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50 Free Events for 50 Years of Magic

An ad celebrating 50 Years of Magic featuring a behind the scenes shot from the film Across the Sea of Time

In celebration of the 50th anniversary, MOME will present 50 free events throughout the upcoming year that will provide an inside look at New York’s entertainment industry. All 50 events will be open to the public. To see the listing of events, download our app on the iTunes store or browse through our grid below!

50 Years of Magic
Filming in New York City wasn’t always as easy as it is today. In the 1960’s, producers often required upwards of 50 permits to shoot their project, and gaining access to some of New York’s most popular locations was tricky, at best. Producers were required to obtain a permit for every single day of production. Producers were also required to receive permission from a variety of different agencies depending on what they were filming. All of this red tape caused many filmmakers to take their production outside of New York City.

In 1966, Mayor John Lindsay changed this process and gave the Department of Commerce the authority to issue a single permit for filming in City-owned locations and abolished the power of City officials to censor the content of films shot on public property, as long as they didn’t pose a risk to the public or break the law. The results were immediate and enormous. In 1966 alone, production in New York increased by 100 percent over the previous year, bringing an estimated additional $20 million to the City. In 1993, Mayor David Dinkins elevated the office to cabinet status and appointed Richard Brick as its first Commissioner.

Now as a division of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), the Agency continues to market New York City as a prime location. MOME facilitates local production, provides premiere location services and liaises with business decision makers to grow New York's media industry. The Agency works closely with the Movie/TV Unit of the New York Police Department, a special team of officers who monitor scenes involving special stunts or uniformed officers, and ensure pedestrian safety.

As we celebrate 50 years of film and television magic – and 50 years as an Agency - New York City has grown to become one of the world’s largest production centers, serving as host to film, television, commercial, musical and theatrical productions. Today there are more films and television series filmed in New York City than ever before, and the film and television industry contributes nearly $9 billion and over 130,000 jobs to New York City's economy.

