Contact: Colleen Roche or Kim Serafin (212) 788-2958
"The New York metropolitan area is the largest television market in the United States, reaching 18 million people across three states," said Mayor Giuliani. "New York is home to the ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX television networks. In addition to this, between 1993 and 1995 New York City saw a 51 percent increase in television shooting days and last year over 100 series and shows were produced in New York City. Thousands of New Yorkers work in television production and this terrific boom in production here is due directly to the skills and creativity of our industry leaders."
"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I would like to thank the most talented people in television for making our city the entertainment capital of the world," he added.
Each year, the Mayor hosts a ceremony to recognize the local television talent who work before the camera and behind the scenes. This year, over 150 New York area producers, performers, writers, directors, stylists, composers and choreographers are nominated for Primetime Emmy Awards. Mayor Giuliani honors the 1996 New York area nominees at a time when television production employment and revenues in the city are at record levels, a momentum that has continued unabated for the past three years.
Television production in New York now contributes over $1 billion a year to New York City's economy. This year, production continues to increase with a seventh season for Dick Wolf's "Law and Order," and a third season for "New York Undercover." Bill Cosby is currently shooting a new series for CBS at Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens, and Gary David Goldberg is producing "Spin City," a new series starring Michael J. Fox as a Deputy Mayor of New York being shot at Chelsea Piers for DreamWorks Television. In midseason, Dick Wolf's new drama "Feds" will be seen on CBS and "Prince Street" has another midseason commitment on NBC. In addition to their regular programming, HBO and Nickelodeon are also producing original movies here in New York to premiere on television.
The ceremony at City Hall was followed by a reception sponsored by Television City Restaurant, opening soon at Rockefeller Center, and Evian Water.
The 48th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be held on Sunday, September 8th at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California from 8-11 PM (ET/PT). Paul Reiser will host the event, which will be televised live on the ABC Television Network.