Casting Director Renee Godbout on the new trend of filming in New York City

You may have heard that Ugly Betty will be shooting its upcoming season in New York City. But are you aware of why this is happening? Do you know what this means for the rest of the entertainment industry? Well, for New York City, this is something we’ve been waiting on for far too long…

Every year, around March, numerous pilots are shot in both Los Angeles and New York City. But unlike in LA, New York production teams know there’s no guarantee that their hard work will be rewarded with a full season gig. With the expenses of shooting in New York, many productions use the shoot simply to stockpile images of New York City that will later be used if the show goes to series. Each season, New Yorkers listen intently to hear what shows will get picked up. But, the real news of possible work won’t arrive until a month or two later when a decision is made as to where the series would shoot.

Over the last two years, I worked on fun pilots that I would love to work on daily. Unfortunately for me, Traveler ended up shooting in Canada and Dirty Sexy Money was sent to LA. A co-worker worked on Ugly Betty and had the same feeling of sadness when she realized it would also be heading out to LA. It is disappointing, but not a surprise.

Recently, all this changed when New York increased its tax break for production companies from 10% to 30%: What a huge difference! Hollywood immediately took notice. Suddenly Ugly Betty is coming home to the Big Apple with new pilots crewing up with New York production teams. Fringe, a show whose pilot was shot in Canada, is making New York its home too! LA is in an uproar.

As much as you can relate to the unfortunate crews on the west coast who lost their jobs, you have to look at the bigger picture and realize that the shows coming to New York City take place in New York City. These shows should have shot from New York City since day one. There’s an authenticity that can’t be reached if you shoot anywhere else. Anyone who has ever visited New York City can see the difference. Some shows have been able to pull it off in the past, while others like CSI: NY has remedied this problem by sending a crew out at least once a season to shoot exteriors in New York.

Films, as well as TV shows, are taking more notice of New York City. It’s better for everyone in the industry if NYC can continue to grow. Now, people realize they don’t have to move across the country to pursue a career in entertainment. Small production companies will be able to shoot independent films for less money. More shooting in the area will also boost other industries that will profit from an increase in work, such as catering companies and equipment rentals.

One must realize that the shows that are choosing to film in NYC are not only coming home for the tax break, but for the unique setting that only The Big Apple can offer.

Renee Godbout - Freelance Casting Director. Renee Godbout recently worked on the first season of The CW's popular teen show Gossip Girl at Grant Wilfey Casting. Some past projects include 2 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the pilot for Dirty Sexy Money, and the upcoming Jonathan Demme-directed Dancing with Shiva.

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