Event Date Location Duration RSVP Link Description
Arts for All Festival, FREE Outdoor Theater Series: Teatro SEA/Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) June 10, 2016 114 Norfolk Street, New York, NY 10002 6:30pm N/A Arte Pa’ Mi Gente / Arts for All Festival, FREE Outdoor Theater Series: presented by Teatro SEA/Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA)
Arts for All Festival, FREE Outdoor Theater Series: Teatro SEA/Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) June 17, 2016 114 Norfolk Street, New York, NY 10002 6:30pm N/A Arte Pa’ Mi Gente / Arts for All Festival, FREE Outdoor Theater Series: presented by Teatro SEA/Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA)
90's Decade Screening: Bronx - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles June 11, 2016 Williamsbridge Oval Field Begins at Sunset N/A Join us beginning at sunset for a screening of a 1990's "Made in NY" classic, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Broadway in the Boros: Staten Island: She Loves Me and Fiddler on the Roof June 24, 2016 National Lighthouse Museum - Staten Island, NY 10301 12 - 1:30pm N/A Join us at 12pm for performances from the cast of She Loves Me and Fiddler on the Roof with live musical accompaniment by members of the show orchestras.
Arts for All Festival, FREE Outdoor Theater Series: Teatro SEA/Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA) June 24, 2016 114 Norfolk Street, New York, NY 10002 6:30pm N/A Arte Pa’ Mi Gente / Arts for All Festival, FREE Outdoor Theater Series: presented by Teatro SEA/Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA)
MTV VMAs Youth Media Contest Announcement July 1, 2016 N/A TBA N/A Join us for an announcement and celebration of the VMAxNYC contest, where you can win tickets to the MTV VMAs at MSG.
60's Decade Screening: Washington Heights - West Side Story July 9, 2016 Raul Wallenberg Playground, Highbridge Park, 1 Juan Bosch Plaza NY Bronx Begins at Sunset N/A Join us beginning at sunset for a screening of a 1960's "Made in NY" classic, West Side Story.
80's Decade Screening: Queens - The Muppets Take Manhattan July 14, 2016 Rainey Park - Astoria, NY 11106 Begins at Sunset N/A Join us beginning at sunset for a screening of a 1980's "Made in NY" classic, The Muppets Take Manhattan.
Kidz Bop Concert at the Coney Island Amphitheater July 17, 2016 3052 W 21st St, Brooklyn, NY 11224 2:00pm N/A Kidz Bop, the #1 kids’ music brand is taking its 15th birthday celebration on the road with the ALL-NEW “Life Of The Party” tour featuring the biggest pop songs of the year and awesome new dance moves. Kidz Bop’s talented artists range from ages 12-15 and tour the country performing kid-friendly versions of today’s biggest pop music hits.
Turner Classic Movies Broadcast Event "Made in NY" Films July 21, 2016 Check your local listings for TCM TBA N/A On July 21, 2016, Turner Classic Movies will feature a night of on-air programming highlighting classic ‘Made in NY’ films, including Saturday Night Fever, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, and Dog Day Afternoon. Commissioner Menin will join TCM host Ben Mankiewicz as a guest programmer to discuss the films, the current state of the City’s film industry and the iconic locations that set New York City’s filmmaking history apart.
Asian American International Film Festival - "Made in NY" Talks: Diversity Panel July 23, 2016 SVA Theater, 333 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011 TBA TBA Join us and the Asian American International Film Festival for a panel discussion focusing on Diversity in the film and television production industry.
New York Musical Theatre Festival - "Made in NY" Talks: Writing Across Media - Stage, Screen & Song July 24, 2016 The Duke - 229 West 42nd Street, NY 10036 1:00pm-2:30pm TBA Join us and the New York Musical Theatre Festival for a panel discussion with award-winning writers who crafted their career across media platforms, often making a transition to the musical theatre industry.
Broadway in the Boros: Queens July 29, 2016 The Unisphere at Flushing Meadows Corona Park 12:00pm-1:00pm RSVP The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment hosts a free lunchtime series, "Broadway in the Boros," the next performance is on Friday, July 29 from noon - 1pm at the Unisphere at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The show will include extended excerpts from the Tony award-winning musical Kinky Boots, these lunchtime performances are free and open to the public.
Off Broadway in the Boros: Bushwick featuring "Ghost Quartet" July 29, 2016 Maria Hernandez Park, Starr and Suydam Streets 8:00pm-9:00pm TBA The Bushwick Starr presents GHOST QUARTET by Dave Malloy, performed as part of MOME's Off Broadway in the Boros Series
On Location Tours at Summer Streets August 6, 2016 Park Avenue from Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park 7am - 1pm TBA Join us and On Location Tours for guided walking tours along Park Avenue as part of the NYC Department of Transportation's Summer Streets program.
Queens Book Festival August 7, 2016 123-01 Roosevelt Avenue, New York, NY 11368 All Day TBA The Queens Book Festival fosters literary community in Queens and in broader New York City. The festival is particularly interested in supporting diverse voices and in inspiring a love of reading and writing in children and youth. Watch this space for more info about our participation in this year's festival.
On Location Tours at Summer Streets August 13, 2016 Park Avenue from Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park 7am - 1pm TBA Join us and On Location Tours for guided walking tours along Park Avenue as part of the NYC Department of Transportation's Summer Streets program.
2000's Decade Screening: Staten Island - School of Rock August 14, 2016 Midland Beach, Father Capodanno Blvd and Seaview Ave, Staten Island Begins at Sunset N/A Join us beginning at sunset for a screening of a 2000's "Made in NY" classic, School of Rock.
Broadway in the Boros: The Bronx August 19, 2016 St. Mary's Park (146th Street and St. Ann's Avenue) 12:00pm-1:30pm RSVP The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment hosts a free lunchtime series, "Broadway in the Boros," the next performance is on Friday, August 19 from noon - 1pm at St. Mary's Park. The show will include extended excerpts from the musicals Phantom of the Opera and Stomp, these lunchtime performances are free and open to the public.
On Location Tours at Summer Streets August 20, 2016 Park Avenue from Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park 7am - 1pm TBA Join us and On Location Tours for guided walking tours along Park Avenue as part of the NYC Department of Transportation's Summer Streets program.
90's Decade Screening: Queens- Men in Black August 25, 2016 Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Event field east of the Pavillion Begins at Sunset N/A Join us beginning at sunset for a screening of a 1990's "Made in NY" classic, Men in Black.
