Film, TV productions in Westchester yielded $2 billion in economic activity, county says
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Eagle-eyed views who've spotted familiar locations on "The Crowded Room" (Apple TV+); "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans" (FX, Hulu); "The Gilded Age" (HBO); "The Girls on the Bus" (HBO); "Leave the World Behind" (Netflix); "Succession" (HBO); "Severance" (Apple TV+) and "Life and Beth" (Hulu) can thank the folks behind Westchester County Tourism & Film department.
And expect more to come.
2023: Some of your favorite award-winning shows were filmed in Westchester
Despite the pandemic and two industry strikes (Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA unions) in 2022 and 2023, film production in Westchester yielded $2 billion in economic activity, 6,796 jobs and $656 million in wages.
To celebrate, the Westchester County Tourism & Film department brought together more than 130 film production professionals and representatives from Westchester’s film locations, municipalities, and local businesses that support the sector at the Hudson River Museum April 16 to highlight Westchester’s resiliency and collaborative, film-friendly environment. Even with an increased competition from other regions vying for film business, the sector was able to contribute $1.9 million in sales tax, $950K in lodging-related revenue and over $1 million in permit and property rental fees in 2023, in addition to adding 425 tourism jobs.
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Westchester County Tourism & Film Director Natasha Caputo attributed the county's collaborative approach to aiding in that success while Westchester County Executive George Latimer said that what makes the film business work here in the area's diverse locations, film-friendly communities and a skilled and supportive network of people and businesses. "This report underscores the film industry’s vital role in driving our local economy, creating jobs and boosting tourism," he said.
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The two also added how the film industry creates a vibrant community. Case in point: the Yonkers Film & Television Production Academy, a new career and technical school opening in September that's part of a collaboration between Yonkers Public Schools and Great Point Studios.
Westchester Hotel Association President and General Manager of the Cambria Hotel in White Plains Sean Meade said: “We always go the extra mile to ensure film crews have what they need, whether to provide a unique location for filming or to offer welcome respite after a long day of production. Embracing the industry has resulted in a steady revenue stream for the hospitality sector in Westchester.”
As Michael Engler, director of "The Gilded Age," said: “It’s all about location, location, location. [Westchester has] these magnificent homes and estates which bear the unmistakable imprint of the Gilded Age. We also shoot up there because of the space — land, big parking lots, parks, and pathways. People were extremely friendly and gracious. We all love shooting in Westchester.”
Got a film tip?
See something filming by you? Send leads to JRMuchnick@gannett.com.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Westchester NY film, TV productions boost local economy
