New York City’s newly appointed entertainment chief has taken stock of a creative industry still struggling to rebound from years of decline in film and television production, despite broader signs of economic recovery. The assessment highlights lingering challenges in the sector, even as the city’s broader economy shows resilience. With major productions often relocating for incentives, officials now face the task of reversing the trend and restoring New York’s role as a hub for media and entertainment. The move comes as stakeholders weigh how to attract productions back amid shifting industry priorities.


When Rafael Espinal took office in February as New York City's entertainment chief, he looked around and saw a city that was thriving but had yet to recover from a yearslong slump in film and TV ...