Finding the right location is a big part of planning a film or television production. But once you find it, there’s still plenty to figure out. Where can you rent equipment? Source an unusual prop? Hire a makeup artist? Bring in an animal wrangler? And what happens when you suddenly need an aerial lift, an underwater specialist or even a vintage bus?
That’s where Westchester County’s network of equipment suppliers, creative professionals, and specialty vendors comes in. Some have worked on major film and television productions. Others offer highly specialized services that make all the difference when a shoot requires something out of the ordinary.
Here’s a look at some of the resources that make Westchester a production-ready destination.
When the Script Calls for Something Unexpected
For productions that need animal actors, White Plains-based All Creatures Great & Small provides animal talent, trainers and handlers. Its credits include “Saturday Night Live,” “Impractical Jokers,” “The Carbonaro Effect” and “The Late Late Show with James Corden.”
Need to capture a scene from above? Wings Air Helicopters in White Plains offers aerial photography and cinematography services. For shoots involving water, Scuba New York provides services including water safety, marine coordination, props and underwater equipment.
And then there are the details that help complete a scene. Charles Lubin Company in Yonkers carries artificial flowers, foliage, miniature fruits and other decorative elements. Randolph Rose Collection offers bronze sculptures, fountains and custom pieces.
They may not be businesses that immediately come to mind when you think about film production. But when a prop master or set decorator needs something very specific, having the right resources nearby can be a real advantage.
The Equipment and Services That Keep a Shoot Moving
Not every production resource ends up on camera.
Mount Vernon-based Blakley Equipment rents aerial work platforms, boom and scissor lifts, forklifts, generators, light towers and other equipment that crews need to get the job done.
On Stage Cleaning in Yonkers specializes in cleaning for the film industry, including filming locations and production offices, and is an approved vendor with master service agreements for Netflix and Warner Bros.
These behind-the-scenes services play an essential role in keeping productions stay on schedule.
Creative Talent Close By
Experienced creative professionals are another important part of Westchester’s film production community.
New Rochelle-based makeup artist Romana Lai, for example, has credits including “Made in Chinatown” and “In a New York Minute.”
Additional local expertise spans set design, graphic design, recording and other creative services that can support productions at different stages of a project.
Whether a production needs additional crew or specialized creative support, Westchester offers talent close to set.
Keeping Cast and Crew Fueled
Anyone who has spent time on a set knows that feeding cast and crew is a production need of its own.
Westchester's restaurants, bakeries and caterers are part of that support network, too. Local businesses such as The Barley House, Caperberry Events, Los Andes Bakery and Posh Pretzels offer options for feeding cast and crew.
It's a practical need, but it also illustrates something bigger: film and television production creates opportunities for businesses well beyond those traditionally associated with the industry.
More Than a Great Place to Film
Westchester has long attracted filmmakers with its range of locations, from bustling downtowns and suburban neighborhoods to historic properties, waterfronts and scenic landscapes.
But what surrounds those locations matters, too. It takes the right people, equipment, and services to bring it all together.
That’s what makes Westchester a full-service production destination. For producers, location managers and production teams, having those resources nearby can mean fewer logistical headaches and more time focused on the work at hand.
So when someone on set asks, “Where are we going to find that?” the answer may already be right here in Westchester.
Planning a production in Westchester? Explore Westchester County Tourism & Film's production resources to find local vendors, crew, equipment and other production support.