CUNY Launches Office of Film & TV to Boost NYC Industry

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  Media and Entertainment on Sun, Jan 18th, 2026 by Deadline.com
      Locales: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - January 18, 2026 - The City University of New York (CUNY) has announced the creation of a new Office of Film & TV, a significant initiative designed to bolster the city's film and television industry while providing invaluable educational and career opportunities for CUNY students. The office, a direct response to recent challenges facing the NYC production sector, will be led by Rafael Espinal, a seasoned policy expert and former Brooklyn council member.

This announcement marks a pivotal moment for both CUNY and the city's creative economy. Named in honor of the late Mina Mandani, a passionate advocate for film and television in New York City, the office aims to carry forward her vision and dedication. Mandani's legacy will serve as a guiding principle for the office's activities, ensuring a commitment to fostering a thriving and inclusive film and television ecosystem.

Espinal: A Leader with a Proven Track Record

Rafael Espinal's appointment as Director of the Office of Film & TV underscores the importance CUNY places on this initiative. Espinal's experience in policy development, economic development, and community engagement makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead the new office. His previous service as a Brooklyn council member provided him with a deep understanding of the city's diverse communities and the complexities of navigating local government and policy.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have Rafael Espinal at the helm," stated CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodriguez. "His expertise and dedication will be instrumental in achieving the office's goals and ensuring a lasting impact on our students and the industry."

A Multifaceted Approach to Revitalization

The Office of Film & TV will pursue a three-pronged strategy to achieve its objectives. First and foremost, it will focus on actively increasing film and television production within New York City. This will involve identifying and addressing the factors that have led to production shifting to other locations. Rising production costs, particularly labor and studio space, have presented significant hurdles in recent years. The office intends to work with city and state officials to explore potential incentives, infrastructure improvements, and streamlined permitting processes to make NYC a more competitive production hub.

Secondly, the office is deeply committed to expanding educational and professional development opportunities for CUNY students pursuing careers in the creative industries. This includes developing new film and television programs, expanding existing ones, and creating internships and mentorship programs that connect students with industry professionals. The goal is to cultivate a pipeline of skilled and diverse talent ready to contribute to the city's creative sector.

Finally, the office will serve as a vital bridge between CUNY and the broader film and television industry. This will involve forging partnerships with studios, production companies, unions, and guilds, facilitating collaboration, and fostering a sense of community within the industry. Regular industry events, workshops, and networking opportunities are planned to promote these connections.

Addressing the Industry's Challenges

The launch of the Office of Film & TV comes at a critical juncture for the NYC film and television industry. While New York City has a long and storied history in filmmaking, the past several years have seen a decline in production due to competition from states and countries offering more attractive financial incentives and tax breaks. Furthermore, the city's rising production costs have exacerbated the issue.

The new office is intended to be a key component in reversing this trend, attracting new productions, and retaining existing ones. It represents a renewed commitment from CUNY and the city to supporting this vital industry and ensuring its continued contribution to New York's economy and cultural landscape. The Mandani legacy will serve as a constant reminder of the importance of innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to fostering a vibrant and accessible film and television ecosystem for all New Yorkers. The coming months will be crucial as the office establishes its operational framework and begins to implement its strategic initiatives.