The film and television industry are about to make another huge leap in the Hudson Valley.
Lionsgate studios announced plans to expand their production facilities in Yonkers, something Mayor Mike Spano says will solidify the city as “Hollywood on the Hudson.”
Great Point Studios CEO Robert Halmi attended the Business Council of Westchester's annual dinner, which celebrated film innovation in the county.
He says once Great Point Studios finishes expansion of the Yonkers film production campus in just over a year from now, it's going to be the biggest film and television production center in the northeast.
“We're talking about 3,000 to 4,000 full-time jobs. A lot of those will be local hires. We already have almost 100 people from Westchester County working at the studio and we've only been open for six months,” Halmi says.
Spano says his vision is less about glamor and excitement of the movie industry, and more about quality jobs that won't go away.
"We trademarked the name 'Hollywood on the Hudson' for a reason,” he says.
Spano adds that the tax breaks Great Point Studios is receiving from the city are well worth it.
“We want someone who will come and make a major investment in the community -- a capital investment -- and provide good paying jobs in the community so that people can live, work and raise a family,” he says.
Lionsgate is currently producing the series, “Run the World” and “Raising Canaan,” which are both airing on the Starz Network.
Halmi says other projects that will be produced out of the Yonkers facilities are top secret, but they will be coming soon.