New York's filmmaking roots are deep—some might even say deeper than Hollywood's. In 1896, New York City became the first place in America where films were first publicly shown. The earliest film studios appeared in New York in the 1890s, and pioneers in modern animation experimented there. The first synchronous sound movie premiered in Manhattan in 1926. New York filmmakers have since been hard at work, making films that span the spectrum from avant garde to blockbuster. The Internet Movie Database lists New York as a filming location for over 15,800 (and counting) titles, more than most major countries.
It's no wonder that so many movies take place in New York. Legendary filmmakers Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen and Spike Lee are inspired by New York. So are the many actors and actresses who got their start here, from Robert De Niro to Mae West.
A lot of places in New York have also played plum roles. The amazing architecture and design and natural beauty of the state make great filming locations—
Albany's historic neighborhoods in The Age of Innocence and
Niagara Falls in Pirates of the Caribbean, to name a few. The streets of New York City have appeared in films from Miracle on 34th Street, to Alfred Hitchcock classics to Scorsese's Raging Bull. When you're in New York you can virtually relive scenes from your favorite movies.
To be sure, New Yorkers love their movies as much as the movies have loved them. Each year,
film festivals all over the state draw thousands of filmgoers. That's a lot of popcorn.