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Filming in Queens with diverse neighborhood scenes

Queens Filming Services

The world's most ethnically diverse urban area offers authentic global neighborhoods, historic studios, and affordable production alternatives.

Why Film in Queens

Global Diversity

Over 160 languages spoken across distinct ethnic neighborhoods - authentic locations for any cultural story without leaving NYC.

Historic Studios

Kaufman Astoria Studios and Silvercup Studios anchor a thriving production community with century-long filmmaking heritage.

Airport Access

Home to both JFK and LaGuardia airports plus direct subway connections to Manhattan for efficient talent and equipment logistics.

Queens Filming Locations

From Long Island City's waterfront skyline views to Flushing's authentic Chinatown, we help you access the perfect locations for your production.

Astoria & Long Island City

Waterfront high-rises, historic studios, Greek and Egyptian communities, and sweeping Manhattan skyline views.

Flushing & Corona

Vibrant Asian communities, authentic Chinatown alternative, and Citi Field for sports productions.

Jackson Heights & Elmhurst

South Asian, Latin American, and Southeast Asian enclaves with authentic restaurants, markets, and street life.

Forest Hills & Kew Gardens

Tudor-style architecture, Forest Hills Stadium, and quiet residential character for suburban NYC scenes.

Rockaway Beach

NYC's only surf beach with boardwalk, bungalows, and Atlantic Ocean access for coastal productions.

Jamaica & JFK Area

Historic downtown, transportation hub, and airport-adjacent locations for travel-themed content.

Popular Filming Spots in Queens

Our local fixers know these Queens locations inside out, helping you navigate permits, logistics, and timing for the best results.

Kaufman Astoria Studios

studio

Historic studio complex where Marx Brothers and Valentino filmed. Modern stages, backlot, and full production services. Sesame Street's home base.

Easy permits

Private facility - direct booking. National Historic Landmark status. Tours available for scout visits.

Best times: year-round controlled environment

Long Island City Waterfront

waterfront

Gantry Plaza State Park, Hunter's Point South, and Pepsi-Cola sign with unobstructed Manhattan skyline views across the East River.

Moderate permits

Gantry Plaza is NYS Parks - requires state permit. Pepsi sign owned by building - separate approval for close-ups.

Best times: sunset, blue hour, night for lit skyline

Silvercup Studios

studio

Former bread factory turned major production facility. Recognizable rooftop sign. Home to Sex and the City, 30 Rock, and The Sopranos.

Easy permits

Private facility with multiple buildings in LIC. Book through Silvercup management.

Best times: year-round controlled environment

Flushing Chinatown

neighborhood

Largest Chinatown outside Asia. Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue offer authentic Asian street scenes, markets, and signage.

Easy permits

Standard MOME permit. Business coordination helpful but straightforward. Less crowded than Manhattan Chinatown.

Best times: morning for markets, evening for neon
Note: Respect business operations. Cultural sensitivity important.

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

landmark

US Open venue with Arthur Ashe Stadium. Iconic sports facility available for event coverage and feature filming.

Complex permits

USTA manages permits directly. Available outside tournament season (Sept). Significant fees for exclusivity.

Best times: off-season (Oct-Aug), dawn/dusk for dramatic light
Note: Tournament preparation limits access summer months.

Jackson Heights Historic District

neighborhood

Garden apartments and co-ops from 1920s-30s. Diverse South Asian community. 74th Street offers Little India atmosphere.

Easy permits

Standard MOME permit. Residential area - community notification required. Less tourist traffic than other ethnic neighborhoods.

Best times: any time, evening for restaurant scenes

Rockaway Beach

waterfront

NYC's only surf beach. Boardwalk, beach bungalows, and Atlantic Ocean. Different vibe from Coney Island - more laid-back.

Moderate permits

NYC Parks permit. Gateway National Recreation Area (federal) manages some sections - NPS permit required there.

Best times: sunrise, golden hour, off-season for empty beach
Note: Seasonal crowds. Surf conditions vary.

Unisphere & Flushing Meadows

landmark

1964 World's Fair icon. 140-foot steel globe with Queens Museum, New York State Pavilion ruins, and Citi Field backdrop.

Moderate permits

NYC Parks manages Flushing Meadows. Unisphere is popular backdrop - book early for exclusive access.

Best times: morning, golden hour, blue hour

Transport & Logistics in Queens

Essential logistics information for planning your Queens production.

Airports

John F. Kennedy International Airport JFK

Located in Queens / 30-60 min to LIC

AirTrain + E/J/Z subway Taxi Private transfer LIRR to Jamaica
LaGuardia Airport LGA

Located in Queens / 20-40 min to LIC

Q70 to subway Taxi Private transfer

Local Transit

metro

Multiple subway lines serve Queens 24/7. 7 train (International Express) connects Flushing through Jackson Heights to Manhattan. E/F/M/R serve central Queens.

Crew tip: 7 train elevated sections offer unique filming angles. Willets Point station serves Citi Field and tennis center.

train

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) serves Jamaica, Forest Hills, and connects to both airports via AirTrain.

Crew tip: LIRR faster than subway for reaching eastern Queens locations. Atlantic Terminal connects to Brooklyn.

bus

Extensive bus network essential for areas between subway lines. Q70 LaGuardia Link is free.

Crew tip: Many express buses to Manhattan during rush hours. Useful for neighborhood-specific scouts.

taxi

Boro Taxis (green) serve Queens. Yellow cabs available at airports and transit hubs.

ferry

NYC Ferry serves Astoria and Long Island City with East River Manhattan connections.

Crew tip: Astoria route offers great skyline shots. Avoids subway transfers.

Parking & Production Vehicles

General availability: moderate

Generally easier parking than Manhattan or Brooklyn. Street parking available in residential areas. Lots near airports and stadiums.

Production vehicles: Industrial areas in LIC and Maspeth offer staging space. Flushing Meadows parking lots useful for large productions. Airport-adjacent warehouses available.

Getting Between Locations

Queens is NYC's largest borough (109 sq mi) - plan travel carefully. LIC to Flushing: 25 min by 7 train. Astoria to Rockaway: 60+ min. Consider production vehicles for multi-neighborhood days. Airport proximity is a logistics advantage.

Why Film in Queens

  • Kaufman Astoria Studios - one of America's oldest operating film studios since 1920
  • Authentic ethnic neighborhoods double for international locations at fraction of travel costs
  • Lower permit fees and less competition than Manhattan locations
  • Museum of the Moving Image provides historical resources and event space
  • Queens Film Commission offers dedicated local support and incentives

Ready to Film in Queens?

Let us handle permits, studio access, and logistics while you focus on capturing the world's most diverse borough.