Production of the popular ABC drama “Ugly Betty” will be moving to New York City. This move, which marks the first time an established television show has relocated to New York City, will create 210 full- and part-time jobs.
With the increased competition from neighboring states, New York has been losing film and television business for the past several years. This has resulted in a loss of approximately $750 million to the New York economy. Coupled with the City’s 5 percent ‘Made in NY’ tax credit, film companies can now take advantage of an expanded state film tax credit. The state film tax credit was recently tripled, from 10 to 30 percent.
“New York City is one of the most desired filming locations in the country and we are pleased to welcome ‘Ugly Betty’ into that storied history,” said New York Governor David A. Paterson. “With this hit show set to film in Manhattan and Queens, this will allow viewers to see more of our great city.”
ABC Studios President Mark Pedowitz said, “New York is an integral part of the creative storytelling of ‘Ugly Betty.’ These new tax incentives have made it possible to bring Betty Suarez back to her home town.”
Empire State Development Corporation Downstate President Avi Schick said, “We anticipated that the tripling of New York’s incentives would lure productions to New York but even we didn’t expect to see such immediate results. With ‘Ugly Betty’ coming home to New York, we are already seeing the promotion of an industry that creates billions of dollars in economic activity in New York each year.”