4 Reasons to Film in Rochester NY
- Elevating Enterprise
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 28
🎬 From tax incentives to top-tier terrain, Upstate New York is ready for its close-up.
Rochester, New York might not be the first city you think of when scouting locations — but it should be. With its diverse landscapes, film-friendly infrastructure, and a newly enhanced New York State tax incentive bump for productions shooting Upstate, the Finger Lakes Region is quickly gaining recognition as the next great destination for filmmakers and producers.
Whether you're an indie director looking to stretch a budget or a seasoned producer scouting your next big project, this area offers beautiful scenery and real support.
🎥 4 Reasons to Consider Rochester for Your Next Shoot:
1️⃣ The Upstate Tax Credit Bonus
New York State already offers some of the most competitive film tax credits in the country — but productions that film outside New York City receive an additional 10%–30% bump on qualified expenses.
That means more of your budget goes on screen, especially when shooting in Rochester and the Finger Lakes region.
→ That’s why filmmaker Kendrick Foxx chose to shoot and develop projects here — and why more are following suit. We recently caught up with him for an episode of Elevating Enterprise Podcast on which he calls Rochester's landscape "Cinematic Gold"!
2️⃣ Finger Lakes Film Commission
If you're new to the area, the Finger Lakes Film Commission is your go-to resource for:
Location scouting assistance
Permit coordination
Crew directories
Production support contacts
3️⃣ Gear Head Rentals
Need top-tier cameras, lighting, or grip gear? Gear Head is the region’s leading equipment rental house, with everything from ARRI and RED systems to dollies, HMIs, and more.
They serve both indie projects and large-scale productions with professional service and competitive pricing.
4️⃣ FLX Studio: A Qualifying Soundstage
Opening in 2025, FLX Studio is a game-changer.
Founded by Gene Smith, this full-scale soundstage located across from RIT will make Rochester even more attractive to filmmakers looking for accessible, high-quality production space outside the city grind.
🧰 BONUS: JazzCast Pros – Production Support
Looking to produce behind-the-scenes content, interviews, or branded media around your film? JazzCast Pros offers:
Vertical Micro Drama Production
Casting coordination support + Extras Casting
Media coaching and storytelling strategy
Onsite BTS recording
The team has worked with SAG-AFTRA projects, national podcasts, and YouTuber Mr. Beast— and we’re proud to be part of Rochester’s growing creative ecosystem.
Hear It Firsthand: Kendrick Foxx on Elevating Enterprise
In our latest episode, we sit down with Kendrick Foxx, President of Entertainment at FLX Studios and director of the feature film RIFT, which was shot in just five days during the pandemic and is now streaming on Paramount+, Tubi, Apple TV, and more.
🎧 Listen as Kendrick shares:
How he built a film career from rural Alabama to LA
Why he believes Rochester is the future of film
What local businesses can do to get involved
👉 Listen to the full interview on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Desktop | YouTube
🎬 Ready to Roll?
If you're a producer looking for a location that offers real value, real resources, and real community, put Rochester on your list.
🎥 Let us help you scout, shoot, and scale your next project.
📩 Reach out to the Finger Lakes Film Commission, Gear Head, FLX Studio, or JazzCast Pros today.
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