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Film in Sullivan County | Bring Your Story to Life

Historic, wild and spilling over with untamed beauty, the Sullivan Catskills region offers a visionary canvas for bringing scripts to life. Just 90 minutes from New York City, the area is convenient for production, providing a variety of lodging options for cast and crew. The Catskill Film Commission is designed to support film production teams, including determining eligible tax incentives and credits.

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Why film in the Sullivan Catskills?

Just 90 minutes from New York City, the Sullivan Catskills offer a rare mix of convenience and cinematic variety. Forested ridgelines, river valleys, farmland, small-town streets, lakes, vintage motels and reinvented barns—all within a short drive of each other—give productions unmatched range.

Here, nature sets the pace and the people meet you with warm practicality. Local officials understand what crews need, neighbors lend a hand and filming remains refreshingly straightforward. Most projects require no county-level permits, making it simple to roll cameras without red tape.

A serene waterfall flows over moss-covered rocks, surrounded by lush forest and ice, creating a tranquil winter scene.

Visual Tour

Discover the Sullivan Catskills for storytelling that resonates —from riverbends and rural roads to heritage main streets and sweeping farmland.
Each location carries the region’s rhythm: grounded, creative, quietly radiant.
An outdoor gathering spot at night, featuring string lights, a rustic building, and groups of people enjoying themselves.
A cozy outdoor space with picnic tables, greenery, and string lights, featuring a bar and people walking around.
A spacious restaurant interior with wooden beams, large windows offering scenic views, and patrons enjoying meals and drinks.
A serene landscape featuring grazing cows amidst rolling hills and lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
A bar scene with a bartender serving drinks to two customers, surrounded by decorations and memorabilia in a lively atmosphere.
A charming hotel with festive lighting, featuring a classic facade and outdoor seating, surrounded by greenery and a calm street atmosphere.

Tax incentives

Filming in Sullivan County qualifies productions for robust New York State incentives, including:

  • 30% NYS post-production tax credit
  • +5% bonus for filming outside the NYC metro area
  • +10% labor bonus for designated upstate counties, including Sullivan

It’s the kind of value that lets your budget breathe and your creative vision expand.

Film permits

Most productions do not require a county-issued permit, making Sullivan County one of the easiest places in New York to film.

Exceptions may apply for elements such as:

  • Firearms or weapon props
  • Pyrotechnics
  • Significant road closures
  • Specialized safety needs

Individual towns or villages may have additional requirements and the Film Commission will help you navigate them clearly as this framework continues to evolve.

Support from the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association

Think of us as your local production partner; rooted in community, grounded in know-how and eager to help you capture the essence of this place.

We provide:

  • Connections to town officials and property owners
  • Curated recommendations for filming locations
  • Lodging options for cast and crew
  • Local catering, rentals and supply chain assistance
  • A growing roster of regional crew, talent and vendors

Whether you need a misty hayfield at sunrise or a main street that feels like time slowed down, we’ll show you exactly where to look.

Get in touch

Tell us a bit about your film project and we’ll help you find the right places, people and support to bring your story to life here in the Sullivan Catskills.

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