Each month we will showcase a City agency employee or an industry specialist who helps to facilitate production in New York City. Ivory Henderson-Robb, Department of Transportation September 1, 2007 - Leonardo DiCaprio strolls down West Broadway on a summer afternoon circa 1955. Sounds impossible. Thanks to the power of film, however, this impossibility has become a reality. For this scene in DiCaprio's upcoming drama Revolutionary Road, the filmmakers attempted to re-create mid-century New York as closely as possible: with tailored suits for DiCaprio, fin-tailed Buicks lining the curb, and the classic street signs from an earlier era. Ivory Henderson-Robb of the Department of Transportation (DoT) was instrumental in making this shoot happen. As Special Event Coordinator for DoT, Henderson-Robb is the liaison for all film, television and photography productions that want to temporarily alter the look of the city streets. A move cross-country brought Henderson-Robb in contact with the entertainment industry. After receiving degrees in technology management and electronics, Henderson-Robb originally worked in telecommunications in Ohio. “When I came to New York, I was able to use my background in a slightly different field,” said Henderson-Robb, “I knew I wanted to work for DoT, and Special Events is what excites me.” In addition to interacting with the entertainment community, Henderson-Robb also supervises the conditions of the roads and sidewalks for large New York City events such as the West Indian Day Parade and the NY Half Marathon. For all shooting requests, Henderson-Robb follows the same policy. “I research the affected area to make sure the project can be done,” said Henderson-Robb. She coordinates with other city agencies to evaluate the maintenance status of the road and to learn if there will be any other permitted activity in the same space. Once the request has been approved, Henderson-Robb works with DoT to help facilitate the shoot as much as possible. Henderson-Robb believes that for each project, open communication and a willingness to work together are of the utmost importance. This is especially true on a film or photo shoot, explained Henderson-Robb, “where there are a lot of changed plans at the last minute.” For the future, Henderson-Robb said, “I want to climb the company ladder, but for now I love Special Events.” Henderson-Robb is eager to learn as much as possible to increase her effectives as Special Coordinator. She recently visited the set of "Law and Order SVU" and spoke with numerous cast and crew, from the director to truck drivers. “Understanding is everything,” says Henderson-Robb. “Once you understand their perspective and their responsibilities, you can work together that much better.” Interested in setting up a shoot on New York City’s streets? Please contact the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting. More Industry Stars design by    The City of New York Mayor's Office of Film Theatre & Broadcasting 1697 Broadway Suite 602, New York, New York 10019.
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