New York is increasingly becoming a preferred location for movie and TV productions, challenging California's long-standing dominance as the nation's primary production capital. While California still leads in overall production spending, New York has seen a significant surge in its expenditure, narrowing the gap considerably.
In the third quarter, California reported nearly $1.76 billion in production spending, while New York followed closely with $1.61 billion. This represents a modest 17% increase for California, but a substantial 87% growth for New York, according to ProdPro's latest quarterly data reviewed by The Hollywood Reporter. This trend indicates a significant shift in production preferences towards the East Coast.
This surge in New York's production activity is not a new phenomenon. Earlier in the year, THR reported based on second-quarter data that California's production spend had increased by 5% to $1.33 billion, while New York saw a 57% rise to nearly $1.06 billion. ProdPro co-founder and CEO Alex LoVerde noted that his team initially anticipated New York might even surpass California in the figures compiled. The question of whether New York can overtake California by the end of the current year and into 2027 remains a key point of interest.
Several factors are contributing to New York's growing appeal. The state has expanded its soundstage infrastructure, with inventory increasing by 43% since 2020, according to a June 2026 report by real estate firm CBRE. The opening of Sunset Pier 94 Studios in Manhattan has added state-of-the-art, purpose-built soundstages within the city itself. Furthermore, major media companies are establishing significant, long-term operations in the region. Netflix is developing an East Coast production hub at Fort Monmouth, and Paramount has secured a 10-year lease to anchor the new 1888 Studios in Bayonne, New Jersey.
New York's current production slate includes prominent series such as 'CIA,' 'FBI,' 'Elsbeth,' 'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins,' and enduring favorites like 'Law & Order' and 'Law & Order: SVU.' The city itself has also been a hub of activity, hosting crews for Apple TV's 'Protective Custody' starring Ben Stiller, A24's 'Deep Cuts,' and the true-crime film 'PREPPY,' among other projects.
The influx of productions to New York is also bolstered by a large base of union crew members and convenient access to filming locations in neighboring Tri-State areas, further solidifying its position as a major production center.