Upcoming Marvel’s The Defenders to contribute to 135 episodes of Marvel programming filmed in New York since 2014.

Jessica Jones

Governor Andrew M Cuomo, The Walt Disney Company, Marvel Television and Netflix have announced that Marvel Television is continuing the largest television production project commitment in New York State history – more than doubling its initial commitment. 

In 2013, Disney and Netflix announced a deal for Marvel Television to develop multiple original series: Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist. All four series have been picked up for additional seasons as well as a new spin-off featuring The Punisher.

Live-action miniseries Marvel’s The Defenders, produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Television Studios, brings those heroes together and will premiere on Netflix on August 18.The first episode was shown at Comic-Con in San Diego.

Shooting for Daredevil, the first series in the partnership, began in the summer of 2014, generating more than 14,000 production hires in New York State.

Marvel Television is continuing its partnership with the state with 26 episodes currently in production and a commitment to film 23 episodes by the end of 2017, which will total 135 episodes filmed in New York since the partnership was announced. The Defenders falls under that total.

Marvel Television productions have engaged more than 500 local vendors and small businesses that have supplied soundstages, equipment rentals, supplies and catering services located throughout the state.

During Governor Cuomo’s tenure, New York State TV series productions have spent $12.2bn statewide, the state enacted a 10% additional credit for labour costs upstate, increased the credit for relocated television productions, lowered the threshold for visual effects and animation, and extended the production and post-production tax credit programme through 2022. 

Since 2011, New York has received a total of 1,151 applications, representing $17bn in statewide spending and creating more than one million new hires.

In 2017, 40 television series have applied for the film tax credit programme and are projected to spend $1.4bn with 94,185 hires across the state. 

The Walt Disney Company chairman and CEO Bob Iger said: “We are very proud of the success of the Marvel Television/Netflix partnership. Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s leadership and support of the film and television industry, we will produce a staggering 135 episodes by the end of the year, well beyond our initial commitment.” 

Governor Cuomo said: “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. These productions will result in thousands of new hires and infuse our economy as we continue our momentum across the state.”