New York TV Production Spending Jumps 87 Percent
The state is rapidly closing the production spending gap with California following significant infrastructure growth.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Television
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New York state saw an 87 percent increase in movie and television production spending as of the third quarter of 2026. This surge brings the state closer to overtaking California as the nation's primary hub for media creation.
Why it matters
The growth is driven by a massive expansion in soundstage infrastructure and a larger base of skilled union crew members in the Tri-State area. Media companies have increasingly established long-term production hubs in the region to leverage these resources.
New York production spending grew by 87 percent, while California saw a 17 percent increase. Additionally, New York soundstage inventory has grown by 43 percent since 2020.
The players
Sunset Pier 94 Studios
This facility is a newly launched studio space in Manhattan that opened in 2026 to support high-end television and film production.
Netflix
This global streaming giant has established a significant production hub at the former Fort Monmouth site.
1888 Studios
Located in Bayonne, this facility represents a major addition to the expanding soundstage infrastructure in the New York Tri-State region.
The details
New York is attracting major media investment through the establishment of long-term production hubs and leases, such as the 2026 launch of Sunset Pier 94 Studios in Manhattan. These facilities, combined with infrastructure projects in areas like Bayonne and Fort Monmouth, position the region as a primary competitor to California.
Timeline
2020: Soundstage inventory growth baseline.
July 2026: Previous report on second-quarter production spending.
October 2026: New York city-level filming activity.
Q4 2026: Potential overtake of California in production spend.
2027: Potential overtake of California in production spend.
Industry Dynamics
The surge in New York studio development signifies a departure from the traditional concentration of the entertainment industry in California. This shift highlights a strategic move by major media companies to diversify production locations beyond the historical dominance of California in U.S. movie and TV production.
The growth of local soundstages suggests that viewers may see more content filmed within the Tri-State area. This increase in infrastructure may lead to more local filming jobs and local production presence for future series and films.
The takeaway
New York's aggressive investment in production infrastructure is successfully drawing capital away from traditional media hubs. Residents and local businesses can expect continued growth in the film industry as more long-term leases and studio spaces come online.
Further reading
For additional context on the state's media landscape, see Television.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
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