MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG HOSTS RECEPTION IN CELEBRATION

OF FILM, THEATRE & BROADCASTING IN NEW YORK CITY

The Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting Announces New Services and Initiatives

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting (MOFTB) Commissioner Katherine Oliver hosted a reception this evening for over 500 film, theatre and television industry professionals at the Emigrant’s Savings Bank in Manhattan. Commissioner Oliver also announced new initiatives for the office, including the launch of a new online permit service for the production community.

“Tonight I’d like to honor the collaborative efforts of the film, theatre and television industries that have earned New York City its reputation as the true ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “These industries, which generate more than nine billion dollars in economic activity annually and employs thousands of New Yorkers, are a key component of our economy. More than ever, the City is the best place to live and work and we will do what we can to make New York City an inviting location for these creative industries.”

“I’m committed to providing the City’s entertainment industry with the best possible services, and showcasing the City on the world’s stage as the ultimate production center,” said Commissioner Oliver. “Over 100,000 New Yorkers work on location in film and television, and another 40,000 theatre professionals light up Broadway.  They are the economic power behind a multi-billion dollar industry, and developing robust employment for this rich entertainment pool is our first priority.”

After an initial testing period in September 2002, the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting (MOFTB) recently launched a new online permit service.  For customers interested in shooting film or video projects on public locations, they may now download and submit permit form applications online.  This new feature saves production companies time and money on multiple trips to the MOFTB, by allowing them to fill out forms in their offices at their convenience, and faxing or e-mailing them in for review.  Customers who choose to visit the MOFTB now have the option of completing forms on computers instead of typewriters.  To make use of this service, log on to www.nyc.gov/film.  

The MOFTB announced additional service initiatives and functional enhancements to its operations.  Customer service supports will be a key focus for the agency.   The Office is streamlining the permit process and reducing wait times for the permit, developing comprehensive location information services and expanding community outreach.

These initiatives will involve educating the public about the economic impact on the City, and helping the entertainment industry to work collaboratively with neighborhoods on location.  The agency has also implemented new procedures to improve interagency coordination of film and television shoots, which involve the NYPD, Department of Transportation and the Community Assistance Unit, with a special view toward maintaining smooth traffic flow around crew. 

The appointment of Lieutenant John Battista was also announced as the Office’s Deputy Commissioner.  Lt. Battista is a 20-year veteran of the NYPD, and served as Commanding Officer of the NYPD Film and Television Unit from 1998 to the present.  This Unit is charged with meeting the logistical needs of the production industry and coordinating the day-to-day demands of New York City traffic flow. Under Lt. Battista’s stewardship, this special division became renowned for its resourcefulness, production savvy and commitment to ensuring public safety. 

Each year, New York’s superior entertainment workforce makes significant gains at industry awards ceremonies across the country.  We applaud the efforts of all New Yorkers who continue to set the standard for excellence in their respective fields.

Film and Television

The film and television production industry spent $5 billion in the City last year, and generated approximately $500 million in tax revenues.  174 feature films were shot here during this period, and 94 television series currently shoot in the City.

This year, New York City film and television projects captured multiple awards across the country.  Among the winners of Daytime Emmy awards in New York City this year were “Guiding Light,” “All My Children,” “Reading Rainbow,” “One Life to Live,” “Sesame Street” and “As the World Turns.” Primetime Emmy winners from the City include “Sex and The City,” “Saturday Night Live” and “The Late Show with David Letterman.” “A Beautiful Mind” won an Oscar at the Academy Awards this year, and the independent film community made an impressive showing at the Sundance Film Festival.  “Personal Velocity,” “Tadpole,” “Sister Helen” and “Manito” were all shot on location here and won awards at this esteemed festival.

Current projects include Mike Newell’s “Mona Lisa Smile,” John Hamburg’s Untitled project, Kevin Smith’s “Jersey Girl,” and some scenes from Mark Steven Johnson’s “Daredevil.” This winter and spring we look forward to hosting projects from Scott Rudin, including “The School of Rock” and “The Stepford Wives,” along with Nancy Meyers’ untitled project and Michel Gondry’s “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”

Theatre

Nearly 11 million tickets were sold for Broadway shows during the 2001-2002 season, grossing $643.4 million.  The total economic impact of the theatre industry during this period was $4.42 billion, and supported approximately 40,000 jobs.

This year’s Tony Award winners included “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Urinetown the Musical,” “Private Lives,” “Into the Woods,”  “Metamorphoses”, “Noises Off”, “Fortune’s Fool,” “Oklahoma,” “Sweet Smell of Success,” “Private Lives,” “Elaine Stritch at Liberty” and Edward Albee’s “The Goat or Who is Sylvia.”

The evening’s event was made possible through sponsorships from Getty Images and the Eastman Kodak Company.  Special thanks to James Sanders, author of “Celluloid Skyline,” Madame Tussaud’s New York, The American Museum of the Moving Image, and the Association of Independent Commercial Producers for providing outstanding visual displays.  Generous support from the following companies also made the evening a success:  Michael Ahern Productions Inc.,  See Factor Industry, Inc., Catpower, ShowScape, National Flag & Display, Top Knotch Productions, Next Weekend Productions, Starwatch, Studio Instrument Rentals, Steinway & Sons, AIM Productions Inc., Eclectic/Encore Props, MBP Image Display Services and Acadia Scenic.