Photo c/o CBS
On Wednesday, New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation, announced that the LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT will remain in New York and will continue broadcasting from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater.
The agreement includes a commitment by CBS for approximately 200 New York-based jobs to support the daily program’s year-round production schedule, with CBS receiving special tax breaks as well as a state grant to renovate the Ed Sullivan Theater. (We don’t know exactly how many, but know that a few Bronxites work in some capacity at the Late Show and this will very well save their jobs.)
David Letterman, the legendary, critically acclaimed host of the CBS late night series for 21 years, announced his retirement on his April 3 broadcast. The following week, CBS announced that Stephen Colbert, the host, writer and executive producer of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning “The Colbert Report,” will succeed Letterman as the host of the LATE SHOW.
“ New York has long been an international entertainment leader, and with this commitment from CBS we are beginning the next chapter in that proud history,” Cuomo said. “The television and film industries are thriving in the Empire State – creating jobs and fueling dozens of other sectors across the state. Les Moonves and CBS have made the right decision in choosing to continue investing in New York, and as David Letterman passes the baton to Stephen Colbert, I look forward to watching the LATE SHOW from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater for years to come.”
City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito released this comment:
“Stephen Colbert is going on “Late,” but CBS’ decision came just in time. I’m thrilled the Late Show will remain in New York City as an iconic stronghold of our City’s thriving entertainment industry. I applaud Leslie Moonves, CBS and Governor Cuomo for protecting hundreds of local jobs and for recognizing that there is no better place than New York for art, culture or late night television.”
Colbert’s premiere date as host of the LATE SHOW will be announced after Letterman determines a timetable for his final broadcasts in 2015. “Stephen Colbert is New York, and New York is Stephen Colbert. His show represents the savvy, smarts and good humor of our great city, and I’m delighted we were able to keep him and his fantastic team right here where they belong. This action will continue to keep hundreds of good jobs, and no doubt lots of laughs, in the Big Apple, as well as honor the historic Ed Sullivan Theater by supporting improvements that will keep it shining as the New York entertainment and cultural venue it has been for nearly 80 years.”
CBS will be eligible to receive at least $11 million in performance-based Excelsior tax credits over five years to cover eligible costs based on the proposed significant level of investment and job commitments. In addition, ESD will make available up to $5 million in grants for CBS to offset renovations at the historic Ed Sullivan Theater.
Since taking office in 2011, Gov. Cuomo has made the attraction of the film and television production and post-production industries, as well as the resulting jobs and economic impact, a key component of his overall strategy to develop New York State’s economy. Since 2011, the Governor has signed several important changes into law to both programs to make New York more competitive in this global marketplace, and the results have been significant. Both programs enjoyed record-breaking years in 2013, bringing billions of dollars in new spending and thousands of jobs into the Empire State. Additionally, the stability provided by multi-year funding in particular has encouraged the development of television series production work and long-term investments in infrastructure, yielding thousands of jobs directly and indirectly related to the actual productions themselves.
During calendar year 2013, applications for 181 film productions were submitted and included 124 films, 31 television programs, and 25 pilots and one “relocated” television show. The impact of these projects includes:
- Generating a direct spend of $2.09 billion in NYS;
- Collecting a projected $466 million in credits;
- Hiring an estimated 126,301 actors and crew for the 181 projects submitted.
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