Remembering Film Filming in NYC: Ghostbusters and West Side Story

What is the biggest movie you saw being filmed in NYC?

Filming Ghostbusters in New York City

New York City has been witness to many memorable films over the years, but perhaps no city street or venue has been as celebrated as in the case of Ghostbusters. The 1984 original film was shot extensively throughout the city, making it a sight to behold for local residents and tourists alike. One such location that stands out was Lincoln Center. Filming there took place on a particularly beautiful summer night when the legendary stars of the film, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, and Dan Aykroyd, could be seen wandering about in their iconic Ghostbuster suits, mingling with the local residents while waiting for their next shots.

Witnessing the Filming of West Side Story

Another significant film, West Side Story, also garnered a lot of public interest. I was fortunate enough to see one of its key scenes being filmed in 1961 on Akridge Avenue and 66th Street in Manhattan. This location held a special place for the film, transforming a bustling urban environment into the backdrop of 1950s New York. The cinematography captured the essence of the city and the story of Romeo and Juliet in a gritty, yet rich setting.

In the more recent past, in 2020, the remake of West Side Story was also filmed in several locations throughout Brooklyn. Notably, a filming location on Bedford Avenue and Lincoln Road was used, where an old 19th-century church and churchyard served as the set. The creative team, led by the talented director Steven Spielberg, managed to hide the production by using a fake title sign, reading 'San Juan Hill—20th Century Fox', to protect the privacy of the locations.

Encountering Movie Stars

While film enthusiasts often miss out on interactions with the cast and crew, my experience was unique. I chanced upon the actor Ansel Elgort, playing the character Tony, on a curb-side crew cafeteria. Standing at an impressive 6'2" or more, he was a welcome sight on the bustling streets of Brooklyn. Such encounters are rare and are truly a testament to the magic of film editing and the joy of being in a filming environment.

These experiences in New York City, captured through the medium of filmmaking, have left a lasting impression on me. Filming in the city provides a unique blend of reality and art, creating memories that are both ephemeral and eternal.