Hollywood on Hudson has turned Yonkers into a bustling hub for film and television production, attracting aspiring filmmakers from across Westchester and beyond.
In downtown Yonkers sits Lionsgate Studios, a multimillion-dollar movie production complex that’s bringing jobs, hands-on experience, and new opportunities to the region’s film industry. Local colleges and universities are stepping up to prepare students for this booming market, fueling a wave of interest in film and production close to home.
Film programs offered at Purchase College, Iona University, and Pace University all emphasize practical learning. The schools encourage students to learn video production and cinematography early in their academic careers.
Hands-on Skills
“Students dive into their storytelling abilities and begin working on productions their first day in the classroom,” says Larry O’Neil, co-chair of film at Purchase.
What sets Purchase apart, O’Neil says, is its small classes and close mentorship at an affordable cost. Students take both production and cinema studies courses every semester, blending theory with real-world filmmaking. The goal is for graduates to leave with robust portfolios and practical crew experience.
Over time, students develop the skills to write and direct their own films and gain experience on sets in a variety of crew positions. This broad exposure helps them land internships and build real-world experience in film and production. Many Purchase students secure internships across the Hudson Valley and New York City through professors and the college’s career development center.
“It’s our hope that our program will be able to foster a relationship with Hollywood on Hudson to allow our students a greater pathway for internships and jobs right in their own backyard,” O’Neil says.
Growing Relationships in the Film Industry
While the college programs don’t have direct partnerships with Hollywood on Hudson at the moment, they are eager to collaborate as Yonkers’ film scene grows.
“We look forward to training students directly for on-set roles and internships in film and media production taking place at Hollywood on Hudson so their education at Iona can dovetail seamlessly with professional development,” says Jaime Iglehart Frasson, a clinical lecturer in the media and strategic communication department at Iona.
Iona’s media arts production program sets itself apart by merging traditional cinema with modern media and digital content creation. Students learn how to produce work for multiple platforms — from TV and film to social media — while building a strong foundation in film history and visual storytelling. Courses emulate real-world film crews, allowing students to try out different roles on set.
The university also recently launched its first annual Iona University Student Film Festival, giving emerging filmmakers the chance to showcase their work and gain exposure at local and international festivals.
At Pace University, demand for film and media courses continues to rise alongside the region’s booming production scene. Paul Ziek, chair of the media and film department at Pace, says the excitement goes beyond traditional film sets.
“Film is growing because students are really interested in creating,” Ziek says. “I think one of the things that maybe people don’t always think about is that everyone wants video content. So it’s not just limited to film — organizations are always looking for video content, too.”
Practical Education
At Pace, the focus is on practical learning across all areas of production. Students write, edit, and produce films in genres ranging from comedy to horror and documentary. Specialized courses, including one taught by union camera operators who work with the NFL, teach students how to create live productions. Ziek says the program has increased communication with Hollywood on Hudson and expects that relationship to expand.
For students who are interested in film and production but aren’t sure if it’s right for them, Ziek’s advice is to go for it. He tells students to keep an open mind when they come into a film program and just see what they end up having a niche for or falling in love with.
“It’s happening,” Ziek says. “The industry is exploding to the point where they almost can’t fill all the ranks that they want. Every school is benefiting from this, and we’re just lucking out because our students have so much practical experience.”
For these local schools, the momentum behind Hollywood on Hudson means more than just blockbuster productions in their backyard — it’s a chance to keep creative talent in Westchester and build a pipeline from the classroom to the film set.
Next Steps
To learn more, visit each program’s website:
- Iona University film minor
- Pace University film and screen studies BA and digital cinema and filmmaking BS
- Purchase College film BFA
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