One of the most surreal things that happens when you live in this city is to round a corner and bump into a film set, or even see a celebrity on the subway. For many fans of the big and small screen, NYC offers the opportunity for a real look into the ins and outs of the film and TV industry. But, it’s not as easy as you might think to stumble upon filming, but don’t worry, we can stack the odds in your favor.
Renthop, the city apartment search engine, has compiled a map using film permit data collected by the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theater, and Broadcasting. The maps and charts highlight, the most used locations and and the best times of year to catch your favorite shows and movies on the streets of NYC.
As you’ll see in the data below, most filming is centered in Manhattan and the Brooklyn Waterfront. The Financial District (and New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the tip that neighborhood) gets the most on camera attention for the movie industry, Penn Station, Hell’s Kitchen, and the World Trade Center also rank highly. The Financial District is also popular for TV along with Greenpoint, Civic Center, the Upper East Side, and the West Village. Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx, and a big chunk of Brooklyn is sadly neglected by the camera.