City of Stamford film permit book plan

FILMSTAMFORD PERMIT BOOK CITY OF STAMFORD DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Photo by [@stamfordatnight]

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CITY OF STAMFORD presents \"STAMFORD FILM PERMIT BOOK\" featuring STAMFORD LOCATIONS produced by DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT executive producer THOMAS MADDEN production coordinator JOSHUA CAM editor in chief DARLINE FLEURIMOND managing editor SARA MOLINA editor JESONT HOLLEY art director ADDIE JOSEPH III

Stamford Film Permit BOOk CITY OF STAMFORD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IV

TABLE OF CONTENTS 03 Welcome to Stamford 05 Tax Incentives 06 permits 09 Film insurance 11 finding a location 21 neighborhood association 22 Hiring city personnel 23 submit permit application 25 Production services 27 vendors 30 for residents FAQ 31 directory 32 map V

ACKNOWLEDGMENT Recognition shall be given to the “City of Stamford” in the credits of any film, motion picture filming which utilizes City lands or resources. VI

WELCOME TO STAMFORD Stamford is a vibrant, dynamic, decorated, and diverse city with over 150 restaurants, six large hotels, and 18 movie screens spread around the city. There are over 40 parks and recreational areas in Stamford, several of which have access to Long Island Sound. Marinas, tennis courts, softball fields, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, ice rinks, picnic spots, fishing, and other amenities. Reservation Road, Random House Films/Focus Features 2007 Mill River Park, in the center of Downtown Old Dogs, Walt Disney Pictures/Tapestry Films (2009) Stamford, has transformed into the heart of recreation, hosting a variety of events throughout the year in a beautifully designed park. Stamford is often called the \"Gateway to Connecticut\" given its proximity to New York City with Metro-North express trains to Grand Central in 48 minutes. With 14 public schools and 7 magnet schools, Stamford is filled with unique neighborhoods and extensive employment opportunities that enable Stamford to maintain families and businesses. The prosperity of Stamford came from its mills, its factories, and its development as a retail hub. Members of every ethnic and racial group could be found living, working, and shopping. Filming in Stamford comes with numerous advantages and benefits such as tax incentives, access to state property with little to no cost, and a plethora of historic landmarks that serve an ageless and timeless antiquity. Stamford has served as a great location for many well-known films and productions in the past. Revolutionary Road starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet What Just Happened starring Robert De Niro, Bruce Willis, Kristen Stewart, and Stanley Tucci Reservation Road starring Mark Ruffalo and Joaquin Phoenix Rachel Getting Married starring Anne Hathaway Old Dogs starring John Travolta and Robin Williams Netflix’s The Good Nurse starring Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne Netflix’s The Noel Diary starring Bonnie Bedelia and Treat Williams 03

Sky-High Living, Harbor Point 04

TAX INCENTIVES For production companies looking to open locations or simply produce a film, filming in Stamford comes with numerous advantages and benefits such as tax incentives, access to state property with little to no cost, and a plethora of historic landmarks that serve ageless and timeless antiquity. Digital Animation Production Company Tax Credit Available to state-certified digital animation production companies that engage in digital animation production activities on an ongoing basis. Your digital animation production company must: (1) maintain studio facilities located within the state (2) employ at least 200 full-time employees within the state. Digital Media & Motion Picture Tax Credit A company may be eligible for this tax credit if it: conducts at least 50% of principal photography days within the state, expends at least 50% of post production costs within the state, or expends $1 million or more in post production costs in this state. Film Infrastructure Tax Credit An infrastructure project is defined as a capital project that provides basic buildings, facilities or installations needed for the functioning of the digital media and motion picture industry in the state. To qualify for a 20% tax credit, your production capital project must: Spend at least $3 million to provide buildings, facilities or installations needed to operate in Connecticut. Film/TV/Digital Media Tax Exemptions Certain materials and equipment purchased or leased to create audio or video productions may qualify for sales tax exemptions. This includes motion picture and video equipment, sound recording equipment and equipment used to create master copies. There’s also a 12% hotel occupancy tax that only applies to the first 30 consecutive days of filming. Occupancy beyond that period is not subject to the tax. For more information contact Ed Ruggiero, Film Tax Credit Administrator, at (860) 500-2411 or [email protected] or check out CT Portal for Film TV & Digital Media. 05

