Located just north of New York City inside the NYC Film Zone, several of the larger cities in Westchester County offer an impressive variety of urban landscapes ideal for film and television productions.
Looking for gritty backdrops in industrial zones with repurposed warehouses? Luxury high-rises with expansive views? How about government buildings, financial districts, historic architecture and contemporary, mixed-use developments? You’ll find them all in Westchester’s major cities.
Productions can also take advantage of the County’s film-friendly infrastructure. Many municipalities work closely with filmmakers to streamline approvals, accommodate street closures, and provide police assistance when needed, making it easier to keep schedules on track and budgets under control. With ample space for crew parking, staging, and equipment setup, along with convenient Metro-North access from Manhattan, Westchester allows productions to move efficiently from one location to another, maximizing both time and creative possibilities.
Yonkers: A Fusion of Urban and Scenic Backdrops
Located along the Hudson River, the City of Yonkers boasts a dynamic blend of old and new. Its historic downtown features early 20th Century brick facades, fire escapes, and narrow alleyways that can pass for classic New York City streets or working-class neighborhoods in any metropolitan area. Just a few blocks away, newly developed luxury apartments and waterfront parks provide a modern contrast, allowing productions to capture multiple looks within a short distance.
The city has been a favorite for productions such as “Law & Order” (NBC) and “Blue Bloods” (NBC), which have capitalized on its authentic urban aesthetics. Yonkers has even doubled as Manchester, England, showcasing its ability to stand in for distant locales. Productions seeking studio space in the city may also explore Great Point Studios and The Mills at Yonkers.
White Plains: A Suburban City That Doubles for Washington and Boston
White Plains offers a mix of modern high rises, historic architecture, and suburban streetscapes, making it one of the most versatile filming locations in Westchester. Its wide streets, pedestrian-friendly plazas, and government buildings, such as the Michaelian Office Building and Westchester County Courthouse, have convincingly stood in for Washington, D.C., Boston and New York City in productions like “White House Plumbers” (HBO), “City on a Hill” (Showtime) and “Law & Order: SVU” (NBC). The city’s skyline—featuring sleek office towers, luxury residential buildings, and bustling commercial districts—adds to its versatility and ability to serve as financial districts, corporate hubs, or high-end urban neighborhoods.
Tom Scutro, former location manager for NBC’s “The Blacklist,” has said that the city’s urban aesthetics perfectly capture the essence of a Washington, D.C. setting, making White Plains a standout choice for productions.
New Rochelle: Where Modern Aesthetics Meets Coastal Charm
On the county’s east side, on Long Island Sound, the City of New Rochelle combines modern urban settings with waterfront views and historic charm, creating a dynamic backdrop for filming. Its growing skyline, fueled by a redevelopment plan that has reshaped its downtown, has seen 30+ new developments completed or underway in the past few years. This rapid evolution created a fresh and dynamic cityscape with cutting-edge architecture that has been featured in “FBI: Most Wanted,” (CBS) “Orange is the New Black,” (HBO) and “City on a Hill” (Showtime). The waterfront, with beaches, marinas and scenic coastline, has stood in for New England’s coastline and suburban settings, adding to New Rochelle’s flexible variety of outdoor backdrops.
Mount Vernon: Industrial Zones, Historic Neighborhoods
Mount Vernon provides a diverse mix of filming locations including bustling downtown streets lined with classic storefronts and churches including Saint Paul’s Church, designated a National Historic Site. Industrial corridors with vintage warehouses and underpasses work well for procedural dramas while the tree-lined neighborhoods on the city’s north side offer a more suburban aesthetic. Nearby, unique outdoor spaces abound at The Wartburg, a sprawling 34-acre senior care campus, while Haven Studios NY, offers 30,000 square feet of sound stage space. This versatility affords filmmakers a variety of looks and options in close proximity. Showtime’s “City on the Hill” and “FBI: Most Wanted” (CBS) are among many productions that have filmed in Mount Vernon.
Westchester’s Cinematic Appeal
Besides its physical assets, Westchester County has consistently proven itself to be a flexible and film-friendly destination. Its towns, cities, villages and hamlets can be transformed into suitable backdrops needed for all kinds of productions while affording crews easy access to parking and other logistical needs. Westchester has everything for filmmakers who are looking for realism, range, and convenience.
