I am not from New York. I had my reasons for moving here—mainly a degree in magazine journalism, but I guess I can see how primetime cable was the deciding factor for some people. Let me explain: A huge amount of shows on TV are based in New York—from almost every crime drama around (although CSI has done a great job of branching out), to situational comedies—thanks Friends, Will and Grace, Sex and the City…the list goes on and on.     When you have a set three-hour block of nothing but New York, the thought of moving here grows more appealing by each commercial break. However, this all might come to a standstill soon. According to a recent post on the ever-addictive Gawker website, TV pilots might cease to be filmed in the Big Apple.
    Ok, so why might this happen? Well, since 2004, a tax credit system let production companies film in NYC. As can be said for mostly everything nowadays, the money pool has dried up. Ok, I will let you in on a secret: I suck at economics. I get that we are in a recession, I get that Obama is trying to get us out, I even get why now, in some places, you might even have to pay five cents for plastic bags at grocery stores. What I really want to know is what this means for tourism to New York? And, dare I say, all the trust-fund babies who want to take up residence in the already overcrowded city? I can’t really answer these questions, sorry. Although, I assume you can’t either. I went to a source who might be able to shed some light on the subject. Chris Hewyood, VP Travel & Tourism PR, for NYC & Company—the City’s marketing arm, told me “I don’t think it will affect tourism necessarily.” He added, “I think NYC will continue to be an aspiration brand. Effects from movies like Sex and the City continue to make us a draw.”
    Although any real answers might be far off, for now at least those dreaming of the Big Apple can rent episodes of Will & Grace on Netflix or watch Friends reruns on TBS.