. Thanks for visiting our site and good luck with your production!

Step 1:

Do I Need a Permit?

The City of Paterson Office of Special Events issues permits to productions filming on location in the City of Paterson, New Jersey and provides police assistance, parking privileges and access to most exterior locations. In 2002, the rules were published for when a production is required to have a permit and when it is not in order to help expedite filmmaking in the City.

In order for you or your organization to be eligible for a filming permit, Liability Insurance is required. A *Certificate of Insurance* must be provided to the Office of Special Events, Police and Fire Departments 48 hours in advance of your online permit application submission. (When submitting your online permit application, be sure the Company Name matches exactly the name of Insured on your insurance certificate.)

The City of Paterson Office of Special Events issues permits to productions filming on location in the City of Paterson, New Jersey and provides police assistance, parking privileges and access to most exterior locations. In 2002, the rules were published for when a production is required to have a permit and when it is not in order to help expedite filmmaking in the City.

Step 2:

Apply For A Permit?

Please download, fill out, and submit your permit as described by the City of Paterson. For your convenience, the permit download is available by clicking the following button.

Step 3:

Notify the Neighborhood

Being from the City of Paterson means playing an active role in shaping your local communities, and one way to do this is to get involved with a local community board. Productions should work with these community boards to be aware of the concerns of local residents.

Paterson, New Jersey is home to the nation’s largest, most comprehensive network of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in the country. Business Improvement Districts are a key public/ private partnership in New York City and have helped revitalize neighborhoods and catalyze economic development throughout the City. The City’s 67 BIDs annually invest over $100 million worth of programs and services in neighborhoods across the five boroughs. Learn which BID your project is shooting in with the City’s BID Directory.

When filming in a residential neighborhood or business district, proper notification is to be provided to each merchant or neighbor who is directly affected by the company (this includes parking, base camps and meal areas) at least 48 hours prior to filming. As part of our continuing efforts to balance the needs of the production industry with those of the residents of Paterson, New Jersey please use our sample resident notification letter as a template for a letter of your own. Be sure to include all of the specifics pertaining to your production as highlighted on the sample.

Additional Resources

Before doing anything, ask yourself, “Do I Need a Permit?”. A permit is no longer needed if you are using ONLY a camera and tripod, along with any handheld equipment – AND if filming activity does not involve the assertion of exclusive use of City property AND does not request parking privileges for its vehicles.

This information has been compiled for the convenience of non-U.S. based individuals and production companies wishing to shoot a film or video project in the City of Paterson, New Jersey. When applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa, there are two government agencies which you will work with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State.

Are you planning on shooting a film or television production in the City of Paterson, New Jersey? Check Paterson’s official calendar first to make sure your shoot doesn’t conflict with a parade, street fair or other City event.