Catskills Is the New Hotspot for Commercial Shoots
The Catskills region is quickly becoming a popular spot for film and commercial productions, and it’s easy to understand why. Not long ago, many commercial directors and filmmakers would head straight to big cities like Los Angeles and New York City for their shoots. But in 2025, things are changing, and the Catskills is now one of the most exciting, diverse, and affordable locations for both large film productions and smaller commercial shoots.
With its breathtaking landscapes, close distance to New York City, and a supportive local community, the Catskills has become a go-to destination for filmmakers. The rise of streaming platforms and the growing need for content in different formats have helped push this shift. From beautiful mountain views to peaceful lakes and quaint towns, the Catskills offer something special for every type of production. This makes the region the new hot spot for both commercial shoots and cinematic projects. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at why the Catskills should be on every location scout’s list and explore the key reasons why the area is becoming more popular in the film industry.
👉 Read also: Spielberg’s “Non-View” Marks Catskills Into Sci-Fi Film Spot
The Diverse Landscapes of the Catskills
One of the biggest reasons filmmakers are drawn to the Catskills is the wide variety of landscapes you can find in a relatively small area. From rolling hills and thick forests to clean rivers and charming towns, the Catskills have it all. This mix of settings gives filmmakers the flexibility to create different looks and moods, making it a great place for both commercials and full-length movies.
Breathtaking Mountain Views
The Catskills feature some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in New York State. Filming in places like the Catskill High Peaks and the Shawangunk Ridge gives you breathtaking views that are perfect for outdoor adventure ads or dramatic movie scenes. The rough, mountainous landscape is great for commercials about hiking or climbing, and it also makes a stunning backdrop for nature documentaries. 👉 Read also, Top 10 Filming Locations in the Catskills (Updated 2025)
Peaceful Lakes & Rivers
The Catskills are home to several calm and peaceful lakes and rivers, perfect for shoots that need a serene, reflective setting. Locations such as the Ashokan Reservoir and Kaaterskill Falls provide a peaceful, scenic backdrop surrounded by nature. These locations work well for everything from fashion campaigns to ads for outdoor gear, beauty products, or wellness brands.
Charming Small Towns
The towns of Woodstock, Phoenicia, and Tannersville have a cozy, artsy feel that’s great for lighthearted romantic comedies or heartwarming commercials. These picturesque towns are filled with classic brick buildings, quirky shops, and local cafés, making them ideal backdrops for shoots that need a warm, authentic vibe. Explore more towns.
Filmmakers can easily take advantage of the wide variety of settings in the Catskills without having to travel far or deal with the hassle of moving between different locations. The region’s diversity makes it the perfect place for all kinds of commercial and film productions, whether they’re looking for a peaceful, nature-filled backdrop or the trendy feel of an urban-style town.
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Why the Catskills is the New Favorite for Commercials?
In recent years, the Catskills have become a top choice for commercial shoots, especially for brands that want to connect with nature or appeal to a more laid-back, adventurous audience. Several reasons are behind this growing trend, including lower costs, easy access, and the area’s reputation as a unique, less-visited filming spot. As the demand for high-quality content in commercials and short videos continues to rise, the Catskills offer the perfect mix of natural beauty and practicality.
Location and Accessibility
One of the main reasons the Catskills have become a popular spot for commercial shoots is its close distance to New York City. Just a few hours’ drive away, the Catskills provide an ideal filming location that’s far enough from the city’s hustle and bustle, but still easy to get to for the crew, talent, and equipment. Filmmakers no longer need to travel all the way to the West Coast or deal with the high costs of filming in big cities. Now, with just a short drive from the city, they can experience a completely different setting. This close proximity makes the Catskills a great choice for those looking to film commercials without the stress of complicated logistics.
Tax Incentives and Financial Benefits
New York State’s tax incentives are another big reason why filmmakers are choosing the Catskills. The state offers a 30–40% tax credit for film and TV productions, with extra incentives for shoots that take place outside of New York City. For commercial shoots, this can lead to significant savings, especially when compared to the high costs of filming in big cities.
Filming outside the city often results in lower costs for permits, location rentals, and crew expenses. As a result, filmmakers can get more out of their budgets while still enjoying a professional filming experience. Commercials filmed in the Catskills can benefit from both the stunning scenery and the lower costs of the location, offering the perfect combination of beauty and savings.
