NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment

NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment
Name	NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment
Formed	2011
Predecessor	Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting
Jurisdiction	New York City
Headquarters	Manhattan
Chief1 name	Anne del Castillo
Chief1 position	Commissioner
Parent agency	Office of the Mayor of New York City

Contents

NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment is a municipal agency in New York City charged with advancing film, television, digital media, advertising, theater, music, publishing, and related creative industries. The office administers permitting, tax incentives, workforce programs, and location services to attract productions by companies such as Netflix, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, Amazon Studios, and Disney. It works with cultural institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Center, and Brooklyn Academy of Music to support productions and events across the five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.

History

The agency originated from the Mayor of New York City's earlier offices for film and broadcasting and was formalized during the administration of Michael Bloomberg to consolidate support for media sectors that include companies like NBCUniversal, CBS, ABC, HBO, and Showtime. Throughout its development it has interacted with economic development bodies such as Economic Development Corporation (New York City), labor organizations including the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, and unions like the American Federation of Musicians. Major milestones include facilitating location shoots for films such as The Avengers (2012 film), The Wolf of Wall Street, and series like Law & Order (franchise), while coordinating responses to events including the COVID-19 pandemic and policy initiatives promoted by mayors including Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams.

The office is led by a Commissioner appointed by the Mayor of New York City and reports to the New York City Office of the Mayor. Commissioners have included figures with ties to production and policy networks connecting to Film Independent, Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, and institutions such as Columbia University and New York University. Leadership often liaises with state-level entities like the New York State Governor's office and the New York State Film Commission while coordinating with municipal agencies including the New York Police Department, New York City Department of Transportation, and New York City Fire Department for location permits, public safety, and logistical support.

The office administers programs such as tax credit outreach tied to the New York State Film Production Tax Credit, workforce training programs aligned with Film Independent's Filmmaker Labs and unions including IATSE, internship pipelines with academic partners like The Juilliard School and School of Visual Arts, and grants for community media organizations such as BRIC Arts Media. Initiatives have included location scouting services working with productions by Sony Pictures, Lionsgate, and MGM Studios, green production guidelines influenced by organizations like Sustainable Production Alliance, and safety protocols developed with public health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The office tracks and promotes economic activity involving studios, production companies, and post-production houses including Technicolor, Deluxe Entertainment Services Group, and independent companies clustered in neighborhoods like Gowanus and Long Island City. It coordinates incentive programs that affect employment among crews represented by IATSE, Teamsters, and Local 802 AFM, supports small businesses including caterers and vendors used by productions, and partners with tourism stakeholders such as NYC & Company to leverage film-induced visits to landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World). Economic analyses reference metrics produced by entities like the New York State Department of Labor and academic centers at CUNY and NYU Wagner.

The office manages location permits, street and sidewalk closures, and coordination with agencies including the New York City Department of Buildings, Department of Transportation (New York City), NYPD, FDNY, and the Landmarks Preservation Commission for shoots near protected sites like the Flatiron Building and Grand Central Terminal. It enforces compliance with labor standards embodied by laws such as the New York State Labor Law, and collaborates with regulatory bodies including the Office of Film and Tax Incentives (New York State) and municipal permitting units to process applications from entities such as HBO Max and Paramount Global.

Outreach programs emphasize inclusion with partnerships involving organizations like Black Public Media, Asian American Arts Alliance, Hispanic Federation, and educational institutions including Borough of Manhattan Community College and LaGuardia Community College. Initiatives include diversity targets for crews, support for women and minority-owned production companies, and fellowships comparable to those from Film Society of Lincoln Center and Tribeca Film Institute. The office engages in public events and festivals including Tribeca Film Festival, New York Film Festival, and AfroPunk Festival to promote access and pipelines for creators from underrepresented communities.

Category:Film organizations based in the United States Category:Culture of New York City