New York Gov. Kathy Hochul Directs State Agencies To Fast-Track Production Approvals Following SAG-AFTRA Ratification Vote

deadline.com:

New York is looking to help film and TV get back up and running after the strikes. Governor Kathy Hochul has directed state agencies to fast-track the process for film and TV productions to receive permit approvals following SAG-AFTRA ratifying its new deal yesterday. “It’s critical that workers in all industries are fairly paid for their labor,” Governor Hochul said. “Now that the strikes are over, I am directing all relevant state agencies to fast-track approvals and permitting so that actors, writers and the dedicated middle-class professionals of this industry can get back to work.”  She has called for expediting permits, keeping fees and direct personnel costs transparent, maintaining an industry point of contact within the agency to handle production requests, and ensuring the agency maintains a person or team to act as a liaison to expedite permits, clearances and the provision services.

Film and television is worth over $9B in gross domestic product to the state, according to Hochul’s office. “The motion picture, television and related production industries are important contributors to New York State’s economic health, creating over 65,000 jobs annually, significantly stimulating our local and regional economies.

Such productions are key economic drivers and a source of good-paying union jobs for New Yorkers,” she wrote in the letter. “More than $1 billion in economic activity and thousands of jobs were lost to the state during the recent Writers and Actors strike.

In anticipation of industry union strikes moving toward final agreements, the State is preparing for the return of large-scale productions statewide.” By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy.