New York City’s newly appointed entertainment chief has taken the helm amid a cautious recovery in the film and TV industry, acknowledging lingering challenges after years of decline. The role comes at a pivotal moment as the city seeks to rebuild its standing as a major hub for production, balancing its cultural strengths with the need to address past setbacks. With major studios and productions returning, officials are weighing how to sustain momentum while ensuring equitable growth across neighborhoods. The appointment signals a push to revitalize an economy still feeling the ripple effects of industry shifts.
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 ...
