By Bill Parry
Academy Award winner Robert De Niro, Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys, and Emmy Award winner John Leguizamo joined Mayor Bill de Blasio on stage at the Museum of the Moving Image Wednesday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting, which is now a part of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. The three superstars were named MOME Ambassadors, along with Lady Gaga and Jane Rosenthal, the co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival.
Over the next 12 months, MOME’s Ambassadors will serve as representatives of the city’s media and entertainment industries, promoting the contributions of artists, entertainers, and professionals to the city’s cultural identity and economy. Created in 1966 by former Mayor John Lindsay, the office has seen explosive growth in the industry — which now brings in nearly $9 billion to the city each year—with the past season shattering records for film and television production.
“New York City becomes a character all its own in the films and television shows that are made here,” de Blasio said. “This landmark anniversary is an opportunity to look back and delight in all of the incredible cultural moments that the entertainment industry here in New York has made possible.”
Prior to the creation of the office, filming in the city required producers to obtain as many as 50 permits. Gaining access to popular locations was challenging and some officials would block filming based on subject matter. Lindsay’s establishment of an official film commission made New York the first city in the world to offer one-stop permits and expedite requests from production companies looking to use public locations.
“I grew up in New York,” De Niro said. “I chose to launch my production company here because there is no better setting than New York in your film, no better city to shoot in than New York.”
Actor and comedian John Leguizamo, who grew up in Jackson Heights, agreed with De Niro.
“Throughout my career in film and theatre, my work has been deeply influenced by my upbringing as an immigrant in Queens,” Leguizamo said. “The experiences I had in and around my neighborhood as a kid shaped the way I think about the world and express myself through art. Having received a Made in NY award back in 2011, I am grateful to once again receive an honor from MOME during this landmark year.”
MOME announced there will be 50 free events during the upcoming year that, among other things, will provide an inside look at the city’s entertainment industry and give greater access to Broadway shows. There will also be free performances in each borough, movie matinees for low-income families and other initiatives.
“Growing up in New York City, I was inspired by the energy and creativity of the people and places all around me,” Alicia Keys said. “I’m excited to be an ambassador for MOME this year and support them as they give back to the city’s diverse communities by presenting free events in the outer boroughs in the coming months.”
For details visit nyc.gov/
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
