New York filming locations
New York City: The Ultimate Movie Set
From the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan to the brownstones of Brooklyn, New York City has served as the backdrop for countless films and television shows, making it arguably the most filmed city in the world. The city's diverse architecture, iconic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods have created an unmatched cinematic canvas that continues to draw filmmakers from across the globe.
A Cinematic History
New York's film history dates back to the late 1800s when Thomas Edison's film company shot some of the earliest moving pictures in the city. By the 1920s, major studios like Paramount operated production facilities in Astoria, Queens, establishing New York as a crucial filmmaking hub. The city experienced a golden age of filming in the 1970s, with landmark productions like "The Godfather" (1972) and "Taxi Driver" (1976) showcasing its gritty urban landscape.
The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, established in 1966, has played a pivotal role in facilitating film production throughout the city. By 2019, the film and television industry contributed over $60 billion to New York City's economy annually.
Iconic Productions
"Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961) immortalized Fifth Avenue and the famous Tiffany & Co. store at 727 Fifth Avenue. The romantic comedy's opening scene, with Audrey Hepburn gazing into the store's window, has become one of cinema's most memorable moments.
More recently, HBO's "Girls" (2012-2017) captured contemporary life in Brooklyn, frequently filming in Greenpoint and Williamsburg. The series used authentic locations like Cafe Grumpy on Meserole Avenue, which served as the workplace of Hannah Horvath.
Famous Filming Spots
Madison Square Park has featured in numerous productions, offering filmmakers a perfect blend of urban greenery and architectural landmarks. The iconic Flatiron Building, visible from the park, appears in countless films and shows, including "Spider-Man" (2002).
Lucky Strike on Grand Street has become a popular location for both film and television productions, with its classic New York brasserie atmosphere making it instantly recognizable to viewers. The restaurant's vintage interior has appeared in various productions, including "Person of Interest."
Film Tourism Today
New York City's film industry continues to thrive, with over 80 television series and numerous films shooting throughout the five boroughs annually. The "Made in NY" Production Assistant Training Program, launched in 2006, helps local residents enter the industry, ensuring the city maintains its position as a leading production center.
Popular filming location tours draw thousands of visitors yearly, with stops at sites like Loosie Rouge in Brooklyn and Home Studios Inc. in Manhattan. The East Village's 2234 21st Street area has become particularly popular among television productions, while the stretch of East 56th Street between Sutton Place and the East River continues to attract filmmakers seeking authentic New York backdrops.
The city's film office processes approximately 15,000 filming permits annually, demonstrating New York's enduring appeal as a production destination. With its unmatched variety of locations and strong infrastructure supporting the film industry, New York City remains one of the world's premier filming destinations.