DO I NEED A PERMIT? If you are wondering what type of film production requires a permit in the City of Stamford, any project that falls into these categories, requires a permit application before the day of filming. Regardless of whether the project is low-impact or high-impact filming, the applicant must still aim towards completing a viable film permit. MUSIC/PROMO VIDEOS Any sort of film related to the conceptualization, producing, and shooting of music, and any affiliated talents. Any filming and/or video making that may serve the purpose of marketing, advertising, and promotion for any physical or digital platform that allows media related content. Any filming and/or video making that may be for entertainment purposes, and intend to be shown to an audience. INDUSTRIAL/DOCUMENTARY Filming that obstructs or impedes on the regular use of a road, building, sidewalk, park, or any public/private property. Equipment utilized exceeds three (3) cameras, the usage of autonomous cameras, set building, road blocking, large scale stabilizers (exceeding 2.5 feet), large scale gimbals (exceeding 2.5 feet). Project where multiple people are either being compensated or an individual or party are compensating any of the talent, salaried, freelance, contracting, or other film/production crew that provides a service of some type. STILL PHOTOS TV COMMERCIALS The activity takes place at a location where/when Any filming associated with the intention of members of the public are not present. The being aired or broadcasted onto any regulated activity uses models, sets, or props that are not a or non-regulated television channels for part of the location's natural or cultural resources commercial use. or administrative facilities. 06 Photo by [Peter Morenus]

ADDITIONAL PERMITS TENTS Tents on private property larger than 700 sf (per tent or combined area of multiple tents) require a Building Permit and must be at least 12 feet from any building or other structure (including other tents). Photo by [Sara Collimore] DRONES STATE OWNED PROPERTIES To fly a drone in the state of Connecticut for non- The Department of Economic and Community Development, through its Office of Film, Television and Digital Media, serves commercial use you are as a state-wide point of contact for all producers of film, required to follow the FAA’s television, and digital media productions requesting recreational model aircraft permission to use and conduct film production activities on rules. If your drone weighs state-owned property, including, but not limited to, all state more than 0.55 lbs (250g), roads and highways, railroads and train stations, state forests you’ll need to pay $5 to get it and parks, airports and seaports, hospitals and all campuses registered over here. There of the public institutions of higher education in the state, are additional rules when it except courthouses and judicial branch facilities, for such purposes. comes to airspace and altitude, keeping your drone STATE HIGHWAYS within line of sight while Special event permits are required for use of a state highway you’re flying, and more. regardless of traffic diversions. The Local Traffic Authority of any municipality shall obtain permission from the Connecticut FOR STUDENTS Department of Transportation District Office to use a state highway for a special event. Required permission must be Applicants get a waiver for requested at least ninety (90) days prior to the scheduled city-owned locations. event. The Office of the State Traffic Administration will work in cooperation with the local traffic authority and/or state Can utilize schools police to determine the necessity for alternate routes, the insurance if unable to location, and type of traffic control devices, and for uniform acquire insurance policy traffic personnel required. Permit Fee is $25 Longer time frames to contact needed personnel and residents (15 days) If you are planning a production in Stamford, make the Cashier & Permitting Office the first point of contact in order to guide you through your specific filming needs. Connecticut’s Office of Film, TV & Digital Media can also be of assistance to you with any other questions regarding filming. A film permit is NOT valid unless it is signed and filed by the representative of the applicant, a Cashiering and Permitting supervisor, the Stamford Police Department, and the Risk Manager. 07

