New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that Netflix will expand its presence in New York with a production hub in New York City, bringing hundreds of jobs and up to $100 million in investments to the city. The production hub will include an expanded office in Manhattan that will directly create 127 high-paying executive content, marketing and production development jobs over the next five years, and six sound stages in Brooklyn with the capacity to hold thousands of production crew jobs within five years.
To support Netflix’s creation of 127 premium office-based jobs by 2024–and to compete with other cities under consideration–Empire State Development has offered up to $4 million in performance-based Excelsior Tax Credits over 10 years, which are directly tied to real job creation. To receive the full incentive, Netflix must create the 127 jobs by 2024 at its new executive production office and then retain those new jobs and their existing 32 office jobs for another five years.
Netflix’s new corporate offices will take up approximately 100,000 square feet at 888 Broadway in Manhattan’s Flatiron District. The offices will house the 127 new executive content acquisition, development, production, legal, publicity and marketing positions in addition to Netflix’s 32 current New York-based employees.
The company–which has a long history of production in New York including Orange is the New Black, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, She’s Gotta Have It, The Irishman, Someone Great, Private Life and Russian Doll–has also leased approximately 161,000 square feet to build six sound stages and support spaces at 333 Johnson Avenue in Brooklyn. These spaces are expected to house thousands of production jobs within five years.
“Netflix is innovative, creative and bold – just like New Yorkers – and the expansion of this cutting-edge company in New York once again demonstrates the Empire State is open for business,” Governor Cuomo said. “We’re proud Netflix chose New York to grow its business, and we look forward to the jobs, economic activity and world-class productions this project will bring.”
“As a leading provider of streaming services in America and around the world, Netflix’s expansion in New York is a significant milestone, creating the potential for thousands of jobs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “The new production hub will add office space and sound stages in Brooklyn, advancing the tech and entertainment industry in the area and continuing to invest and grow the economy of the entire State of New York.”
Jason Hariton, director of worldwide studio operations and real estate at Netflix, said, “New York has created a film-friendly environment that’s home to some of the best creative and executive talent in the world, and we’re excited to provide a place for them at Netflix with our production hub.”
Empire State Development president, CEO and commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Thanks to Netflix, online streaming has become as commonplace as cable television, and maybe even more accessible–and their decision to expand in New York is a validation of our work to support and develop New York’s technology, entertainment and production industries.”
John Ford, president of Motion Picture Studio Mechanics Local 52, I.A.T.S.E., said, “Hardworking crew members are the foundation of New York’s film industry, and this project invests in their future. These talented individuals work every day to ensure productions go off without a hitch – and they have no bigger supporter than Governor Andrew Cuomo. I’d like to thank the Governor for helping bring Netflix’s new hub to New York City.”
Tom O’Donnell, president, Theatrical Teamsters Local 817, said: “There are few companies in our industry that are as forward thinking as Netflix. With this news, we’ll continue to add solid, middle class jobs to already record employment. The climate for this to happen would not exist without the wildly successful New York State Film Tax Credit Program–and I applaud Governor Cuomo for his foresight and continued support.”
First-Time Feature Directors Make Major Splash At AFI Fest, Generate Oscar Buzz
Two first-time feature directors who are generating Oscar buzz this awards season were front and center this past weekend at AFI Fest in Hollywood. Rachel Morrison, who made history as the first woman nominated for a Best Cinematography Oscar---on the strength of Mudbound in 2018--brought her feature directorial debut, The Fire Inside (Amazon MGM Studios), to the festival on Sunday (10/27), and shared insights into the film during a conversation session immediately following the screening. This came a day after William Goldenberg, an Oscar-winning editor for Argo in 2013, had his initial foray into feature directing, Unstoppable (Amazon MGM Studios), showcased at the AFI proceedings. He too spoke after the screening during a panel discussion. The Fire Inside--which made its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival--tells the story of Claressa “T-Rex” Shields (portrayed by Ryan Destiny), a Black boxer from Flint, Mich., who trained to become the first woman in U.S. history to win an Olympic Gold Medal in the sport. She achieved this feat--with the help of coach Jason Crutchfield (Brian Tyree Henry)--only to find that her victory at the Summer Games came with relatively little fanfare and no endorsement deals. So much for the hope that the historic accomplishment would be a ticket out of socioeconomic purgatory for Shields and her family. It seemed like yet another setback in a cycle of adversity throughout Shields’ life but she persevered, going on to win her second Gold Medal at the next Olympics and becoming a champion for gender equality and equitable pay for women in sports. Shields has served as a source of inspiration for woman athletes worldwide--as well as to the community of... Read More