For filmmakers, production companies, actors, crew members, post-production specialists, and creative businesses considering relocation, the New York Tri-State region continues to stand out as one of the nation’s most resilient entertainment hubs.
According to CBRE’s latest film and television industry outlook, the New York metropolitan production market has weathered recent industry disruptions better than nearly every other major U.S. production center. Despite nationwide uncertainty caused by studio consolidation and tighter corporate spending, New York has strengthened its competitive position through expanded studio capacity, generous tax incentives, and one of the country’s deepest entertainment labor pools.
For professionals planning their next career move, the report suggests the region remains well-positioned for future production growth.
Production Recovery Outpaces Most U.S. Markets
Hollywood continues to navigate a period of transition following labor strikes, changing streaming economics, and major media mergers.
While overall production forecasts remain uncertain, CBRE notes that improving profitability among streaming platforms could eventually lead to increased content creation.
In the meantime, the New York Tri-State market has already distinguished itself by recovering production activity faster than competing markets.
According to the report, New York was the only major U.S. production market where production starts returned to pre-2023 levels following the Hollywood labor disputes, demonstrating remarkable resilience during a difficult period for the entertainment industry.
That recovery benefits everyone from cinematographers and editors to costume designers, lighting technicians, visual effects artists, and independent filmmakers looking for stable employment opportunities.
Modern Soundstages Are Transforming New York’s Competitive Position
One of the biggest changes reshaping the region has been rapid investment in production infrastructure.
Historically, limited soundstage availability often pushed large productions toward Georgia, California, or Canada.
That disadvantage has changed dramatically.
CBRE reports that the New York Tri-State region’s soundstage inventory has expanded 43% since 2020, with much of the new construction consisting of modern, purpose-built facilities capable of supporting major studio productions, streaming series, and high-budget feature films.
These newer facilities provide advanced production capabilities that increasingly allow New York to compete for projects that once would have been filmed elsewhere.
The expansion also creates additional opportunities for businesses serving the industry, including equipment rental companies, set construction firms, hospitality providers, transportation services, security contractors, and production support vendors.
More Than $1.2 Billion in Film Incentives Strengthens Regional Appeal
Financial incentives remain one of the region’s biggest advantages.
CBRE reports that New York and New Jersey together are offering more than $1.2 billion in annual film tax incentives during 2026, while neighboring Connecticut continues to operate an uncapped incentive program.
These programs help offset production costs while encouraging studios to keep projects—and jobs—within the region.
For production companies deciding where to film, competitive tax credits often play a significant role in location selection.
For workers considering relocation, incentive-backed productions can translate into more consistent employment and longer production schedules.
Creative Talent Pipeline Continues to Support Growth
The report also highlights the region’s exceptional concentration of experienced entertainment professionals.
Although overall motion picture employment has recovered to approximately 86% of pre-pandemic levels, New York continues to benefit from one of the nation’s largest pools of skilled creative workers.
Manhattan and the Hudson Valley have led the employment rebound, while New Jersey is expected to gain momentum as recently developed studio campuses become fully operational in the coming years.
The combination of experienced union labor, world-class universities, performing arts institutions, and an extensive freelance creative community continues to make the region attractive to major studios and independent producers alike.
What It Means for Professionals Relocating to New York
For professionals evaluating where to build long-term careers in film, television, streaming, advertising, or digital media, CBRE’s findings reinforce the New York area’s enduring advantages.
The region offers:
• A production market that has recovered faster than most major U.S. competitors.
• A rapidly expanding network of modern soundstages capable of handling large-scale productions.
• More than $1.2 billion in annual production incentives across New York and New Jersey, with additional support available in Connecticut.
• One of the country’s deepest concentrations of creative talent, technical expertise, and production services.
• Continued investment in studio infrastructure that positions the region for future industry growth.
While national production levels remain subject to changing economic conditions and evolving streaming strategies, New York’s combination of infrastructure, incentives, workforce, and market depth continues to make it one of the premier destinations for entertainment professionals seeking new opportunities.