What Is Filming on Your Block Today? Decoding Nyc's Secret Movie Code Names
By Marcus Vance
How can I verify what is filming on my block right now?
Inspect the neon parking sign stapled to your street's utility poles. Note the project name and the specific production LLC printed in the header. Search that production company name or working title across local film monitoring feeds, SAG-AFTRA casting notices, or public permit logs maintained by the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment.
Do film productions have the legal right to tow my car?
Yes, provided the crew followed proper municipal guidelines. Film companies must obtain approved permits from the city and post official tow-away warnings at least 48 hours in advance of an active shoot. If your car is parked in a permitted production zone after the posted deadline, the NYPD Movie and Television Unit coordinates towing to an adjacent neighborhood street, rather than an impound lot.
Can private security stop me from taking photos of a public street set?
No. As long as you stand on an open public sidewalk and do not cross active police barricades or interrupt production, you are legally permitted to take photographs. Production security guards may hold up umbrellas or deploy diffusers to block sightlines, but they cannot legally seize phones, force you to delete footage, or eject you from public city property.
Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.
