CNY on Camera

CNY on Camera is an economic development program to grow the film, television, & commercial production industry in Central New York by producing high production-value commercials for local small businesses, nonprofits, and cultural organizations.

FILM CREW

FILM crew, creatives, and companies: complete this form if you want to be hired on the productions of cinematic commercials. Aspiring film professionals may also sign up. NOTE: These are paid positions; serious inquiries only please.

NOMINATE

Want to see your favorite Central New York spots featured in a cinematic TV commercial? You can nominate any local small business, nonprofit, or destination that you love … that you feel deserves the benefit of a cinematic commercial … that you want to show off to the world! Do you absolutely love a local restaurant, book store, park, waterfall, museum, music venue, or charity in CNY? Let the world know by nominating them for a cinematic commercial!

Nominate Here

You can make as many nominations as you want (but only one at a time, please) until Labor Day, September 1, 2025.

Nominate on Instagram

Stay tuned! We’ll be sending updates with more opportunities for Central New Yorkers (yes, you!) to participate. SIGN UP HERE for updates on CNY on Camera and other activity from CNY Film Professionals

FUNDING

CNY on Camera is an economic development program created by CNY Film Professionals and funded by NYS-ESD, thanks to the advocacy of Assemblyman Al Stirpe.

By producing cinematic commercials spotlighting CNY’s “hidden gems”, CNY on Camera is designed to boost the region’s film industry, local small businesses, civic pride, and tourism.

Thanks to a New York State grant for CNY on Camera, film creatives from this region will be given the opportunity to write, direct, and produce high production-value commercials for local small businesses and nonprofits, at no cost to the recipient.

CNY on Camera is an economic development program created by CNY Film Professionals and funded by NYS-ESD, thanks to the advocacy of Assemblyman Al Stirpe.

Nominate your business

FAQs

Nominating

What are the nominations for?

Nominees (local small businesses, nonprofits, and cultural organizations) will be considered to receive a $50,000 cinematic commercial, which they can use to advertise. “Destination” nominees will be considered as locations to film — in other words, as backdrops for the commercial.
Why should I nominate?
How can I make a nomination?

You can make your nomination on this page , or via this post on Instagram or Facebook . To submit a nomination on this page, simply fill out the form near the top of this page . To submit a nomination via social media, see our post on Instagram and/or Facebook and follow the directions in the post.
Can I make more than one nomination?
What’s the criteria for nominees?

While we will accept nominations for any entities, the spirit of this program is to offer these valuable commercials to small (less than 50 employees) businesses, nonprofits, and cultural organizations that are based in Central New York. We also hope to feature CNY’s best assets and “hidden gems”in these commercials. For example, while we probably won’t make a commercial for a park, we may use that park as a setting where we film a commercial. So we encourage you to nominate locations that show CNY in the best possible light!
When does the nomination window close?
How / when will the recipients (ie, small businesses, nonprofits, etc) be chosen?

A panel of community leaders who are behind CNY on Camera (CNY Film Professionals, Assemblyman Al Stirpe, regional marketing experts, etc.) will review the nominations and make the selections. The first five entities will be chosen this fall (2025). Beyond that, we are still seeking additional funding to continue this initiative.

Film Creatives, Professionals, Companies, Crew

Who are the “film creatives” that are making these commercials?

CNY’s top production companies, film directors, creative directors, screenplay writers, and film crew will be hired to make these commercials. CNY Film Professionals, a Syracuse-based nonprofit (501c3), seeks to offer career-building opportunities to CNY residents. Our mission is to grow the capacity and inclusivity of Central New York’s film industry, including movies, television, commercials, and professional video production. CNY on Camera is an opportunity for CNY’s film workforce to lead the creative, technical, and logistical components of well-funded productions.
How can I / my company get involved in the productions?
I want to work on commercials and films, but I don’t have any professional experience. Is there any hope for me?

Businesses, Nonprofits, Destinations

Can I nominate my own business, organization, or destination?
How can I self-nominate?
How do I find more information about this opportunity?

When you complete your nomination above, be sure to include your email address and check the box that says: “I would like you to contact me regarding this opportunity.” Also, when you post your self-nomination on social media, make sure to tag @cnyfilm so we can connect with you and follow up. Finally, stay up to date on this opportunity by signing up HERE.

CNY on Camera

CNY on Camera

CNY on Camera

FILM CREW

NOMINATE

FUNDING

CNY on Camera is an economic development program created by CNY Film Professionals and funded by NYS-ESD, thanks to the advocacy of Assemblyman Al Stirpe.

CNY on Camera is an economic development program created by CNY Film Professionals and funded by NYS-ESD, thanks to the advocacy of Assemblyman Al Stirpe.

FAQs

Nominating

Film Creatives, Professionals, Companies, Crew

Businesses, Nonprofits, Destinations

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