Mayor Adams announced his Economic Development team and it included the continued appointment of Anne del Castillo serving as the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) Commissioner. Commissioner del Castillo will be a part of the city's economic recovery, from the film sector to the nightlife industry. The Commissioner first took office in 2019 and will work with partners in and out of government to aid in NYC's recovery.
In a Mayor's office press release, Commissioner Anne del Castillo stated, "I am honored to be re-appointed by Mayor Adams to continue the important work of recovering and strengthening New York City's media, entertainment, and nightlife sectors. These industries are vital to our vibrant culture and economy — generating $150 billion and 500,000 jobs pre-pandemic — and define our city as a global capital."
Industry leaders also gave commentary on the Mayor's re-appointment in the release:
"I'm grateful to Mayor Adams for his ongoing commitment to prioritizing the film and television industry as a vital part of New York City's recovery and look forward to working with Commissioner del Castillo as we preserve and grow the thousands of good union jobs the industry contributes to the city's economy," said Rebecca Damon, executive director, New York local, labor policy and international affairs, SAG-AFTRA.
"The Wildflower Studios team is delighted that commissioner del Castillo will be staying on," said Raphael De Niro, owner, Wildflower Studios. "The past two years have been particularly challenging for our city and its critically important media production ecosystem. Commissioner del Castillo has proven herself to be a steady and invaluable partner to our industry."
"Anne has been an incredible source of information and a major thought leader and partner for the New York film and television community," said Flo Mitchell-Brown, chairperson, New York Production Alliance. "During the pandemic, much has been required of Anne and her team and they have risen to the occasion. Not only has New York production come back, but programs aimed at making our industry strong and inclusive going forward continue to grow. We are excited to continue working with Anne building on such a strong foundation."
"The Motion Picture Association is pleased that Anne del Castillo has been reappointed as commissioner of the New York City Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment," said Vans Stevenson, senior vice president for state government affairs, Motion Picture Association. "While the pandemic has posed significant challenges to streaming, television, and motion picture production, Anne has been a tireless champion for our industry at MOME. We look forward to working with Anne and all city officials to achieve the mayor's goal of continuing to grow the production industry in New York City."
"Silvercup is thrilled to congratulate Commissioner del Castillo on her reappointment to head the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment," said Kris Bagwell, executive vice president and general manager, Silvercup Studios. "Anne has done a phenomenal job helping our industry adapt and thrive in challenging times. We look forward to continuing to grow the city's film and television workforce alongside her and Mayor Adams in the years to come."
"Commissioner Castillo has been a tremendous steward of the City's Office of Media and Entertainment. The Universal Hip Hop Museum is looking forward to working with her on plans to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop in 2023," said Rocky Bucano, Executive Director, Universal Hip Hop Museum.
"The partnership between MOME and the Freelancers Union has been one of equity, consideration, and thoughtfulness. We're so excited that Anne del Castillo was reappointed to this role and we look forward to a continued partnership with MOME and Commisioner del Castillo," stated Rafael Espinal, President of the Freelancers Union.