Empire State Development announces another record-breaking year for television production in New York

Feat achieved just five months into 2014

New York to beat record-breaking 2013 before mid-year 2014 thanks to tax credit program attracting industry to Empire State

Empire State Development has announced New York is generating another record-breaking year for television production in the state just five months into 2014. A total of 23 pilots have filmed in New York, yielding an estimated $127 million in spending and an estimated 15,915 jobs, compared to 23 pilots filmed with an estimated $117 million in spending and an estimated 13,150 jobs in all of 2013.

Additionally, 10 series have shot in New York in 2014, yielding an estimated $346 million in spending and an estimated 18,130 jobs, compared to six series shot with an estimated $317 million in spending and an estimated 18,730 jobs through May 2013. The record-breaking growth of television production in 2013 has increased in 2014 thanks to the state's film and television tax credit program, which has been enhanced and expanded during Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration.

"The state's film and television tax credit program is attracting a record number of productions, and New York has become a top destination for filming," said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Kenneth Adams. "Gov. Cuomo has made the entertainment industry a key component of our economic development strategy and the results are clearly paying off for New York state. The production and post-production industries are growing at a rapid pace, hundreds of millions of dollars are being invested, and thousands of New Yorkers are working in the industry."

The state's film and television tax credit program began in 2004. Since taking office in 2011, Cuomo has made the attraction of the film and television production and post-production industries, as well as the resulting jobs and economic impact, a key component of his overall strategy for developing New York's economy. The governor has signed several changes into law for the program, which is administered by ESD, to make New York more competitive in this global marketplace.

Today's record-breaking announcement marks the latest film and television achievement for the state in 2014, including:

•The return of "The Tonight Show" to New York;

•The continuation of "America's Got Talent" in New York; and

•The beginning of production in June for Marvel's new series.

"The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" and "America's Got Talent" together are expected to generate more than $150 million in spending and more than 1,000 jobs, while the Marvel series is expected to generate hundreds of millions in spending and more than 3,000 jobs over the course of production.

Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment, said, "The hefty increase in production for 2014 proves that New York remains vitally important on the creative side, as well (as) offering a smart tax program that keeps the cameras rolling. Many of our most popular programs are filmed in New York, and we believe the relationship between NBCUniversal and the state, with the governor's leadership, will flourish for years to come."

John Ford, president of IATSE Local 52, said, "On behalf of the 3,800 members of Motion Picture Studio Mechanics Local 52 IATSE, I applaud Gov. Cuomo and the Legislature for their unwavering support of the motion picture and television industry in New York. Their support in maintaining the production tax credit has created thousands of additional jobs in New York state and ensures that this industry that started here stays here."

Alan Suna, CEO of Silvercup Studios, said, "Silvercup Studios hosted a record five TV pilots this season. We are thrilled that we have three new series to add to our already busy production schedule. All of this production translates to more tax revenue and more jobs for New York thanks to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his continued support, in concert with state legislators, of the Empire State Film and TV tax credit program."