The cameras are set up to shoot in the Big Apple again.
Film and television production in New York City may resume on July 20, Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a press conference on Friday. The shooting restrictions were part of a city-wide shutdown in March, a period of time when the city became the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic. Cases have dropped dramatically since then. COVID-19 hospitalizations fell to their lowest levels in four months this week.
The resumption of film production is part of the reopening of Phase 4 in New York City. As part of relaxing restrictions, the city can host professional sports events as long as there are no fans, as well as higher education classes. Food inside is still banned and places like shopping malls and museums are not opening as part of this phase.
“It’s about security,” de Blasio said. “We want people to go back to work. We want people to regain their livelihoods. We want to bring back our city. But safety and health first, always.
New York has become a major production hub in recent years, and its solid stages and backlots are in high demand because the state offers generous tax incentives.
