Attending a news conference held March 6 were, from left, Film Producer Jonathan Filley; Law & Order Director Mike Smith, City Council Majority Leader John Rubbo; Mayor Mike Spano; Yonkers Office of Film Director Melissa Goldberg, Great Point Studios CEO Robert Halmi and City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy
Yonkers fast-growing film production industry has emerged as a dynamic economic engine generating for the city approximately $46 million in sales and nearly $12 million in earnings.
A recent report by an economic development consulting firm showed the film generating nearly $12 million in total earnings, including $8.5 in direct earnings. Production activity included 124 production days across the city. In addition, the City of Yonkers collected approximately $961,000 from film permits, location rental revenue and occupancy tax from hotel stays.
“Yonkers has firmly established itself as the premier destination for film and television in New York, and the impact on our local economy is nothing short of transformative. This is a story about the millions of dollars in economic activity that stays in our community. We are seeing a new wave of ‘location tourism’ where visitors travel from across the country to walk in the same halls they’ve seen on screen. Film in Yonkers is more than an industry — it is a vital engine for our small businesses, our cultural landmarks, and our city’s future,” said Mayor Mike Spano.
As Hollywood on Hudson, Yonkers is the premier destination for the entertainment industry and home to the largest film and TV production hub in the Northeast. Great Point Studios currently operates eight sound stages across three locations—Wells Avenue, Warburton Avenue and 1050 North Broadway—with plans to expand to 15–20 stages, along with a dedicated LED Car Stage at 134 Woodworth Avenue. The campus is also home to PHYGITALFX, a Yonkers-based media production services and equipment rental company, 100% owned by Great Point Studios, which supports film, television, broadcast and live events with comprehensive gear and technical expertise.
The film industry’s impact extends across Yonkers’ business community, with for- profit entities, nonprofit organizations, and cultural institutions all benefiting from production activity. The report noted that beyond the immediate employment of film crew and production staff, the industry creates a multiplier effect throughout the local economy. “Local restaurants benefit from increased patronage during shoots, hardware stores supply materials for set construction, transportation companies move equipment and personnel, and property owners generate rental income from location fees,” read the report.
The report noted what sets Yonkers apart is not only its physical assets, but the authentic character and civic pride that production teams tap into when they tell their stories here noting that local cultural organizations have experienced firsthand how filming has elevated their visibility and strengthened their operations. Among the noteworthy productions filmed in Yonkers are: The Penguin; Law & Order: SVU; The Glided Age; Dexter: Resurrection and The Irishman.
