New York City’s newly appointed entertainment chief has taken stock of a creative sector 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 an industry that has long been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural and economic landscape. With major productions shifting priorities and budgets, officials now face the task of determining how to restore momentum in a market that remains unevenly competitive. The move comes as stakeholders weigh whether recent policy shifts or private investments can bridge the gap left by past setbacks.


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 ...