Could Seinfeld Have Been Filmed in New York City?
Situated in the heart of urban New York City, Seinfeld has long been hailed for its authentic portrayal of life in the Big Apple. However, a nagging question often surfaces among fans: Could this iconic series have been filmed on the very streets it depicted?
Seinfeld: A Strong Connection to the City
Seinfeld, which aired from 1989 to 1998, is deeply intertwined with New York. Much of the show's charm lies in its meticulous attention to detail, with many episodes featuring exterior shots of iconic NYC locations such as Jerry’s apartment, Monk’s Café, and various neighborhood landmarks. While some interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage, the show prominently featured the city's streets, landmarks, and culture, solidifying its New York identity.
Why Not in New York?
As a Seinfeld enthusiast, the question of why the show was filmed in Los Angeles might be perplexing. The primary setting being New York City, one might wonder why it wasn't filmed there. The reasons behind this decision are multifaceted.
Firstly, many actors reside in Southern California due to the climate and lifestyle. Jeff Garlin, Gil Gottlieb, and several of the ensemble cast lived in Los Angeles and had to travel to New York for filming. Additionally, there are tax incentives for filming in locations like British Columbia, Georgia, and New Mexico, which make these areas more cost-effective than New York City.
The financial aspect cannot be overlooked. Filming in New York entails higher costs, particularly in crew salaries, permits, and studio rental fees. In contrast, filming in LA can be significantly cheaper. This economic factor played a crucial role in the decision to film in Los Angeles.
Could It Have Been Filmed in NYC?
Given the financial constraints, it is highly unlikely that Seinfeld could have been filmed in New York City. However, there are several alternative locations within the city that could have served the show, had Jerry Seinfeld or the producers had the clout to make such a change.
For instance, the Chelsea Studios, where the Law Order franchise was filmed, could have been a suitable location. Similarly, Silvercup Studios in Queens, which hosts a number of soap operas, and the now-demolished Vitagraph Studios in Brooklyn, where The Cosby Show was taped, could have been viable options. However, these studios lacked the scale and infrastructure required to support Seinfeld's production needs.
Furthermore, the overwhelming majority of Seinfeld was filmed indoors on soundstages. The series could have been filmed in any location, easily setting it in New York City, as it is ironically referred to as "New York" within the show. Many technical professionals in New York City could have been employed to film the series, and NBC has a significant presence at Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan. Several of the actors also lived and worked in or around the New York City area, facilitating easier logistics.
The fourth and fifth seasons of Seinfeld coincided with the rise in production costs, making a relocation impractical. Despite this, the series' immense success and popularity in syndication might have justified the move, had the necessary changes been initiated earlier.
Conclusion
While it is highly improbable that Seinfeld would have been filmed in New York City due to cost and logistical constraints, the city's rich tapestry of locations and culture undoubtedly played a significant role in the show's enduring legacy. The decision to film in Los Angeles, while economically sound, ensured that Seinfeld maintained its essentialNew York identity, cementing it as a beloved and iconic series of its time.
Keywords: Seinfeld, New York City, Filming Locations