About Yonkers
Yonkers, New York is a city that sits on the banks of the majestic Hudson River in Westchester County. It’s just north of New York City, making it an ideal location for filming due to its close proximity to Manhattan and access to beaches, parks, woodlands, and urban centers. The city offers a unique blend of diverse cultures and a vibrant energy that makes it an attractive option for production companies looking for an interesting backdrop.
In addition to its natural beauty, Yonkers also provides filmmakers with unparalleled access to excellent resources like lighting specialists, camera crews, sound equipment rentals, and post-production facilities. The local film office also helps guide production teams through the permitting process while providing contacts for further assistance along the way. Furthermore, there are many incentives available to filmmakers such as tax credits that can be used toward expenses incurred during production.
All these benefits make Yonkers an ideal place for filming projects of any size or scope. Whether you’re shooting a feature film or a commercial spot—or anything in between—the city has something unique to offer every filmmaker who comes here. With its variety of settings, easy accessibility, and range of great resources available, Yonkers is quickly becoming one of the most desirable cities for shooting movies, TV shows, and other creative projects.
Filming Options in Yonkers
- Videography
You can have a film without videographers. Thankfully, proximity to New York City has ensured that Yonkers is home to several talented videographers who can capture your vision on film.
- Catering
Yonkers is known for its eclectic mix of foods. This diversity in culinary styles is primarily due to the multicultural heritage of its residents. Many catering companies in Yonkers can provide delicious food for your cast and crew.
- Lighting
The city's unique architecture and scenic views make it an ideal location for filmmakers looking to create an unforgettable visual experience. Plenty of lighting vendors in Yonkers can help you achieve the perfect look for your production.
Filming Vendors in Yonkers
- Scavello's on the Island
Scavello's on the Island is a catering company and banquet hall that has been in business for over 20 years. They are dedicated to providing their clients with delicious food and excellent service. The staff of Scavello's on the Island will work with you to ensure that any event you host is a success, whether a corporate gathering or a family reunion. They offer a wide variety of menu options, and all their food is made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Look no further than Scavello's on the Island if you're searching for a catering service that will do its best to make your occasion memorable.
- Canal Sound & Light
Canal Sound & Light provides lighting, rentals, video, installations, sound, and DJ equipment sales in the greater NY area. They have a wide variety of event tech available for rent, including stage, lighting, truss, TV, video projectors, mirror balls, DJ equipment, wireless microphones, speakers, and more. Their production team is experienced in pop-up events, weddings, executing concerts, parties, corporate events, or any event that needs tech. Canal Sound & Light experts will create and install an AVL system that meets your needs on time and on budget.
- Yonkers Photo Studio
If you're looking for a top-notch photography or videography studio, look no further than Yonkers Photo Studio. They've got a whole staff of professional post-production specialists to ensure your photos and videos become true works of art. They've got you covered if you need commercial photography or video services. Yonkers Photo Studio also offers volume photography solutions for schools and sports teams. They're a professionally managed studio that takes pride in its cinematic video productions, photo-journalistic style photographs, and beautiful wedding portraiture.
Pros and Cons of Filming Locations In Yonkers
Filming in Yonkers is an ideal option for movie-makers looking for a unique and vibrant cityscape. With its bustling downtown area, picturesque parks, and historic sites, Yonkers offers filmmakers a diverse range of options and experiences. However, filming in Yonkers may also be accompanied by some drawbacks. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages to consider when choosing to hold your production in Yonkers:
Advantages
- Yonkers has a wide variety of filming locations, with everything from high-rise buildings to rolling countryside. Additionally, the city offers easy access to multiple parts of greater New York City, making it possible to shoot scenes in both urban and rural settings.
- Getting around the city is relatively easy with accessible public transit options like buses, trains, and ride-shares. This makes shooting on location easier for cast and crews alike.
- The city is home to a large population of talented actors, crew members, and other professionals who are available for hire at competitive rates. This makes finding local staff for your production much simpler than having to bring people from outside the region.
Disadvantages
- Securing permits for filming in Yonkers can be costly due to various fees associated with the process. Additionally, some permits are only valid for limited times frame, which can impact production scheduling or require extra costs if extended beyond those time frames.
- As one of the largest cities in New York State, there’s still only so much space available for filming within city limits. This can create obstacles when trying to find suitable filming locations that meet specific requirements or provide adequate space needed for larger productions.
- Depending on where you choose to film, certain parts of Yonkers have noise restrictions that limit how the late cast and crew members can work into the night or on weekends, as well as impose certain volume requirements during certain hours of the day/night when shooting is allowed.
Tips on How to Organize Filming Locations In Yonkers
Planning a film shoot in Yonkers can be an exciting, yet overwhelming experience. But with the right tips and preparation, you'll be ready for success! Here are some helpful tips on how to organize filming in Yonkers:
- Research the laws and regulations regarding filming in Yonkers: Yonkers has certain regulations regarding what types of activity are allowed in certain areas and the permitting process. Ensure you have all the necessary permits before starting your filming project.
- A checklist is a must-have when organizing any kind of event or shoot: Include all necessary steps such as finding a location, securing permits, hiring crew and actors, obtaining equipment, etc., so that nothing is missed and everything goes as planned.
- Consider hiring a local production company to help with the planning process: They can provide insider knowledge about locations and can help with permits, equipment rentals, crew sourcing, etc., making the entire process much easier for you.
- Location scouting is key: Research different neighborhoods and venues in the city that fit your needs for shooting particular scenes or specific shots you need for your film project. Check out online resources such as Yelp reviews to get an understanding of what places look like before visiting them personally.
- Finding good quality actors and crew members who fit your budget is also essential for success: Reach out to local talent agencies or hire directly from individual actors/crew who have active portfolios online showcasing their work for potential clients to review beforehand.
- Most importantly: Safety should always come first before anything else during every step of production - especially if special effects will be used during shoots or any other potentially hazardous activities are involved! Make sure all safety protocols are followed properly including using proper protective gear when necessary at all times (eye protection, hard hats, hearing protection, etc.)
Famous Locations in Yonkers
- Tibbetts Brook Park
The city of Yonkers is rich in history, and one of the first parks to be built here was Tibbetts Brook Park, which opened to the public in 1927. Today, this is one of the most fantastic parks to visit in Yonkers if you want to experience some of the city's beautiful greenery. There are also many activities to enjoy here if you make the trip. Popular activities in the park include bird watching, hiking on the nature trails that run through the park, or swimming. There are also plenty of sporting activities, including fishing and basketball.
- Old Croton Aqueduct Trail
The Old Croton Trail is a great way to get outdoors in Yonkers and experience some of the natural beauty of Westchester County. While the primary purpose of the trail is for walking and running, various sections are also excellent for birdwatching, horseback riding, or biking. Owners can take their dogs with them, but they must be on a leash. The path goes more than 26 miles through the county, skirting past Yonkers, so it's ideal for runners and hikers. If you're going on the route, pick up a detailed map and brochure from the Friends of Old Croton Aqueduct that describes in detail where you'll go. Visitors can take the trail anytime, as it is open year-round.
- Hudson River Museum
Located in Yonkers, the Hudson River Museum is dedicated to the arts, sciences, and histories. The museum has a wide range of permanent and rotating exhibitions, a planetarium, an amphitheater, and a hands-on art and science studio. The museum's collection includes ancient and modern art and historical and contemporary artifacts. Visitors can also take advantage of the museum's many educational programs. The Hudson River Museum is a great place to learn about the arts, sciences, and history in one convenient location.