Mangano Works To Attract Motion Picture Industry Jobs To Nassau

Two-day tour showcases Nassau locations to major film studios

In an effort to further attract the motion picture industry to Nassau, County Executive Edward P. Mangano today met with fifteen of the film industry’s location managers as well as several film and commercial producers and actors to begin a two-day tour of Nassau’s hottest filming spots. The former United States Navy-Grumman Corporation property in Bethpage is now home to successful production studios that encompass three buildings and nine sound stages. In 2010, Nassau County hosted 650 production days – more days than Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx combined. It is estimated that the film industry provided $85 million in economic impact for Nassau County in 2010.

“Film makers are always looking for the perfect location. Well, I have good news: they will find what they are looking for right here in Nassau County,” said Mangano. “I’m proud to represent a County that has more production days than any other county or borough in New York outside of the city itself. Nassau County is establishing itself as Hollywood East.”

County Executive Mangano has long been focused on bolstering the motion picture industry in Nassau County. As a County legislator, he worked to establish working movie studios at the former Grumman site. In October 2011, the County Executive released a countywide economic development plan entitled “Accelerate Nassau Now” that pursues the continuation of incentives for the movie and television industry. Working to secure State-based economic incentives and grants, Nassau plans to create a countywide cyber catalogue of filming locations which will allow producers to view potential filming sites from their computers. By making it easier for producers to view Nassau’s resources, they will be more likely to choose Nassau County as their production location. The County is also advocating for a continuation of New York State incentives for film production.

“The motion picture industry is a job creator, and if we are putting people to work we are doing the right thing for the people of Nassau County,” said Mangano. “Every time a film project calls Nassau County home, revenue is generated.”

Tour destinations include the beautiful Allegria Hotel and Spa in Long Beach, as well as various County Parks and museums, including Eisenhower Park and the Old Bethpage Village Restoration. A tour of the Nassau County Correctional Center, also used often for filming and television work, will be seen as well as Nassau County’s newest New York State approved soundstages: Gold Coast Studios and Grumman Studios – both in Bethpage. In addition, there will be myriad of different drive-bys and tours along the way.

Mangano has recently approved television shoots for Royal Pains, Running Wilde and Comedy Central at the Theodore Roosevelt Legislative and Executive Building in Mineola.

The Film Friendly Nassau County Location and Studio tour has attracted location managers who have worked on film and television shows such as the new Avengers movie, Salt, White Collar, Michael Clayton, Rescue Me, Sex and the City II, Julie and Julia, Morning Glory, Sorcerer’s Apprentice and many more.

The Film Friendly Nassau Location and Studio Tour is being sponsored by the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency (IDA).

“The money these projects generate help to offset the tax burden on residents,” added Mangano. “I have long welcomed the film industry to Nassau County. Our door is open for business.”