Production of Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures’ Ocean’s 8 Contributed Over $63 Million to the New York Economy

June 8, 2018

WASHINGTON – The production of Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures’ Ocean’s 8 brought a star-studded, female-led cast to the popular franchise – along with more than $63 million in economic activity to New York State. According to new figures from the studio, the film—about a daring heist in the midst of The Met Gala, spearheaded by Debbie Ocean—contributed more than $31 million in wages to over 8,000 local workers.

Ocean’s 8 production spent over 60 days shooting in New York, under the direction of Gary Ross. The film’s stars Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna, and Helena Bonham Carter were seen in and around the Big Apple. Local New Yorkers and visitors alike may recognize some filming locations, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, Marcy Armory in Brooklyn, Veselka Cafe in East Village, Myrtle Avenue in Richmond Hill, Fifth Avenue and 79th Street, and 3rd Avenue and 52nd Street in Manhattan.

A significant portion of the production’s investment supported a wide array of in-state vendors, including numerous small businesses, such as:

  • More than $22 million spent on local rentals and purchases for set decoration, production, and other supplies.
  • More than $2.4 million on local wardrobe, including dry cleaning.
  • More than $1.4 million spent on lodging.
  • More than $1.1 million spent on local catering and other food items for the cast and crew.
  • More than $290,000 spent on transportation, including truck and car rentals.

“This is an exciting new take on the Ocean’s franchise with eight powerful women leading the way,” MPAA Chairman and CEO Charles H. Rivkin said. “Thousands of New Yorkers had the opportunity to work on Ocean’s 8 and thousands more will recognize filming locations in their own neighborhoods. A real showcase for the economic impact of New York’s extraordinary film industry.”

“New York is the heart of the entertainment industry and continues to attract top-tier productions that create economic activity and opportunity,” Governor Cuomo said following the filming location announcement. “The production of this exciting, all-female feature film will create hundreds of jobs, generate millions of dollars in economic impact and further build the booming film industry in the Empire State.”

“New York State’s support of Ocean’s 8 leveraged over $63 million in economic impact and hundreds of hires,” said Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Howard Zemsky. “This female-led film showcases many of New York’s most iconic filming locations – and utilized our small, businesses, local vendors, and talented workforce. The New York State Film Tax Credit Program makes major productions like Ocean’s 8 – and their economic benefits – possible.”

“This picture shows off the incredible skills and dedication of our New York-based production crews,” said John Ford, President of Local 52 IATSE Motion Picture Studio Mechanics. “While the iconic locations of New York City provide a critical element of this movie’s story, it’s the talent of every member of the crew that makes them look and sound this good on the big screen. And it’s thanks to the support of New York’s Film Production Tax Credit that makes shooting in our city competitive – and allows our members to support their families.”

Representative Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) added, “Small businesses across Brooklyn benefit when productions come to town and Ocean’s 8 infused our community with quality, high-paying jobs. As co-chair of the Multicultural Media Caucus, I am proud to support the creative community across New York City and across this country.”

Ocean’s 8 is a presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a Rahway Production. It was directed by Gary Ross from a screenplay by Ross & Olivia Milch, story by Ross. Steven Soderbergh and Susan Ekins produced the film, with Michael Tadross, Diana Alvarez, Jesse Ehrman and Bruce Berman serving as executive producers. Opening on June 8, 2018, Ocean’s 8 is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. This film has been rated PG-13.

For a behind-the-scenes look at Ocean’s 8, click here.

About the MPAA
The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members include: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Paramount Pictures Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLC; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

# # #

For more information, contact:

MPAA Washington, D.C.
Chris Ortman
(202) 293-1966
Chris_Ortman@motionpictures.org