The PSA, released by Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s Office of Media and Entertainment, features a group of famous New Yorkers including Spike Lee, Amy Schumer, John Krasinski, Natasha Lyonne, Darren Aronofsky and Celine Song, and promotes New York City as an ideal destination for film production.
“We are eliminating red tape and making it the easiest place to film in the country,” Media and Entertainment Secretary Rafael Espinal said in a social media clip introducing the PSA.
“People tend to look down on New York because they think it’s too expensive or it’s impossible to film here,” Schumer said in the PSA. “And we’re finding it’s easier than ever to shoot in New York because of the tax breaks here.”
Lee added, “I remember there was a time when a lot of stuff was shot in Toronto, but now it’s not New York. It saved me a few cents. I don’t even need to know it was shot in Toronto. But something feels different.”
“What happens when you’re shooting in New York is really magical,” says Lyonne. “There’s nothing like shooting in New York at night. Everything sparkles. ‘After Hours,’ ‘Taxi Driver,’ ‘Midnight Cowboy,’ it’s Manhattan.”
Krasinski proved that filming within the city was easy. “Working with the film offices and city officials here in New York is a dream come true because I think everyone understands how special it is to film in New York,” said Lee. “Whether it’s a student film or a big-name film, they’re going to do everything they can to help you make your film.”
At the end of the video, Schumer says, “New York is a place that caters to whatever you’re looking for, whatever story you’re trying to tell. One of the things you learn as a filmmaker is that every frame should have a purpose. It should be part of telling your story. And whatever that story is, whatever atmosphere you’re looking for, New York has it for you.”
Check out a preview of the PSA below. The entire video can be viewed on the New York City Department of Media and Entertainment website.
