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 a sector that has long been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural and economic identity. With major studios and productions gradually returning, officials now face the task of determining how to sustain momentum and address gaps left by the downturn. The focus will likely center on policies that could attract and retain productions 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 ...