The latest TikTok ban proposal in Congress reignited an internal debate. While it fizzled out almost as quickly as a 24-hour Story, it highlighted just how deeply social media has woven itself into our cultural fabric. (I’ll admit: part of me hoped the ban would stick—and maybe take Facebook and X down with it.) According to Statista, as of October 2024, there were 5.52 billion internet users worldwide, which amounted to 67.5 percent of the global population. This staggering reach underscores the pervasive influence of social media, not just as a communication tool but as a force reshaping how we tell and consume stories. Of this total, 5.22 billion, or 63.8 percent of the world’s population, are active social media users.
Remember when “going viral” was something your doctor desperately advised you to avoid? Now it’s the holy grail of digital success. From TikTok creators to Instagram influencers, millions chase that elusive moment of online fame. But beyond the surface of likes and shares, a profound shift is occurring: social media isn’t just changing how we communicate—it’s fundamentally redefining storytelling itself.
Just a decade ago, most of us simply consumed content. Today, we simultaneously create, curate, and critique (or vehemently destroy). TikTok’s sophisticated editing tools have transformed amateur filmmakers into potential viral sensations. Instagram has turned our daily lives into visual narratives, complete with story arcs and aesthetic themes. And X? It’s proven that complex ideas can be distilled into 280-character bursts of either surprising insight or spectacular controversy.
But here’s the rub. This evolution runs deeper than just changing communication patterns—it’s rewiring how we process information. Research suggests our constant exposure to short-form content is reshaping our attention spans, making it increasingly challenging to engage with longer narratives. A study by Microsoft found that the average human attention span has dropped to just eight seconds—shorter than a goldfish’s—largely due to the rapid-fire consumption of digital media. We’ve developed an appetite for micro-stories, finding profound meaning in 30-second videos and processing complex social issues through cleverly crafted memes.
For traditional media, this transformation has been revolutionary. Journalists now compete with real-time updates on X and viral TikTok investigations, fundamentally altering the news landscape. The speed and volume of information on these platforms often outpace traditional outlets, leading to a trade-off between immediacy and accuracy. This race for clicks and engagement has sometimes compromised reliability, with sensationalism and unverified claims making headlines before facts are thoroughly vetted. Yet, it has also democratized information, empowering citizen journalists to shed light on stories that might otherwise go untold. Breaking news often emerges on social platforms, with citizen journalists capturing crucial moments before traditional outlets can respond. Meanwhile, streaming services analyze our social media engagement patterns to determine content strategy, influencing which shows survive and which fade into digital obscurity.
Rather than debating whether these changes help or harm society, we might better spend our energy learning to adapt. The real challenge lies ahead: how do we harness these new storytelling tools to create meaningful narratives that transcend the temporary rush of viral fame? Perhaps the answer lies in embracing innovation while staying true to the timeless elements that make stories resonate—genuine human connection, emotional depth, and authentic experiences.
The film and television industry is undergoing a seismic shift.
For decades, Los Angeles has been the epicenter of production, but as challenges like rising costs, wildfires, and an uncertain future loom over Hollywood, other states are stepping up to claim their share of the spotlight. From Tyler Perry’s sprawling Atlanta studios to Mark Wahlberg’s recent ventures in Las Vegas, production hubs are emerging across the country. Among these, New York is making a particularly bold move to solidify its place as a leading destination for filmmakers.
New York’s Commitment to Film Production
New York has always been synonymous with storytelling. Its streets have served as the backdrop for countless iconic films and TV shows. But in recent years, the state has recognized that maintaining its status as a production powerhouse requires more than just its natural appeal. To compete with states like Georgia and New Jersey, which have aggressively courted productions with lucrative tax breaks, New York has doubled down on its own efforts.The state recently unveiled an expanded version of its Film Tax Credit program. This initiative, which was set to expire in 2025, has not only been extended but significantly enhanced. Productions can now benefit from a base credit of 30% on qualified expenses, with opportunities to push that figure up to 40% if they meet specific criteria. Moreover, the annual funding for the program has jumped from $420 million to $700 million—a clear signal that New York is serious about keeping productions within its borders.
A Focus Beyond the City
While New York City remains a magnet for filmmakers, the state is also turning its attention upstate. The revamped tax credit program includes incentives specifically designed to attract productions outside the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD). Productions spending at least $100,000 in qualified costs in these regions can access a 30% credit, a move aimed at spreading economic benefits beyond the city. This strategy aligns with broader efforts to stimulate local economies in areas that traditionally haven’t seen much film activity.This focus on upstate development also extends to infrastructure. The state is encouraging investment in new production facilities in regions like Buffalo and Syracuse, creating long-term opportunities for growth. By fostering industry hubs outside of NYC, New York is ensuring that the benefits of film and television production are felt statewide.
