In the Heights Delivers for New York, Creating Nearly 1,250 Local Jobs and Adding $35 Million to the City’s Economy
WASHINGTON – The production of Warner Bros. Pictures’ In the Heights created much more than dancing and art in the Washington Heights community, according to new data from the studio. The production generated about $34.5 million in local economic activity, with 1,245 local workers earning more than a collective $22.7 million in wages.
Motion Picture Association Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin said, “The impact production can have on a local economy is exemplified in what In the Heights has brought to New York City. As our nation reopens, the economic impact of the film and television industry will continue to increase – not only by pumping money into the local community but in creating high-paying jobs. Additionally, In the Heights is a celebration of diversity and representation on screen. As we saw from its opening weekend, telling those stories is a recipe for commercial success and strong cultural impact.”
By the numbers, the local impact of the production of In the Heights includes:
- More than $34.49 million invested in the local economy.
- More than 1,245 local workers earned wages totaling more than $22.7 million.
- More than $640,000 spent on lodging.
- More than $679,000 spent on transportation, including truck and car rentals.
- More than $673,000 spent on catering and other food items.
- More than $537,000 spent on hardware and lumber supplies.
- More than $563,000 spent on local wardrobe purchases and dry cleaning/laundry.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “In the Heights alone created over one thousand jobs and injected over $30 million into the local economy while telling a creative and unique story that is set against authentic locations only available in New York. It is just one example why the film, television and streaming production industry is vital to our collective efforts to renew, reimagine and rebuild our economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and Empire State Development is proud to play a vital role in growing the film industry in New York State. In this spirit, we congratulate the talented cast and crew members on this film and thank them for playing a starring role in New York’s recovery.”
New York Latino Film Festival Founder and Executive Director Calixto Chinchilla said, “The importance of In the Heights cannot be overstated. As a Latino in the film industry and a long-time resident of Washington Heights, seeing a major motion picture celebrate us authentically while representing the diversity within the Latino community will have such a positive impact on our industry and beyond. This is a true cultural moment. And the story is so much deeper than what’s on the screen. In the Heights was filmed in our neighborhoods, hiring dancers, actors, photographers, and community residents while creating great jobs, and giving back to our community. It’s an unbelievable success from every angle.”
In the Heights opened Thursday, June 10 in theaters and on HBO Max. For additional interviews with creators of the film, in front of and behind the camera, please visit The Credits.
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About The Motion Picture Association
The Motion Picture Association, Inc. (MPA) serves as the global 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: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Netflix, Inc.; Paramount Pictures Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Universal City Studios LLC; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Charles Rivkin is Chairman and CEO.
Media Contact:
Tom Zigo, Motion Picture Association
Tom_Zigo@motionpictures.org
202.378.9110