Oyster Bay Town Board Adopts New Law to Regulate Film Production

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, NY - The Oyster Bay Town Board recently adopted a new law to regulate film production within the Town, according to Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto.

“For years, the film industry has recognized the Town of Oyster Bay as an ideal location for filming because of its proximity to New York City and its aesthetic beauty,” Venditto said. “The new regulations accommodate the increased demand and help pave the way for more future productions, which ultimately stimulate the local economy and showcase the Town’s scenic charm.”

The Town approved the new law in order to better regulate the production process and ensure that aspects relating to logistics, locations, scheduling, public notification and public safety are all handled and documented in a detailed and efficient manner.

Under the new law, the Town Clerk serves as the license commissioner.

“When productions crews spend time in our communities, they also patronize our local businesses and, in some cases, help put them on the map,” Venditto said. “They also promote our Town by highlighting our pristine beaches, waterfront parks, Gold Coast mansions, beaches, ponds, quaint villages and awesome nature preserves. This adds to the cache, excitement and desirability of our neighborhoods.”

Some productions that have been filmed within the Town include: Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest” in 1959, “Sabrina” in 1995 with Harrison Ford, “Meet the Parents” in 2000 with Robert DeNiro and Ben Stiller and “Salt” with Angelina Jolie in 2010.

Television series filmed locally also include “Boardwalk Empire,” “The Good Wife,” “Rescue Me,” “Royal Pains,” “30 Rock,” and “Gossip Girl.”

“The Town of Oyster Bay has been like a second home to the cast and crew of Royal Pains and we have enjoyed many years of successful filming within the borders of the Town,” Royal Pains Location Manager Michael Fucci said. “We have even portrayed the façade of Oyster Bay Town Hall as the entrance to the show’s fictional Hampton’s Heritage Hospital. Over the years it has been a great partnership for us and Royal Pains, seen on the USA Network, has gone on to become one of the highest rated and longest running shows on Cable.”

“With our great locations, scenic backdrops and many other available amenities, filmmakers are invited to discover that the Town of Oyster Bay is a great place to live, work and film,” Venditto said.