The Broader Impact
The economic ripple effects of these initiatives are substantial. Film and television production isn’t just about cameras and actors—it drives entire ecosystems. Local businesses like restaurants, hotels, transportation services, and equipment rental companies all benefit when a production comes to town. A single feature film can inject hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars into a local economy.Then there’s the job creation aspect. In New York alone, the film industry supports over 57,000 direct jobs and countless others indirectly. With enhanced incentives attracting more productions, this number is likely to grow significantly in the coming years.
A National Trend
New York isn’t alone in recognizing the value of film and television production as an economic driver. Across the U.S., states are competing fiercely for their piece of Hollywood’s business. New Jersey has introduced one of the most generous tax credit programs in the country, offering up to 39% in transferable credits with no cap per project. Georgia remains a juggernaut thanks to its uncapped program that has lured major blockbusters and TV series like Stranger Things and The Walking Dead. Even Nevada is stepping into the arena with plans to expand its tax credit program from $10 million annually to $95 million.This competition is reshaping the geography of production in America. Once concentrated in Los Angeles and New York City, filmmaking is now spreading across smaller cities and rural areas nationwide.
What Lies Ahead
As we look ahead, it’s clear that this decentralization of film and television production will continue. States like New York are setting an example by not only offering financial incentives but also investing in infrastructure and workforce development to support long-term growth.For filmmakers and producers, this evolving landscape offers exciting opportunities but also new challenges. Navigating different state programs and understanding their unique requirements can be complex—but it’s worth it when productions find locations that fit their creative vision while maximizing their budgets.New York’s recent moves signal more than just an effort to stay competitive; they reflect a deep understanding of how storytelling shapes economies and communities alike. By embracing this moment of change with ambition and foresight, New York isn’t just keeping up—it’s setting a new standard for what it means to be a global hub for film and television production.
In recent years, the film and television production industry has been undergoing a significant transformation, with various states vying to attract major studios and productions away from traditional hubs like Los Angeles. This shift has been driven by a combination of factors, including generous tax incentives, state-of-the-art facilities, and a growing pool of local talent. As we enter 2025, this trend shows no signs of slowing down, with states like New York leading the charge in attracting and retaining production companies.
By The Numbers
Enhanced Tax Incentives
The New York State Film Tax Credit program, which was set to expire on January 1, 2025, has been extended and expanded1. The new program offers:
A base credit of 30% for qualified production expenditures
An additional 10% credit for productions that meet certain criteria, potentially bringing the total credit to 40%
Increased funding, with the annual allocation rising from $420 million to $700 million
These enhancements make New York’s program one of the most competitive in the nation, rivaling those of states like Georgia and Louisiana.
Focus on Upstate Development
One of the key aspects of New York’s new approach is its emphasis on developing the film industry in upstate regions. The program now offers:
A 30% credit for productions spending at least $100,000 in total qualified costs outside the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD)
Incentives for building and operating qualified production facilities in upstate New York
This strategy aims to spread the economic benefits of film production throughout the state, creating jobs and stimulating local economies beyond the New York City area.
Impact on the Industry
The enhanced incentives in New York and similar programs in other states are having a significant impact on the film and television production landscape:
Job Creation: The film industry in New York alone is responsible for over 57,000 direct jobs and supports thousands more indirectly.
Economic Boost: Productions bring substantial spending to local economies. For instance, a single feature film can inject hundreds of thousands of dollars into local businesses.
Infrastructure Development: States are seeing increased investment in production facilities and studios, creating long-term infrastructure for the industry.
Talent Development: As productions become more frequent in these new hubs, local talent pools are expanding, further attracting future projects.
Other States in the Game
While New York is making headlines, other states are also making significant moves:
New Jersey has introduced a Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program offering up to 39% in transferable tax credits, with no project cap.
Georgia continues to be a major player with its uncapped tax credit program, which has attracted numerous high-profile productions.
Nevada is considering a dramatic expansion of its film tax credit program, potentially increasing it from $10 million to $95 million annually.
Looking Ahead
As states continue to compete for productions, we can expect to see:
More states enhancing their incentive programs to remain competitive
Increased investment in production infrastructure across the country
A potential shift in the geographic distribution of film and television production hubs
While there are more options than ever for filming locations, navigating the various incentive programs and local regulations can be complex. As we move further into 2025 and beyond, it’s clear that the film and television production industry will continue to be a significant driver of local economies across the United States.
