In the past few years, the filming of television and movies has turned NYC into a giant set. This has become big industry for New York, and although it can be somewhat disruptive, basically we all enjoy it, especially seeing our neighborhoods on the big screen when it comes out. I am fortunate to live in the Washington Square area, which, with its extraordinary row houses, makes it one of the most used sets. Filming in the city is so common that one can be strolling about and unexpectedly come upon the making of a major film, which is what happened to me this evening.

The actual filming was being done on the roofs of Washington Square North (see photo). This film will be called “August Rush,” starring Robin Williams, Keri Russell, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers. You can find a synopsis of the plot here.
Brian

These circular glass lenses can be found embedded in front of old iron buildings pavements and stair steps in lower Manhattan, like mosaics. They were originally installed to illuminate dark basements or “vaults” that extended out beneath the sidewalks (for more, click here). Sometimes you look down at your feet and you feel like you’re in a Busby Berkley or Fred Astaire movie. Some are lit at night, like the one in the photo.

There is the suggestion of a vast, brightly lit space where something is going on under the sidewalks… wish they would start using these again in new construction in the city…