Glaswork, 695 E Main St 08

FILM INSURANCE Here in Stamford, Public Liability Insurance is needed before applying for the Film Permit. The Liability Insurance required should be a minimum of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00). After listing the insured individuals that are involved with the production, you must also have the “City of Stamford, its Officers, Agents, and employees” as additionally insured. Original certificates of insurance must be presented before the City Representatives can sign the film permit. On the permit application, you’ll also be listing the insurance company, policy number, and the name of the agent you have chosen. INSURANCE BROKERS PLEASE NOTE: The appearance of any broker on this list does not constitute an endorsement of said broker by the City of Stamford. The listing is provided simply as a convenience for persons or organizations who do not have insurance and wish to explore the various companies geared towards the entertainment industry. Film Emporium Aon/AGR Insurance Headquarters: New York, NY Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA Address: 244 Madison Ave NY, Address: 15303 Ventura Blvd. Suite 1200 Los Angeles, CA 91403 NY 10016 (212) 683 2433 (800) 752 9157 MOVIEINSURE WRAPBOOK Headquarters: Northridge, CA Headquarters: New York, NY Address: 9036 Reseda Blvd #105, Address: 228 Park Ave S Northridge, CA 91324 #36206, New York, NY 10003 (888) 959 0772 (845) 367 9679 09

The Waterfront, Harbor Point 10

FINDING LOCATIONS You will find many places in Stamford to be suitable for possible filming sites. Stamford has had a plethora of Films and Movies filmed in the past, ranging from small-scale projects to Academy Award and Golden Globe-nominated productions. Stamford provides the right balance of big city esque life and traditional New England living. In Reservation Road, Cove Island Park, and Downtown Stamford brought to life the New England scene. Revolutionary Road used the city in hopes of achieving a true Connecticut feel for their movie, so much so that Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet took to running down the hallways of Dolan Middle School. At the same time, Stamford has been used to emulate other cities that are not easy to film in. Away We Go portrayed the city as not only Arizona but also Vancouver, Canada. Our progressively growing downtown area can easily become a bustling city, while our more traditional areas can be transformed into a rural scene or period drama. North and east of the city attractive suburban homesites are available for film purposes. Large comfortable homes, estates, and summer homes of the wealthy scatter Stamford. The duality of Stamford provides both mementos of our colonial past and glimpses of the future. From Victorian, Saltbox, and Colonial- style homes that we have preserved, to more recently built modern and contemporary homes, to our urban areas filled with ethnic enclaves, Stamford really encompasses all aspects of America and its history. To make use of these locations we highly recommend contacting neighborhood associations or property owners directly, many of which are already listed on film location databases. There are a handful of ways to pick and choose a spot if you aren’t too familiar with what we offer. The Connecticut Film Commission’s database, ReelScout, can assist you on your specific location needs. Provided are a pictures of your intended location, a brief description, as well as contact information to reach out too. If you have a location in mind that you don’t see on ReelScout, you can still reach out to the respective property and/or business owner to negotiate an agreement based on their terms. Still can’t find your location? Try utilizing Giggster. It’s been referred to as the “AirBnB” of finding locations for film production related purposes. The CT Media Film Office serves as a liaison between production companies, state angles, municipalities, production & facilities, local crew and vendors, while also administering tax incentives and permit for production in Connecticut. Send us a message using the form below or call our Film Office Project Manager at (860) 500-2318. 11

The Forbidden Walkway, Ursula Place and Courtland Circle 12

The Tracks, River Bend Dr S The Remaining Factories, The Southend Purple Bridge, West Main St 13

Dream Big, 4 Star Point 14

The Pastels, Frankin St Twin Meadows Playground, Stillmeadow Elementary School 15

Photo by [Madsen Consulting Engineering] Sports Central, Chelsa Piers (top) Bobby V's, Bobby Valentine Sports Academy (bottom) Photo by [Bobby Valentine Sports Academy] 16

Belltown, Alton Rd Newfield - Westover - Turn of River, Stanwick Place (bottom) 17

