Page 40 - 2024 Westchester County Economic Development Guide

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WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE
Film
Lights, Camera, Westchester!
Stunning and diverse settings, a prime location and wide-ranging resources make Westchester an enticing locale for film and TV production.
Film: A Key Economic Driver
In 2021, the film sector in Westchester County generated over $1.1 billion of economic activity, supporting 3,784 jobs and nearly $356.8 million in wages, surpassing pre- pandemic levels. In addition, the number of production days in the County rose to an all-time high of 1,288 days.
“ e film industry plays a leading role in generating investment in Westchester,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. "In addition to providing thousands of jobs for our residents, productions are using local vendors, increasing foot traffic to local stores and restaurants, hiring our talented residents, and showcasing our incredible locations to audiences around the world.”
The New Home of Lionsgate Studios
With a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment, Lionsgate feature films have grossed more than $10 billion in the last six years.
Opened in early 2022, Lionsgate Studios in Yonkers features state-of-the-art film stages, post-production facilities, screening rooms, office space and support space. At a cost of over $500 million, the one million-sf complex boasts more 20,000-sf stages on one campus than any other facility in the Northeast.
In late 2023, Great Point Studios, the owner of Lionsgate Studios in Yonkers, broke ground on its new $100 million studio campus. Its new long-term tenant is Mediapro North America.
" e opening and continued expansion of Lionsgate Studios further establishes Westchester as a major film and television production hub on the east coast," says Natasha Caputo, director, Westchester County Tourism & Film. "Our breathtaking locales, concierge service and support, and film-friendly communities bring production companies back to Westchester again and again."
An Ideal Location
Westchester offers outstanding air and ground transportation including Westchester County Airport (HPN), Metro-North Railroad with service from and to Grand Central Terminal, Amtrak, four interstate highways and several parkways.
Versatile Settings
Known for its film-friendly environment, Westchester presents a diverse array of settings, from contemporary urban areas and classic suburban landscapes to charming villages, scenic natural beauty, and artistic riverfront towns.
e mini-series e Crowded Room used Hastings-on-Hudson as one of its backdrops.
Additionally, the County boasts film-friendly facilities such as its airport, jail, and amusement park, all owned by the county.
Concierge Service to Help Bring Your Vision to Life
Westchester County Tourism & Film is your one-stop shop for concierge service that will support your TV series, video, commercial, large studio film or small independent project. We offer:
• Assistance in scouting locations
• Production planning; help navigating the
permitting process
• Contacts for your cast and crew needs
• Essential equipment rental information
• Tourism information to help plan your stay in Westchester
Recent Production Highlights
• American Horror Story: White Plains
• Only Murders in the Building: Village of Elmsford
• e Crowded Room: Hastings-on-Hudson
• e Watcher: Rye
• FBI: Most Wanted: Tarrytown, White Plains
• Feud: Capote vs. e Swans: C.V. Rich Mansion
• e Gilded Age: Tarrytown, Yonkers, White Plains
• Leave the World Behind: Katonah
• Poker Face, IBM Somers Campus
• Succession, Westchester County Airport
• Severance, Haven Studios NY, Ridge Road Park, Hartsdale
Connect with Us!
Learn about New York State’s extensive tax credits and sales tax exemptions. Contact us today at 914.995.8500 or visit visitwestchesterny.com/film
© Westchester County Tourism and Film