Below is an ever-expanding listing of the most commonly asked questions.
Q: Who runs the Syracuse Film Office?
A: The Syracuse Film Office is an independent 501c3 grown out of a strategic partnership with the Syracuse International Film Festival. Currently the Film Office operates through funding provided by the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County, the Syracuse MDA, and the Syracuse CVB. The office currently carries no employees. The office's director, Dennis Brogan, operates the Film Office as part of his duties as the current Film Coordinator for the City of Syracuse. The rest of the staff is made up of local producers and crew members who serve in a consultant capacity.
Q: Why does the SYRFILMOFFICE choose to only staff through consultant positions?
A: The Syracuse Film Office feels that the best way to run a film office is by having the office run by those who acutally work in the field. Our staff is active within the production scene in our operating area and as such are able to provide the very best assistance to your production. Even better is that our staff members are able to freelance with any productions shooting in the area. What does that mean for you? It means you can hire one of our consultants onto your production for, hands down, the best talent available in this area. We challenge you to find a better deal out there!
Q: So I can hire your staff members? Wouldn't I have them for less than full time?
A: Yes to the first question, no to the second. We encourage you to approach of staff for opportunities on your production and we promise that you won't need to worry about competing for time. During the time of your production, that consultant is relieved of all responsibilities with the office allowing them to devote full attention to your production.
Q: I don't want to hire a specific consultant. Does the office have any pay-for-service options?
A: Yes. The Film Office has a few ala-carte service options available to your production. You may check our "What We Offer" Page to see what services with offer and the approximate costs.
Q: Do I need a permit for my production?
A: That depends. If you are shooting on private property it is up to the property owner to decide what is required to shoot on their premises. Examples of private property are businesses, most parking lots/garages, private schools(LeMoyne, SU, etc.), restaurants, etc. If you are shooting on public property(streets, sidewalks, public buildings, etc.) you require a permit from an authorized government agency.
Q: How do I secure a permit?
A: The first place to start is our Forms and Permitting Page. From there you can either download a permit form or fill the permit out online! It's that easy. We work closely with many of the regional agencies to take the guesswork out of permitting. One stop and your done.
Q: Who currently accepts a SYRFILMOFFICE Permit?
A: Currently the following muncipalies/agencies honor our permit as it stands:
We are continually communicating with other municipalities in an effort to bring our permit process to them. If you would like your municipality to join the SYRFILMOFFICE permit process, we can be reached at info@syrfilmoffice.com and would love to speak about the benefits of the SYRFILMOFFICE managing your entertainment permitting processes.
Q: What if the location I would like to shoot at is not currently accepting your permit!?
A: No Problem! We should still be your number one stop. We will be more than happy assisting you with communicating with the municipality or agency you are trying to reach. Sometimes it helps when things go through an official channel.