Fish Church, First Presbyterian Church Bedford St 18

Sunset at Cove, Cove Island Beach 19

The Cityscape, Downtown 20

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS NORTH STAMFORD ASSOCIATION (203) 329 2498 [email protected] EAST SIDE PARTNERSHIP (203) 554 1113 [email protected] GLENBROOK ASSOCIATION [email protected] STAMFORD DOWNTOWN (203) 348 5285 [email protected] SHIPPAN POINT ASSOCIATION [email protected] STRAWBERRY HILL ASSOCIATION [email protected] COVE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION 2(03) 324 2522 SPRINGDALE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION [email protected] HUBBARD HEIGHTS ASSOCIATION [email protected] 21

HIRING CITY PERSONNEL POLICE DEPARTMENT PARKING SERVICES To book police personnel the Stamford Police Department If a film production requires must be contacted directly either online or through the parking in any municipality or Central Hiring Office. No same-day scheduling is allowed. If state owned park of Stamford, your detail goes over a 4-hour minimum you will be assessed they must check the special in increments of 2 hours for a non-permitted job or 4 hours for parking box on the Film Permit a permitted job. City jobs will be assessed in 2 hours Application. Special Parking increments. All night jobs require a Police vehicle. Depending maybe subjected, but not limited on availability you may also order Police vehicles for day to: covering meters, private jobs. parking, trailers. If needed, the permit applicant must submit Police Officers are billed at the rate of $71.00 per hour plus a plans on their specific parking 16% Administration Fee. Supervisors are billed at the rate of intentions, the location, date and $82.00 per hour plus a 16% Administration Fee. 501C time, especially in a residential Charities are billed the same hourly rate and receive a area. The city may also impose a discounted Administrative Fee of 14% per hour. When placing an order online, the system will automatically parking fee for the permit calculate the corresponding administration fee and add it to applicant, if deemed necessary. your order total. FIRE DEPARTMENT AND EMS Must be contacted through the Director of Public Health and Safety. 22

SUBMITTING YOUR PERMIT The Film Permit Application must be submitted to Frank Fedeli, the Cashier and Permitting Chief Enforcement Officer. Fedeli may be reached at (203) 977- 4979, from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. 888 Washington Boulevard, Ground Floor, Stamford, CT 06901. Although there is a two-day (2) waiting period, it must be filled ten days (10) prior to filming. You must notify residents, business owners, police, property owners, and all others applicable prior to submitting a film permit application. The permit application costs $100 to submit, not including the location or any other charges. Cash, check, credit, Visa, and Mastercard are all accepted forms of payment and must be submitted with the application. Make checks payable to \"City of Stamford\" and include \"film permit application.\" Film Permits that are accepted are adequate for that specific project/season. Another permit must be applied for another season, sequel, prequel, or unrelated project done by the same applicant. FILM NOTICES The city of Stamford values its residents and their concerns, therefore it is crucial that residents residing nearby or within filming areas are notified prior to filming. The production company must send out a notice of filming to inhabitants of the designated areas. Crowd release forms should also be posted on the perimeter of the filming location to make passersby aware. In your letter to residents please be sure to include: blocks that will be used or possibly closed, filming schedule, duration of filming, and any other circumstances you believe residents may be concerned about. Sample crowd release and notice of filming forms will be provided at the end. The neighborhood association directory is also provided. In cases such as the Downtown area, in addition to notifying residents, restaurants and vendors must be notified. To do so, the Stamford Downtown Special Services District must be notified so they can relay the information to the downtown business sector. 23

Windows Into the Palace, Palace Theatre 24

PRODUCTION SERVICES Stamford and its surrounding areas have a great amount of talent to offer the film industry. Many of the creative individuals who have worked on movie and television productions in New York City, live in Fairfield County. “The Film Office has created job training efforts focused on digital media production,” said George Norfleet, Director, Office of Film, TV & Digital Media . “We launched Digital Media CT seven years ago. It’s a collaboration with several colleges and universities, including UCONN Stamford and other schools in Fairfield County, to prepare students for careers in digital media.” On the CT Reelscout Production Resource Directory, different crew members can be found for hire. 25

