Bloomberg: TV, film boosts city economy

Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared Thursday "Gossip Girl Day" in New York City, praising the TV show for drawing tourists to the city and providing jobs to New Yorkers.

Speaking from the popular teen drama's set at Silvercup Studios in Long Island City, the mayor said the show's success highlights New York City's growing film industry, which is taking advantage of the New York State Film Production tax credit and the Made in NY discount program.

Alan Suna, chief executive of Silvercup Studios, and Stephanie Savage, executive producer of "Gossip Girl," said those policies make working in New York more attractive and feasible.

"Tax credit, you know we love you," Savage said. "We are honored to shoot in New York City."

New York State offers a tax credit of up to 30 percent on production expenses incurred in-state. Made in NY offers discounts on goods and services to film crews throughout New York, from 1,000 participating businesses.

The tax credit program ran out of money in 2009, prompting some TV shows to pick up and move. The State Legislature voted to restore the program in 2010 with a $420 million annual budget.

In its fourth season, "Gossip Girl" has hired 120 actors, 180 crew members and over 7,000 extras. The show purchased supplies from more than 500 local vendors.

Ten years ago, only nine prime time shows were fully produced in New York, compared with 23 today. During the past year, New York City hosted the filming of more than 140 TV show episodes and 188 films, as well as many commercials. The film industry's total contribution to New York's economy totaled $5 billion in 2011. About 100,000 New Yorkers have jobs related to the industry, city officials said.

Suna gave the mayor a "Gossip Girl" T-shirt.

The mayor held it to his chest before reading a proclamation full of references to the show's plot line.

"I don't see how Blair can marry Prince Louis when she's clearly in love with Chuck; I mean, this is so obvious," the mayor said before adding, "But again, I'm just a casual fan, I don't watch very often."