Netflix To Expand NYC Presence, Open Brooklyn Film Studio

NEW YORK — The Big Apple will play host to Netflix's next big production: Its own expansion. The streaming giant plans to grow its corporate presence in Manhattan and open a new film studio in Brooklyn over the next five years, Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office announced Thursday.

The projects are expected to create 127 high-paying corporate jobs in exchange for up to $4 million in state tax breaks, plus the potential for thousands of production jobs, according to the governor's office.

"Netflix is innovative, creative and bold — just like New Yorkers — and the expansion of this cutting-edge company in New York once again demonstrates the Empire State is open for business," Cuomo, a Democrat, said in a statement.

Though it's much smaller, the Netflix deal marks an economic-development win for Cuomo following Amazon's abrupt cancellation of plans to build a massive Long Island City campus and create at least 25,000 jobs.

The streamer, which currently boasts 139 million paid memberships worldwide, will eventually occupy 100,000 square feet of office space at 888 Broadway in Manhattan's Flatiron District, Cuomo's office said. The office will house 127 production, publicity, legal and other jobs on top of Netflix's 32 employees already based in New York, officials say.

The firm has also leased 161,000 square feet to create six sound stages and support space at 333 Johnson Ave. in East Williamsburg, the governor's office said. Those are expected to host thousands of production jobs within five years, according to Cuomo's office.

"New York has created a film-friendly environment that's home to some of the best creative and executive talent in the world, and we're excited to provide a place for them at Netflix with our production hub," Jason Hariton, Netflix's director of worldwide studio operations and real estate, said in a statement.

To get the $4 million in tax credits the state offered, Netflix must create the promised 127 jobs at its executive office by 2024 and then retain them for five more years, along with the 32 existing jobs, Cuomo's office said.

Several notable Netflix shows have been shot in the city, including "Luke Cage," "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and "She's Gotta Have It."