In a remarkable milestone, Yonkers has achieved unprecedented success in the film industry, generating nearly $900,000 in revenue during 2024. This achievement marks the most prosperous year since the establishment of the Mayor’s Office of Film and Photography in 2012. The city hosted an impressive 124 days of filming across various genres, including feature films, television series, commercials, and photography. Notable productions that chose Yonkers as their backdrop include "The Penguin," "Raising Kanan Power Book III," and "Long Bright River." The city's strategic location along the Hudson River, combined with its diverse historic sites, has made it an attractive destination for filmmakers.

Mayor Mike Spano expressed pride in Yonkers' growth as a leading location for film production. The city's success is attributed to its partnerships and infrastructure, including Lionsgate at Great Point Studios. Since 2012, these efforts have contributed $5.5 million to the city's General Fund. Looking forward, there are high hopes for continued expansion in 2025, as Yonkers continues to attract major productions from Hollywood.

The City's Strategic Appeal for Filmmakers

Yonkers has become an irresistible destination for filmmakers due to its unique combination of geography and history. Located just north of Manhattan within the 25-mile "Studio Zone" radius, the city offers convenient access to New York City while providing diverse filming locations. From the majestic Hudson River Museum to the historic Oakland Cemetery, Yonkers boasts a rich tapestry of settings suitable for various types of productions. The city's commitment to supporting the film industry through initiatives like the Office of Film and Photography has further enhanced its appeal.

The strategic advantages of Yonkers extend beyond its picturesque landscapes. The city's infrastructure, particularly Lionsgate at Great Point Studios, plays a crucial role in attracting major productions. With over one million square feet of environmentally sustainable stages, offices, and support areas, Lionsgate is the most comprehensive video and film production facility on the East Coast. Productions such as "The Bride," "On the End," and "FBI: Most Wanted" have capitalized on these resources, contributing significantly to the local economy. The city's ongoing development and investment in film-related infrastructure ensure that Yonkers remains a top choice for future projects.

Highlights of Major Productions in Yonkers

The year 2024 saw a surge in significant film and television productions choosing Yonkers as their primary location. Among the notable productions was "Raising Kanan Power Book III," which spent an extensive 58 days filming in the city. Other productions like "Long Bright River" and "The Penguin" also highlighted Yonkers' versatility as a filming destination. These productions not only brought substantial economic benefits but also showcased the city's diverse and historic landmarks to a global audience. Key locations such as Yonkers City Hall, Untermyer Gardens, and JFK Marina became integral parts of these narratives.

Each production brought its own unique charm to the city. For instance, "The Bride" filmed at Alder Manor, adding an air of mystery and elegance to the location. Meanwhile, "Elsbeth" and "Law & Order: SVU" utilized the iconic Yonkers City Hall, transforming it into different fictional worlds. The city's streets, including Saratoga Avenue and Lawrence Street, were transformed for "The Penguin," demonstrating the adaptability of Yonkers' urban landscape. The collaborative efforts between the city and production teams ensured smooth operations and mutual success. As Yonkers continues to welcome more productions, it solidifies its position as a vital player in the film and television industry.

Two major aerospace companies, SpaceX and Blue Origin, have encountered setbacks in their recent launch plans. SpaceX has postponed the launch of its Starship rocket to January 15th due to unfavorable weather conditions off the coast of Texas. Similarly, Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, backed by Jeff Bezos, had its planned Florida launch on January 13th scrubbed. The delays highlight the challenges faced by these pioneering firms in achieving successful missions amidst unpredictable environmental factors and technical hurdles.

The postponement of SpaceX's Starship mission was primarily attributed to adverse weather conditions. This massive spacecraft, designed for ambitious space endeavors, requires optimal atmospheric conditions for a safe launch. Meanwhile, Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket experienced multiple delays during its final countdown at Launch Complex 36, each ranging from 20 to 30 minutes. These interruptions were caused by uncertain downrange weather and unspecified issues that required additional time to resolve. The cumulative effect pushed the launch beyond the designated window.

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is critical to the company’s future operations. Standing as tall as a 30-story building, this privately funded vehicle aims to become a key player in the satellite launch market. Its impressive order book includes contracts with NASA, AST SpaceMobile, and Blue Origin’s own Project Kuiper broadband-by-satellite initiative. Like its competitor SpaceX, the New Glenn rocket features a fully reusable first stage, which significantly reduces operational costs. This reusability allows for more frequent and cost-effective launches, positioning the company as a formidable competitor in the commercial space sector.

For SpaceX, the upcoming seventh test flight of the Starship will deploy 10 Starlink simulators, replicating the size and weight of next-generation Starlink satellites. This exercise serves as a crucial step toward validating the spacecraft’s capability to deploy satellites on suborbital trajectories. Additionally, the mission includes a planned relight of a single Raptor engine while in space, further demonstrating the rocket’s advanced propulsion system. The Starlink simulators are expected to splash down in the Indian Ocean, marking an important milestone in SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to expand its satellite constellation.

Despite the current delays, both SpaceX and Blue Origin remain committed to advancing their respective projects. As they continue to address the challenges posed by weather and technical issues, these companies are poised to make significant contributions to the rapidly evolving field of space exploration. The rescheduled launches underscore the meticulous planning and adaptability required in the pursuit of groundbreaking space missions.