Year-round Appeal for Commercials
One of the great things about the Catskills is that it offers filming opportunities throughout the year. While the summer and fall are popular for their colorful leaves and lush greenery, winter shoots are becoming more and more popular too. The snow-covered mountains and charming small towns create a cozy, wintery feel that’s perfect for brands looking to feature their products in the colder months. Filming in winter also brings a unique charm, with snow-covered landscapes providing a beautiful backdrop for ads focused on winter sports gear, holiday campaigns, and more.
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The Rise of Streaming in Film Production
Along with commercials, the growth of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Apple TV+ has greatly increased the need for location scouting in non-urban areas. As these platforms keep expanding their production schedules and offering more types of content, the Catskills has shown it’s a flexible location that can work for a wide variety of genres.
Films and TV Shows: A Growing Presence in the Catskills
The Catskills’ versatility is one of its biggest strengths for filmmakers, especially with the increasing demand for different types of content. Whether it’s a gritty crime drama or a sweet romantic comedy, the region provides the perfect backdrop for many kinds of productions. The rugged, atmospheric mountains are great for darker, suspenseful shows, while the charming towns and peaceful lakes are perfect for lighter, feel-good stories.
In recent years, the Catskills have played a big role in several high-profile TV shows and films. The area’s flexibility makes it a popular choice for producers who want to create unique, visually stunning content.
Commercial Appeal for Streaming Content
Filmmakers creating commercials for streaming platforms are also drawn to the Catskills. Along with its natural beauty, the region offers a refreshing change from the overused urban settings that often appear in ads. The authenticity and natural charm of the Catskills help brands connect with audiences in a unique and meaningful way. This has led to an increase in commercial shoots for all kinds of brands, from outdoor companies to lifestyle businesses, all looking to capture the Catskills’ relaxed, natural vibe. New to film making? Explore here.
Infrastructure and Support for Filming in the Catskills
As more films and commercials are being shot in the Catskills, the area’s infrastructure has grown to better support these productions. Catskills Film Commission has played a key role in making the region more film-friendly, offering helpful support and guidance for those planning to shoot there.
Permitting and Location Coordination
Catskills Film Commission makes it easy and efficient to get permits and find the right filming locations. Thanks to their network of local businesses and property owners, filmmakers can quickly secure the locations they need without dealing with a lot of red tape.
Experienced Crew and Equipment Rental
The Catskills now have a growing number of skilled local crew members, from cameramen to production assistants. This gives filmmakers the chance to hire experienced professionals who know the area and understand the specific challenges of filming in remote locations. The region also has more equipment rental services, so crews can access everything they need locally instead of shipping gear from the city.
Local Partnerships and Community Support
The local communities in the Catskills are becoming more supportive of the film industry, which creates a helpful, collaborative environment for filmmakers. The small towns in the area are eager to welcome film crews, and many local businesses are excited to partner with productions, whether it’s offering catering, accommodations, or providing beautiful scenery for shoots. 👉Local Resources.
Conclusion
The Catskills have clearly become a top choice for commercial shoots, and it’s easy to see why filmmakers, producers, and directors are drawn to the area. With its stunning and varied landscapes, tax incentives, and close proximity to New York City, the Catskills offer a rare mix of affordability, beauty, and practicality that few places can match. Whether you’re working on a high-budget commercial, a dramatic film, or an indie project, the Catskills provide the perfect backdrop to bring your vision to life. Thanks to the region’s growing infrastructure and strong local support, productions can enjoy a smooth and cost-effective filming experience.
As the demand for content continues to rise, the Catskills will only become a more popular destination for filmmakers looking to take advantage of its many benefits. So, if you’re searching for your next filming location, consider the Catskills, it might just be the perfect spot to make your production stand out.
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FAQs
The Catskills offer a unique mix of natural beauty, affordability, and accessibility. With diverse landscapes, charming towns, and proximity to NYC, it’s become a top choice for both commercial and film productions.
Yes! New York State offers a 30–40% tax credit for film and TV productions, with extra incentives for projects filmed outside NYC including in the Catskills.
Nature-centric, lifestyle, wellness, fashion, adventure, and outdoor brand campaigns are especially well suited. But the region’s variety means you can shoot anything from cozy romantic scenes to action filled outdoor sequences.
