Where is fbi filmed

Overview

The CBS crime drama FBI has established itself as a major television production with deep roots in New York City's filming infrastructure. Created by Dick Wolf and Craig Turk, the series premiered on September 25, 2018, as part of Wolf Entertainment's expansion beyond the Law & Order franchise. The show follows the inner workings of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, focusing on elite agents tackling high-stakes cases ranging from terrorism to organized crime.

New York City's authentic urban landscape provides the perfect backdrop for the series' gritty realism, with producers deliberately choosing to film in actual locations rather than recreating New York on soundstages elsewhere. This commitment to authenticity has become a hallmark of the series, distinguishing it from other crime dramas that might use Toronto or Vancouver as stand-ins for American cities. The production has become a significant employer in New York's film industry, contributing to the local economy while maintaining continuity in its visual aesthetic across multiple seasons.

How It Works

The production of FBI follows a sophisticated filming strategy that balances studio work with extensive location shooting throughout New York City.

• Primary Studio Facility: The show's home base is CineMagic Riverfront Studios in Queens, a 125,000 square foot facility that houses most interior sets including the FBI field office, interrogation rooms, and character apartments. The studio has been the production's headquarters since the pilot episode, with the production leasing approximately 60,000 square feet of soundstage space year-round.
• Location Shooting Strategy: Approximately 40% of each episode involves filming at actual New York City locations across all five boroughs. The production team typically shoots 3-4 days per week on location, utilizing permits from the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment to film at iconic spots like Times Square, Wall Street, and various residential neighborhoods.
• Production Schedule: Each episode requires approximately 8 days of principal photography, with the series producing 20-22 episodes per season. The production operates on a tight schedule from July through April each year, with post-production occurring concurrently to maintain the show's weekly broadcast schedule.
• Economic Impact: The production employs approximately 200 local crew members per episode and spends an estimated $3-4 million per episode in New York City. This includes location fees, vendor contracts, and local hiring, making it one of the larger television productions based in the city.

Key Comparisons

Why It Matters

• Economic Boost: The production injects approximately $60-80 million annually into New York City's economy through direct spending on locations, permits, local vendors, and crew salaries. This substantial investment supports hundreds of jobs and contributes to the city's status as a premier filming destination.
• Authenticity in Storytelling: Filming in actual New York locations provides visual authenticity that enhances the show's credibility and connection with audiences. The real urban environments create a tangible sense of place that studio backlots cannot replicate, making the FBI's cases feel immediate and grounded in reality.
• Industry Infrastructure Development: The show's long-term commitment to New York filming has helped strengthen the local production ecosystem, encouraging investment in studio facilities and supporting the growth of skilled crew networks. This creates a virtuous cycle that attracts additional productions to the area.

The filming strategy of FBI represents a significant commitment to authentic New York production that benefits both the creative quality of the series and the local economy. As streaming platforms and networks continue to seek distinctive locations for their productions, the success of FBI demonstrates how strategic location choices can enhance both storytelling and economic impact. The show's continued filming in New York City through its multiple seasons and spin-offs suggests this model will remain influential in television production for years to come, potentially inspiring other series to prioritize authentic location work over cost-saving alternatives.