New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

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Film, TV industry booming in New York City

File photo by Jonathan Tan

 

The growth of New York City’s film and television industry has accelerated over the last decade.

Last year, 267 films were shot in New York City, a major increase from the 188 a year before. A record 27 television series are expected to be filmed in the city this season, according to the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.

Tisch film and television professor David Irving said the expansion of the industry is due to the New York state film tax credit, which was recently extended until 2019 and encourages film and television production in the city.

“The current, and well-funded, New York state tax credit would tempt any production to shoot in New York,” Irving said.

Stern professor William Greene, who teaches a course on the economics of the entertainment and media industry, agreed that the tax credits are helpful, but said the rise in the film and television industry is due to overall industry growth and the continued appeal of New York.

“I believe filmmakers would come here anyway,” Greene said. “New York will always be the destination.”

Richard Shelgren, a producer who has worked with different forms of media from commercials to full-length films, attributed the surge to the use of technology and the Internet, as well as the general talent and hard work of those in the city.

“[Using technology to improve the industry] is already happening in other places,” Shelgren said. “New York is able to capitalize on that better.”

This use of technology and media creativity is encouraged by Mayor  Michael Bloomberg’s two new initiatives, the Cornell NYC Tech’s degree program in Connective Media and the Made in NY Media Center, which were announced Oct. 1.

“[The growing industry] fits in well with Mayor Bloomberg’s tech initiative for the city, since the world of media production is going digital,” Stern marketing professor Sunder Narayanan said.

Between 2004 and 2012, the city’s film and television industry has created 30,000 jobs, according to the Mayor’s Office. Since 2002, the industry’s direct spending has increased over $2 billion.

Tisch sophomore Melissa Garcia, studying film and television production, said the growing industry is an opportunity for more internships and the expanding industry is causing her to rethink her future plans.

“While I’ve mainly been considering Hollywood or mainstream television, I have been playing with the idea of just staying in New York City permanently and producing indie films instead,” Garcia said.

A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Oct. 3 print edition. Ann Schmidt is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].

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