The Penguin Production Invested Nearly $135 Million in Gotham During Filming
Warner Bros. Discovery Hired Over 2,200 Local New York Cast and Crew
NEW YORK – Warner Bros. Discovery’s new series, The Penguin, directly spent over $134.7 million across New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island, according to new data released by the studio.
“The Penguin reinforced a fundamental fact about the impact of the film and television industry: when production arrives in New York or any city, it means more jobs for local workers, more investments in local businesses, and more growth for local economies,” said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the MPA. “This doesn’t happen by accident – it takes a brilliant cast and crew matched with smart incentives by policymakers from Long Island to Buffalo. When you get that combination, you see iconic characters walking the streets of Gotham, and you see more New Yorkers on the job, bringing visionary ideas to life.”
The series filmed for 112 days around New York, including in all five boroughs of New York City, as well as in Westchester County and on Long Island.
Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Warner Bros. Discovery’s The Penguin, filmed across New York City, Westchester, and Long Island, showcases the unparalleled benefits of choosing New York as a production hub. From creating thousands of jobs for local cast and crew to driving millions of dollars in direct economic impact across our communities, this production is a testament to the power of New York’s film and television tax credits and our state’s exceptional talent and resources. We are proud to see Gotham come to life here and to support programs that open doors for underrepresented talent in the entertainment industry.”
The production contributed over $134.7 million in direct spending to the local economy. That investment delivered over $73 million in wages to more than 2,200 local cast and crew hired for the production. Additional spending included:
$60.8 million invested in local economy activity;
$6.3 million on location fees and permits;
$5.4 million on props and set dressing;
$5.3 million on transportation and car rentals;
$2.1 million on local catering; and
$1.5 million on hotels and lodging.
This extensive local production earned the series the “Made in NY” production title, an honor granted only to projects filmed 75% or more in New York. The Penguin also participated in MOME’s Made In NY Production Assistant Program which seeks to place graduates who otherwise lack the access but who are passionate about the industry: https://bwiny.org/made-in-ny-pa-training-program/overview/
“We are over the moon that The Penguin was predominantly shot in NYC, contributing to the city’s multi-billion dollar film and TV economic engine by supporting local businesses and providing jobs for New Yorkers,” said Commissioner of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, Pat Swinney Kaufman. “While filming on our city’s streets, DC Studios and Warner Bros. Television were able to skillfully bring Gotham to life with all the grit, darkness and intensity required.”
“It’s no surprise that producers of The Penguin chose to film in Westchester County, home to a fantastic diversity of locations,” said Natasha Caputo, Director of Westchester County Tourism & Film. “Our region’s assets, from bucolic rural areas to bustling cityscapes, offer filmmakers a unique canvas to create any world imaginable. Scenes filmed at Sleepy Hollow Country Club and on the streets of Yonkers exemplify this versatility. Westchester welcomes film and television productions for the economic benefits they bring and the opportunity to showcase our film-friendly communities.”
As part of the production, The Penguin participated in Warner Bros. Discovery’s Access to Action (ATA) program, which provides individuals who haven’t traditionally had pathways into the entertainment industry with access to below-the-line jobs on the studio’s film and television productions. The Penguin was a proud supporter of the program and utilized its services to place a Production Assistant on their roster.
The Penguin is available for streaming on Max. To read additional interviews with creators from the series, including the production designer and costume designer, please visit The Credits.
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About the Motion Picture Association
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) serves as the leading voice and advocate of the motion picture, home video, and television industries. It works in every corner of the globe to advance the creative industry, protect its members’ content across all screens, defend the creative and artistic freedoms of storytellers, and support innovative distribution models that bring an expansion of viewing choices to audiences around the world. Its member studios are: Netflix, Paramount Pictures, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Charles Rivkin is Chairman and CEO.
