Lights, Camera, Inclusion: New York’s Film & TV Industry is Thriving – and It Needs YOU!

Authored By: Alex Fiorille 

From the beautifully manicured parks seen in HBO’s The Gilded Age to the cozy, forested homes in Apple TV’s Severance, and from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan in HBO’s And Just Like That to its grittier streets in NBC’s Law & Order: SVU, New York’s landscape are more than just backdrops: they’re stars in their own right! And it’s no wonder. New York ranks second nationwide in film production, creating thousands of jobs and fueling a robust economy that spans from the Capital Region to Western New York.  

At the heart of this creative boom is the New York State Film Tax Credit Program, which offers a generous 25% refundable credit on all production and post-production costs, which attracts big projects and indie gems alike. But beyond boosting the economy, New York is championing diversity in film and TV production. Since January 2023, every project applying for this tax credit has been required to include a diversity hiring plan, aiming to increase representation across production teams, from cinematographers to lighting and catering crews, to landscapers, transportation and logistics experts, security, and more. 

To make this vision a reality, the NYS Film & TV Diverse Supplier Directory, run by Empire State Development (ESD) and The Governor’s Office of Motion Picture and Television Development (MPTV), connects productions with diverse vendors across the state. And here’s where we come in! Earlier this year, Public Works Partners proudly joined forces with ESD and MPTV to evaluate and enhance this Directory, with the goal of making it a more robust and inclusive resource for New York’s thriving film and TV industry. 

The industry has faced challenges—from the 2020 COVID-19 shutdowns to the Writer’s Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild strikes in 2023—which paused projects and tightened budgets. With productions running on strict timelines and lean budgets, finding new vendors can be tough. And, as a largely network-driven industry, getting a foot in the door often relies on established relationships. These challenges can be especially hard for new or smaller businesses looking to break into the industry. 

That’s why Public Works is launching a statewide outreach campaign this Fall to expand and promote the Directory. Through informational sessions and awareness efforts, we’re connecting businesses from all walks of life with opportunities in film and TV. Our mission? To make the Directory an essential, go-to resource that productions can rely on. 

So, If you’re a diverse-owned business or know one interested in entering this exciting industry, don’t wait! Applying to the Directory takes just ten minutes, and with New York’s film and television projects in constant need of skilled vendors, now is the time to step onto the set.  Ready to see your business name in the credits? Click here to apply. Stay tuned for more info sessions and get ready to be part of the action!