Filming

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation works under the New York State Governor's Office of Motion Picture and Television Development, and requires separate filming/photography permits from the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theater, and Broadcasting.    

Popular Locations

Roosevelt Island offers many distinct locations to film.

The Roosevelt Island Tramway

The Roosevelt Island Tramway has hosted hundreds of film shoots of all sizes and scopes. Here are the general guidelines for filming on the Tram:

  • Filming on the Tram may be permitted on weekdays ONLY between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., or between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. We do not permit filming on weekends or during “rush hour” times.
  • Exclusive Use vs. Non-Exclusive Use- Exclusive use of a Tram cabin allows the production flexibility to control Tram cabin speed and direction. This includes the ability to stop the cabin for a shot or reverse. RIOC reserves the right to determine if an Exclusive Use permit will be required.

Motorgate

The Motorgate Parking Deck is conveniently located right next to the Roosevelt Island Bridge, which connects the island to Queens. The top floor is open and offers views of both Manhattan and Queens.

Individual rows or entire sections of the garage can be rented out for filming and photography.

Seawalls

Roosevelt Island offers spectacular views of both Manhattan and Queens.  The seawalls offer protection from vehicles and provide excellent backgrounds for walk and talks or more elaborate scenes that benefit from a dynamic background.