Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, The Walt Disney Company, Marvel Television and Netflix Inc. have announced that a superhero-strength commitment to television production in New York State–the largest in State history—will continue, doubling the project’s original commitment.
“Marvel’s The Defenders,” a groundbreaking live-action miniseries that brings together street level heroes Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist to fight fictitious crime on the streets of New York City, will feature 135 episodes of original programming by the end of 2018. The project’s announcement and New York City premiere took place last month. Produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Television Studios, the live-action epic is Marvel's most ambitious television project, featuring New York State as a backdrop and central to the heroes' identities as they unite to form "Marvel's The Defenders."
The latest project had its beginnings in 2014, with Disney and Netflix announcing the unprecedented commitment for Marvel Television to develop multiple original series featuring four of Marvel's most popular characters. The subsequent series—Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist— have taken viewers deep into the gritty New York City world of heroes and villains, set in Hell's Kitchen and Harlem. All four series have been picked up for additional seasons as well as a new spin-off series featuring The Punisher.
Cameras started rolling for the first series in the partnership in the summer of 2014, generating more than 14,000 production hires in New York State including cast and crew, extras, and other below the line hires. Marvel Television has engaged more than 500 local vendors and small businesses that have supplied soundstages, equipment rentals, supplies and catering services located throughout the state.
"New York is home to world-class entertainment talent and opportunities, and this historic commitment from Disney and Marvel Television studios underscores our position as the film and television capital of the world," Governor Cuomo said last month. "These productions will result in thousands of new hires and infuse our economy as we continue our momentum across the state."
Television series, like "Marvel's The Defenders" epic, continue to experience the greatest growth under the state's film incentive program. In 2017, 40 television series have already applied to the New York State Film Tax Credit Program and are projected to spend $1.4 billion with 94,185 hires across the state. Since 2011, New York has received a total of 1,151 applications, representing $17 billion in statewide spending and creating more than 1 million new hires.