The Namesake, West Side 26

VENDORS TRANSPORTATION CHIVARLY BUDGET CAR LIMOSINES RENTAL Phone: (203) 340-9111 Phone: (203) 325-1535 Hours: 24 hr service Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm Sat-Sun: 8am-2pm USA TAXI & ALAMO RENT LIMO A CAR Phone: (203) 487-0007 Phone: (203) 425-9902 Hours: 24 hr service Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm PLEASE NOTE: The appearance of any vendor on this list does not constitute an endorsement of said vendor by the City of Stamford. 27

VENDORS HAIR SALON, MAKE UP & NAILS KATIA MAKEUP TOTALLY TIP AND BEAUTY NAIL SPA Phone: (475) 400-6829 Phone: (203) 425-9902 Hours: Mon-Sun: 7am-9pm Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm J&CO HAIR SALON Phone: (203) 388-8538 Hours: Sun-Mon: closed Tue-Fri: 9am-6pm Sat: 9am-4pm KRYSTAL INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY SALON Phone: (203) 323-4646 Hours: Sun-Mon: closed Tue-Thu: 10:30am-5:30pm Fri: 10:30am-6pm Sat: 9am-4pm Photo by [J and Co Hair Salon] PLEASE NOTE: The appearance of any vendor on this list does not constitute an endorsement of said vendor by the City of Stamford. 28

VENDORS DRY CLEANERS & RAW MATERIALS PROSPECT KARPS ACE CLEANERS HARDWARE Phone: (203) 323-4385 Phone: (203) 327-0460 Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30am-6pm Sat: 9am-4pm, Sat: 8am-5:30pm Sun: closed Sun: 9am-4pm CRESCENT CLEANERS & LAUNDERERS Phone: (203) 323-0507 Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30 am-4 pm Sat: 9am-2pm Sun: closed HOME DEPOT Phone: (203) 905-6400 Hours: Mon-Sat: 6am-10pm Sun: 8am-8pm Photo by [Michael Cummo / Hearst Connecticut Media] PLEASE NOTE: The appearance of any vendor on this list does not constitute an endorsement of said vendor by the City of Stamford. 29

FAQ FOR RESIDENTS HOW LONG ARE THEY GOING TO BE THERE? The film company should have formally addressed on their anticipated shooting dates, minimum of 10 days prior to shooting. On the same form, they will as well specify on how long they plan on being in the area. WHO DO I CALL WITH MY COMPLAINTS? Citizen's Service Center (203) 977 4140 WHY WASN'T I NOTIFIFED? The notice may have been sent to neighborhood associations or other middlemen. I DON’T WANT TO BE FILMED AT ALL. WILL I BE SEEN AT MY HOUSE? Please refer to Notice of Filming and contact production company. The production company is expected to provide contact information to the residents, businesses, and property owners of the respective area. Please report if you think those filming do not have a permit. 30

DIRECTORY Thomas Madden Frank Fedeli Director of Economic Development Cashiering & Permitting (203) 977-5168 (203) 977-5168 [email protected] [email protected] Mark Dixon Ed Ruggiero CT Office of Film, Television & CT Film Tax Credit Administrator Digital Media (860) 500 2411 (860) 500 2318 [email protected] [email protected] Kevin Murray Department of Transportation, Parks and Facilities Manager Traffic & Parking (203) 977 4606 (203) 977 4124 [email protected] Board of Education Stamford Police Department (203) 977 4105 Central Hiring Office [email protected] (203) 977 4425 31

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Contributors Created On No Animals Were Harmed in the Making of this Book COPYRIGHT © 2021 CITY OF STAMFORD, CT All Rights Reserved. The office of economic development per the city of stamford is the author and creator of this book for purposes of the berne convention and all nationals laws giving effect thereto, and the purpose of copyright law in the united states