TV Production in NYC Breaks New Record

NEW YORK: A record 52 episodic TV series were filmed in New York City during the 2015-16 television season, according to new data from the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.

The number of episodic series is up yet again, at 15-percent above last season’s record-setting year (the number of series went from 29 in the 2013-14 season to 46 in 2014-15). According to Julie Menin, the commissioner for the Office of Media and Entertainment, the surging growth in TV production is driven by the proliferation of networks and platforms commissioning scripted content, which now includes streaming services like Netflix and Amazon.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio commented: “The TV industry is rapidly expanding to new platforms and audiences, and NYC is keeping pace. With a record 52 series filmed in our five boroughs this season, New Yorkers have felt the positive impact of the industry through billions of dollars to local businesses and thousands of good paying jobs, full-time jobs.”

“We are thrilled that New York City has seen yet another increase in the number of scripted series,” said Commissioner Menin. “New York City is in a league of its own in terms of its iconic locations, its leading and diverse talent, and the first-rate service we provide to the productions that film here. As the spike in production continues, we will be working to ensure that the economic benefits of filming flow not just to a few neighborhoods, but to communities throughout our five boroughs.”

The total number of network pilots has declined, perhaps because many have moved away from the traditional pilot commissioning process. Even still, 15 pilots (including network, cable and digital) were filmed in New York City, in addition to the 52 episodic series. Among the shows filmed in NYC are Orange is the New Black, Mr. Robot and The Americans. HBO’s Homeland and ABC’s Quantico both recently announced they will relocate to film their upcoming seasons here.

New York City’s filmed entertainment industry contributes nearly $9 billion to the local economy. Over the past four years, full-time equivalent jobs in the city’s filmed entertainment business have grown 10 percent, from 94,000 to 104,000.