Considering our distance from the Walk of Fame, residents could be forgiven for not knowing that Westchester actually has a thriving film and television production industry. The county has long-been one of Hollywood’s go-to filming locations, however, since the days of the silent picture.
Look closely enough and you’ll be sure to spot some familiar locales, like in Orange Is the New Black, in Sarah Jessica Parker and Thomas Haden Church’s Divorce, as well as in star-studded silver screen gems like Steven Spielberg’s The Post and Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman.
Read More: Did You Know These 10 Movies and TV Shows Were Filmed in Westchester?
This year especially, you won’t have to look too hard. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association just announced the list of this year’s Golden Globe nominees and Westchester County was a supporting player for nine of them.
“We congratulate all the creative talent and will be cheering them on in January,” says Westchester County Executive George Latimer. “From period pieces to crime dramas, or comedies to political thrillers, Westchester County locations can’t be beat. The Golden Globe nominations shine a spotlight on our diverse locations and film-friendly climate.”
The aforementioned The Irishman — which filmed throughout the county in White Plains, Irvington, Yonkers, and more — is leading the pack with its nominations for Best Picture and Best Drama, as well as Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor noms for both Al Pacino and Joe Pesci, and even a Best Director nomination for Scorsese himself.
Read More: Here’s Where to Watch Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman in and Around Westchester
Additional Westchester nods this year also include Fosse/Verdon — which filmed at the Purchase performing Arts Center — for Best Television Limited Series, with Best Actress and Best Actor nominations for both Michelle Willians and Sam Rockwell, as well as yet another Best Actor in a Television Series nomination for Mr. Robot’s Rami Malek, in which viewers might have spotted the Kensico Dam last season.
The county notes that inquiries from location scouts were up 28% in 2019, while the number of active production days rose 40% and film permit revenues spiked a massive 70%.
“There is a healthy revenue stream for Westchester County and local communities, ” says Westchester County Tourism & Film Director Natasha Caputo, “which also benefit from film and television production, from this industry that generates $30 million in economic impact in the County.”
The 77th Golden Globes will be hosted by returning guest Ricky Gervais, airing on NBC at 8 p.m. on January 5, 2020.