2000's Decade Screening: Bronx - I Am Legend August 26, 2016 St. Mary's Park, 450 Saint Anns Ave Begins at Sunset N/A Join us beginning at sunset for a screening of a 2000's "Made in NY" classic, I Am Legend.
"Made in NY" afternoons at MOMI September 9, 2016 36-01 35th Ave,Queens, NY 11106 4:00pm - 8:00pm N/A MOME will co-present special “Made in NY” afternoon events at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, featuring conversations with leading film and TV industry professionals on the first Friday of each month—during which time admittance to MOMI is free and open to the public.
Urbanworld Film Festival September 21-25, 2016 AMC Empire (42nd Street) N/A TBA The Urbanworld Film Festival was founded in 1997 by Stacy Spikes and is the largest internationally competitive film festival of its kind. As an initiative of the not-for profit Urbanworld Foundation Inc., it consistently endeavors to manifest its mission of redefining and advancing the presence and impact of the multicultural community in cinema and cross-platform media. Watch this space for more info about our participation in this year's Festival.
70's Decade Screening: Harlem - The Wiz September 27, 2016 St. Nicholas Plaza, 135th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue Begins at Sunset N/A Join us beginning at sunset for a screening of a 1970's "Made in NY" classic, The Wiz.
"Made in NY" afternoons at MOMI October 7, 2016 36-01 35th Ave,Queens, NY 11106 4:00pm - 8:00pm N/A MOME will co-present special “Made in NY” afternoon events at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, featuring conversations with leading film and TV industry professionals on the first Friday of each month—during which time admittance to MOMI is free and open to the public.
PaleyFest: Made in NY October 6-20, 2016 The Paley Center, 25 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019 TBA TBA PaleyFest brings to the forefront the talent behind your favorite TV shows. Watch this space for more information about our participation in this year's festival.
People en Espanol Festival October 15-16, 2016 Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 655 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001 All Day Event N/A Join us at the People en Espanol Festival, a free two-day event that celebrates Hispanic culture. Presenting content and events featuring celebrities, opinion-makers, and leaders, the Festival offers up a mixture of activities including panel discussions, live performance and family activities. Watch this space for more info about our participation in this year's festival.
iPic Movie Theater Opening November 1, 2016 South Street Seaport, One Seaport Plaza, 199 Water Street, New York, NY 10038 TBA TBA Join us for the Grand Opening of the iPic Movie Theater, a new venue located in South Street Seaport.
New York Comedy Festival: "Made in NY" Talks featuring Women Comedians November 3, 2016 TBA TBA TBA Join us, NYWIFT and New York Comedy Festival for a panel discussion focused on the lives and work of local female comics.
"Made in NY" afternoons at MOMI November 4, 2016 36-01 35th Ave,Queens, NY 11106 4:00pm - 8:00pm N/A MOME will co-present special “Made in NY” afternoon events at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, featuring conversations with leading film and TV industry professionals on the first Friday of each month—during which time admittance to MOMI is free and open to the public.
DOC NYC November 10-20, 2016 TBA TBA TBA Based in the West Village IFC Center, Chelsea SVA Theater, and Bow Tie Chelsea Cinema, the eight-day festival showcases new achievements in documentary film and presents panel discussions and conversations with those whose work is featured. Watch this space for more info about our participation in this year's festival.
"Made in NY" afternoons at MOMI December 4, 2016 36-01 35th Ave,Queens, NY 11106 4:00pm - 8:00pm N/A MOME will co-present special “Made in NY” afternoon events at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, featuring conversations with leading film and TV industry professionals on the first Friday of each month—during which time admittance to MOMI is free and open to the public.
"Made in NY" afternoons at MOMI January 6, 2017 36-01 35th Ave,Queens, NY 11106 4:00pm - 8:00pm N/A MOME will co-present special “Made in NY” afternoon events at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, featuring conversations with leading film and TV industry professionals on the first Friday of each month—during which time admittance to MOMI is free and open to the public.
"Made in NY" afternoons at MOMI February 3, 2017 36-01 35th Ave,Queens, NY 11106 4:00pm - 8:00pm N/A MOME will co-present special “Made in NY” afternoon events at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, featuring conversations with leading film and TV industry professionals on the first Friday of each month—during which time admittance to MOMI is free and open to the public.
"Made in NY" afternoons at MOMI March 3, 2017 36-01 35th Ave,Queens, NY 11106 4:00pm - 8:00pm N/A MOME will co-present special “Made in NY” afternoon events at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, featuring conversations with leading film and TV industry professionals on the first Friday of each month—during which time admittance to MOMI is free and open to the public.
"Made in NY" afternoons at MOMI April 7, 2017 36-01 35th Ave,Queens, NY 11106 4:00pm - 8:00pm N/A MOME will co-present special “Made in NY” afternoon events at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, featuring conversations with leading film and TV industry professionals on the first Friday of each month—during which time admittance to MOMI is free and open to the public.
"Made in NY" afternoons at MOMI June 2, 2017 36-01 35th Ave,Queens, NY 11106 4:00pm - 8:00pm N/A MOME will co-present special “Made in NY” afternoon events at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, featuring conversations with leading film and TV industry professionals on the first Friday of each month—during which time admittance to MOMI is free and open to the public.
New York Film Festival: "Made in NY" Talk September - October 2016 TBA TBA TBA Join us for a special conversation with iconic New York talent at the NYFF.
Ghetto Film School ‘The Roster’ Event Fall 2016 TBA TBA TBA Ghetto Film School's newest initiative, The Roster, is proud to partner with MOME on a series of events to promote diverse early career talent in the entertainment and media industry here in New York City, including programing during Independent Film Week and a showcase featuring Empire creator and renowned director Lee Daniels in Fall 2016.
ReelAbilities - NY Disabilites Film Festival March 2-8, 2017 TBA TBA TBA ReelAbilities: NY Disabilities Film Festival is the largest festival in the country dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with different abilities. Watch this space for more info about our participation in this year's festival.