The Mayor's office
of media and entertainment

Spring 2018 updates

     

Don't miss your last chance to vote for "One Book, One New York"!

MOME is partnering with New York Magazine and Vulture on the second year of One Book, One New York, an exciting citywide initiative that brings book-loving New Yorkers together to read the same book at the same time. Be sure to cast your vote at NYC.gov/OneBook to determine the one book the whole city will read together! Polls close April 30.

MTV VMAs To Return to NYC on Monday, August 20

On April 17, Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Menin joined MTV to announce that the 2018 "MTV VMAs" will return to NYC and air live from Radio City Music Hall. Radio City was the home of the inaugural VMAs in 1984, and this will mark the 12th time the show has been held there -- the most for any VMA location. 2018 will be the 17th time the VMAs have been held in New York City.

Read more in Variety.

Sound Thinking NYC Currently Accepting Applications!

Sound Thinking NYC is a new, free program especially designed to open doors for young women to explore careers in the music industry. Participants will learn about the tools, technologies, and career paths that power songs, concerts, and films. The program includes opportunities for students to visit recording studios, learn about the science and physics of sound, and meet fellow students and music industry professionals that share their passion.

The program runs July 9-27, and is open to any New York City student who will be entering 11th grade in Fall 2018. Click here to learn more and apply.

MOME Announces Sharp Rise in Number of Broadcast Pilots Shooting in NYC

New York City has landed nearly twice the number of broadcast drama pilots this season as last year, with 12 network dramas in production in the Big Apple compared to last year's 7. The number of pilots in production in the five boroughs is also substantially more than that of New York's nearest competitor, Los Angeles with only 8, and represents both the largest number and the largest increase in any U.S. city.

Read more in Deadline.

MOME Launches "New York in 25" Campaign to Highlight NYC Life, the City's Flagship Television Channel

In March, MOME launched "New York in 25," a year-long public awareness campaign promoting NYC Life, the City's official television channel, which appears as channel 25 on most cable providers, and channel 25.1 over the air. The print, digital, and broadcast campaign features prominent New Yorkers describing the reasons why they love New York City -- in exactly 25 words. The campaign kicked off with videos starring Tracee Ellis Ross, actress and star of Black-ish; Samantha Bee, host of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee; and Zac Posen, fashion designer and author.

Watch all of the "New York in 25" videos.

Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Menin Announce New Latin Media and Entertainment Commission

Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Menin announced the revitalization of the Latin Media and Entertainment Commission for New York City. Comprised of 18 leaders from the vibrant Latinx community here in New York, the commission will leverage partnerships with the city's entertainment, government and business entities.

Patty Carey's Half Life Wins #GreenlightHer, NYC's First-Ever Screenwriting Competition Highlighting Women in Film and Television

After a public vote, MOME and Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema announced Patty Carey the winner of the #GreenlightHer women's screenwriting competition for her original script and television concept, Half Life. A comedy chronicling the experience of a woman juggling her responsibilities as a mother with her work as a location scout while trying to restart her stalled career as a writer, Half Life is a compelling depiction of the challenges and joys of modern womanhood in New York City. Carey will write an additional four episodes of Half Life, which will be produced, filmed and edited by Feirstein graduate students.

Read more in AM New York.

Put On Your Calendar

Tribeca Film Festival
MOME is proud to support the Tribeca Film Festival, running through April 29. Now in its 17th year, the festival champions the discovery of emerging voices and celebrates new work from established filmmaking talent. On April 28, make sure to join us at "Tribeca Talks: Master Class -- Show Runners and Writing for TV," a free event featuring conversations on what it takes to write and produce a compelling show.
Click here to learn more and RSVP.

Made in NY Media Summit
On Thursday, May 10th, MOME will host the first-ever "Made in NY" Media Summit in Harlem. The day-long event is an opportunity for New Yorkers to hear from and connect with entertainment industry leaders during a free day of programs with local cultural and media organizations. Held at the National Black Theatre, the Media Summit will feature industry talks with the likes of Angela Yee, Nelson George, Malcolm D. Lee and Warrington Hudlin and a resource fair to learn about local industry opportunities in the Harlem area. For more info and to RSVP, click here.

Vulture Festival
Vulture Festival, a weekend of high-profile events celebrating the best of today's television, comedy, music, film, and more, returns on May 19 and 20. The lineup for the 2018 pop-culture extravaganza includes panels, screenings, performances, and live podcast recordings. MOME is proud to present a "One Book, One New York" conversation with the contest winner on Saturday, May 19. Click here for all the details and to RSVP.

New York African Film Festival
African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) celebrates the 25th New York African Film Festival at Film Society of Lincoln Center, BAMcinematek and Maysles Cinema from May 16 - June 10. Under the theme "25 Years of the New York African Film Festival," the international film organizations will pay homage to the pioneers of African cinema while passing the baton to a new generation of African visual storytellers who continue to transform and expand our understanding of the continent and its diaspora. Please visit africanfilmny.org/nyaff2018 for more information. (Photo credit: Sophia Garcia)

June is New York Music Month!
We're pleased to announce the return of New York Music Month in June. Join us and NY is Music for a citywide celebration of NYC's diverse and thriving music sector, featuring 30 days of events designed to showcase and support the makers of our city's soundtrack. Highlights include a comprehensive calendar of music events throughout the city, resources for music makers, and free walking tours, playlists, and more. Keep an eye on nymusicmonth.nyc for more details.