Spielberg's 'West Side Story' Remake Filmed At William Paterson

PATERSON, NJ – This summer, a film production of “West Side Story” has transformed parts of Paterson into New York City, circa the late 1950s.

Steven Spielberg’s remake of the 1961 movie musical has picked several places throughout the city to film, including many downtown storefronts.

One of those locations is William Paterson University’s Small Business Development Center on Ellison Street in Paterson, according to the college’s president Richard Helldobler.

In an Instagram post earlier this month, Helldobler wrote that the building “has been made over to become the Shark’s hangout.”

While visiting the set, Helldobler met Rita Moreno, who played Anita in the original film version. She was also the first Latina to ever win an Oscar for her portrayl.

“West Side Story” will also shoot in parts of Newark. The film, which stars Clifton teen Rachel Zegler, has a Dec. 18, 2020 release date.

Last week, the adaptation, which is being produced by Twentieth Century Fox, received about $6.85 million in film tax credits from the state's economic development authority.

Warner Brothers Studios was awarded $1.96 million in tax incentives for its "Joker" movie, which was shot in Newark and Jersey City last year. The film, starring Joaquin Phoenix, debuts on Oct. 4.

"These two major productions are bringing jobs to our state and bolstering the economy of New Jersey while supporting our diverse communities," Gov. Murphy said in a press release. "I am proud to see the film industry growing and thriving in the Garden State and excited to see New Jersey become the backdrop for more movies and television shows in the future."