By Lights, Cameras, Comeback: How New York Became Hollywood’s Rival
The Big Apple is not just a backdrop anymore, it’s staking its claim as a film-city powerhouse.
A big boom is happening in the streets of New York City. Where once the red-carpet and big studios mostly lived in Los Angeles, productions of all types are now rolling through New York’s five boroughs.
From movie sets lining Midtown sidewalks to sound-stages growing in Brooklyn, the city is stepping into the film-making spotlight.
New York’s Rise on the Screen
Film and TV shoots used to favour better weather and locations in California. But New York reinvented itself. In 2019 alone, the city’s film and television industry supported roughly 185,000 jobs, paid about $18.1 billion in wages and generated about $81.6 billion in total economic output. New York City Government+2New York City Government
The number of productions is climbing too. In 2020, the city issued more than 2,500 street-parking permits for filming in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. New York City Council
That growth is not random. It’s powered by competitive tax credits and a rich pool of talent and infrastructure. According to Empire State Development, New York State offers “one of the nation’s most strategic, stable and successful production and post-production tax credits.” esd.ny.gov
Why New York?
Location, location, location. New York stands in for everywhere and every era. From high-rise rooftops to subway stations, from winter snow to summer heat, it can be anything a script demands.
Infrastructure catching up. In Brooklyn, Steiner Studios, a large existing production facility, anchors the industry’s expansion.
Independents + big players. Around 85 % of the filmmaking in New York City is independent (not funded by major studios). Deepdive.nyc
That mix gives the city flexibility and creative edge.
Hollywood vs. New York
The Competition Heats Up
While Los Angeles remains a powerhouse, New York is catching up fast. One measure: the number of feature films and TV series shot in the city reached an all-time high in 2019,over 80 episodic TV series and 300 feature films. deepdive.nyc
This newcomer advantage partly comes from New York’s strong crew base and the tax credits that encourage shooting here instead of going overseas or to other states. Empire State Development notes the state is “#2 in the nation” for production jobs in film/TV. esd.ny.gov
Impact on New Yorkers
For the people of New York City, this shift means more jobs and fresh energy. With hundreds of productions a year, local talent, from lighting crews to caterers—is in demand. When productions roll in, restaurants, construction, wardrobe shops and transport services all benefit too.
But it’s not all smooth. Some residents complain about street closures, generator noise and bright lights during long shoots. New York City Council The city must balance film growth with neighbourhood life.
In economic terms: When the industry supports 185,000 jobs and $18 billion in wages (that’s nearly triple some smaller industries), the gains are real. New York City Government
“New York has become more than just a backdrop. It’s a partner in storytelling,” says Jane Morris, director of production at a mid-town studio.
Another local worker, sound-engineer Luis Perez, adds: “When a large show comes in, my bookings jump. I can do multiple days on-set and feel part of the action.”
My Opinion
With strong infrastructure, smart incentives and a vibrant talent pool, New York is no longer sitting in Hollywood’s shadow. It’s carving its own space on the screen,and behind the scenes.
For New Yorkers, that means more jobs, more stories and more of their city seen by millions. The next scene is unfolding:
Will New York claim the spotlight fully, or will the lights shift again?
Reporting by The Daily NewYorks Staff Writer.
