At Westchester County Tourism & Film’s The Future of Film in Westchester event, a powerhouse panel of producers gathered to share why Westchester remains one of the most sought-after film and TV production hubs—and what Westchester must do to remain competitive.
The conversation, moderated by Natasha Caputo, director, Westchester County Tourism & Film, brought together industry veterans Bill Carraro (The Penguin, Dexter: New Blood); Thomas Kelly (The Purge, The Get Down); and Jerry Kupfer (30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) to speak candidly about the realities of location decisions, production logistics, and the kinds of collaboration that make—or break—a project.
Their message was clear: Westchester has what it takes. But staying competitive requires continued commitment, communication, and coordination.
Westchester’s Built-In Advantages
Across the board, the panelists agreed—Westchester’s variety of locations, proximity to New York City, and experienced local crews give it a distinct edge.
“Westchester offers a truly diverse number of choices in the storytelling that productions are looking for,” said Carraro. “You have historic estates, working-class neighborhoods, schools, fields, main streets—it’s an incredibly flexible canvas.”
Kelly, a showrunner and novelist, recalled those advantages as he told the story of shooting a pilot film, “Civil,” for TNT throughout Westchester. “We shot Grove City, Pennsylvania; College Station, Texas; Fall River, Massachusetts; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Phoenix, Arizona; and New York City’s Central Park. If you watch the pilot, you’d never guess we weren’t in five different states. Westchester can be almost anything.”
Carraro emphasized that as more stages and support infrastructure are built in the County, its appeal continues to grow. “The closer your locations are to the production base, the more attractive they become logistically. That’s already happening here.”
What Film and TV Productions Need From Westchester Locations
While the physical locations are strong, the producers were candid about the behind-the-scenes factors that determine whether a production locks in a location—or walks away.
“The most successful locations are the ones who have been flexible for film productions,” said Kupfer, who has filmed extensively across Westchester. “Some have built experience and are incredibly accommodating. Others are newer to production and still learning what it takes to support productions working on tight timelines.”
Carraro echoed that sentiment, calling for more centralized coordination: “Is there a point person, a liaison you can rely on to help cut through the layers? If I’m comparing one location that’s flexible and responsive with one that’s not, the decision’s made for me.”
Kelly emphasized the critical role of logistics and flexibility in television production. “It’s a fluid situation. You want to lock in locations before you shoot, but there’s always a backup plan in your head—what pairs well, what can be swapped. And moving dozens or hundreds of crew members between locations costs time and money. You need locations that understand the pace we work at.”
And that pace can be unforgiving. “This business runs on tight schedules and tighter budgets,” said Kelly. “We’re always watching the clock. Overtime is expensive. That’s why clear communication and flexibility from local partners is essential.”
The Role of Respect and Community Partnership
Beyond logistics, the panelists all spoke to the importance of respectful collaboration with local communities.
“We have to be good neighbors,” said Kelly. “When we show up, it’s about building trust. Don’t overpromise, don’t cut corners. I’ve had experiences where one bad call nearly lost us a location for everyone else. You have to think about the next production, not just your own.”
Kupfer noted that community familiarity can go a long way. “When community members understand what filming looks like—when they know it’s temporary, and that they’re part of something bigger—they’re more likely to support it. And often, they benefit from it.”
Producers highlighted the importance of engaging local talent, using extras from the community, and being mindful of residents’ routines and spaces. It’s not just about shooting—it’s about creating a positive, lasting impression.
How Westchester County Tourism & Film Helps Keep Westchester Competitive
As the conversation shifted toward solutions, Natasha Caputo, director of Westchester County Tourism & Film, highlighted the proactive steps the County has taken over the years to support the industry.
“Our role is to make Westchester as production-ready and producer-friendly as possible,” said Caputo. “That includes sophisticated marketing—through our blog, social media, scout newsletters, and our extensive photo galleries—and it includes hands-on support: facilitating permitting, helping troubleshoot issues, and serving as a bridge between the industry and our small businesses, municipalities, hotels, historic sites, and other film locations.”
WCT&F is also helping to build institutional knowledge across communities, encouraging municipalities to designate film liaisons, and educating local partners on how to prepare for and benefit from production activity.
Caputo stressed the importance of continued collaboration: “We’re competing with other counties, cities, and even countries. But our advantage is our people—our local crews, our responsive businesses, and our willingness to work together.”
Looking Ahead
As production budgets tighten and competition increases, Westchester’s success will depend on its ability to offer more than just great locations near NYC. It must offer reliability, responsiveness, and readiness.
The panelists agreed that Westchester is on the right track—but now is the time to double down on facilitating film and TV production.
“We’ve shot in your parks, your schools, your neighborhoods,” said Kelly. “I can’t come up with a bad experience filming anywhere in Westchester. We want to keep coming back. Let’s keep the dialogue open.”
For more highlights from the panel and event photos, follow @westchestercountyfilm on Instagram or visit our locations gallery.
