Entertainment Industry Brings $8.7 Billion into New York City Economy
Mayor Bill de Blasio, Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen, and Media & Entertainment Commissioner Cynthia Lopez today announced that New York City's filmed entertainment industry now contributes $8.7 billion to the local economy, an increase of more than 1.5 billion, or 21 percent, since 2011. Full-time equivalent jobs in the city's industry have grown 10 percent, from 94,000 to 104,000 over the last four years, according to an independent study conducted by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) that details the growth and economic impact of New York City's media and entertainment industries. According to BCG's report, New York City is one of only three cities in the world with a filming community large enough to enable a production to be made without needing any roles to be brought in from other locations, including cast, crew members, and the creative team. Additionally, a rich real-life history, iconic locations, diverse storytellers and top talent are among the reasons productions choose to film in New York City.
Photo Flash: Tony Kushner, Jessica Hecht, Ming Cho Lee and More at TCG's 2013 Gala
On Monday, May 13 Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for Theatre honored Ruth and Stephen Hendel and Ming Cho Lee at their Gala Evening. The evening was held at the Angel Orensanz Foundation (172 Norfolk Street) in New York City, cocktails started at 6pm and dinner started at 7pm. Jessica Hecht was the emcee of the evening; the Gala co-chairs were playwright Lydia R. Diamond and interior designer Jasmine M. Keller. The Gala honorary chairs were Anne Kaufman, Obie award-winning director; Nelle Nugent, Broadway producer; Judith O. Rubin, chairman of the board of Playwrights Horizons; and Liz Smith, gossip columnist. The event hosted 200 guests and surpassed its financial goal. Scroll down for photos from the gala!
Mayor Bloomberg Opens New Soundstages, Announces Programs To Help New Yorkers Get Jobs In Entertainment
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Media & Entertainment Commissioner Katherine Oliver today joined Steiner Studios Chairman Douglas C. Steiner to open five new soundstages at Steiner Studios in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The new stages, totaling 45,000 square feet, will provide new and expanded opportunities for New Yorkers who work in the film, television and commercial production industry. The Mayor also launched initiatives designed to support and grow the industry, including new grants for training programs that prepare New Yorkers for careers in production and digital fields; a new entertainment component to the City's mini-MBA partnership with NYU's Stern School of Business; and a request for proposals for a "Made in NY" Media Center, which would provide media companies with affordable work space and other services. Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Oliver were joined at Steiner Studios by Boardwalk Empire actress Gretchen Mol and the show's writers; Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn; Seth Pinsky, President of the Economic Development Corporation; Robert W. Walsh, Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services; Alan Fishman, Chairman of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation; and Council Member Domenic M. Recchia, Jr.