New rules on filming in New York City demand permits and an insurance policy for shoots that obstruct streets or public sidewalks.

The rules, which came into effect Monday, have been worked out over the last year by the administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

New York, a popular film location, has long had rules related to shooting on city streets, but the city agreed to update them formally last year after a lawsuit by documentary maker Rakesh Sharma, who was detained in 2005 while filming with a handheld camera.

The initial draft of the new rules was heavily criticized by photographers and filmmakers, as it would have required both amateur filmmakers and tourists snapping photos to get permits.

Under that proposal, any group of two or more people who were filming or taking pictures for more than 30 minutes on city property would have needed a permit and insurance.

But after the filmmaking community weighed in on the proposals, the city decided on a regime similar to the informal system that was already in place.

"We're not really trying to change anything, we're just clarifying some of the positions that have been in place and in practice for a number of years," said Katherine Oliver, commissioner of Bloomberg's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting.

The rules require permits from the city and at least $1 million US in insurance if:

• A production takes over a lane of traffic or leaves less than 2.4 metres of open width on a sidewalk.
• A production involves vehicles or uses equipment such as props, sets, lights, dolly tracks, screens and microphone devices.

Filming using hand-held devices or cameras will be allowed without a permit.

The New York Civil Liberties Union, which sued the city in federal court on Sharma's behalf, said the organization approved of the new rules.

Under the old regime with no clear rules, police and city officials often harassed artists, photographers and filmmakers, the advocacy group said.

With files from the Associated Press