Due to public feedback on the issue, the New York City Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting has decided to re-write their controversial proposed film regulations.

“…MOFTB will be reviewing comments. Upon completion of this review, MOFTB will redraft the proposed rules, taking into account input and feedback it has received from interested parties, to more effectively strike the balance between public safety and the needs of filmmakers.

Among other things, the re-drafting phase will focus on meaningfully addressing concerns that sections (b)(ii) and (b)(iii) affected individuals who were not engaged in the type of activities traditionally regulated by MOFTB. These are the sections of the proposed rules that defined the conduct which triggered the requirement for a permit from MOFTB and included such considerations as the number of people involved and the duration of the activity. The redrafted proposed rules will then be published, a new 30-day comment period will be provided, and a public hearing will be held to consider the new proposal.”

I personally am thrilled to see that the MOFTB seems to be genuinely interested in resolving the issues and assisting filmmakers and photographers. It will be interesting to see what changes are made as a result of the groundswell of public feedback.