Gina Reznitsky
Westchester County has long been a favorite for filmmakers seeking diverse backdrops and seamless collaboration. We spoke with Gina Reznitsky, a locations professional with over 14 years of experience, about her career, the art of location scouting, and why Westchester is her go-to destination for film and TV projects.
Q: Tell us about your background and how you got started in the industry.
I’ve lived in Eastchester for 11 years and Westchester has always felt like home. It all started when I met [location manager] Lauri Pitkus at the concession stands at Orchard Beach in the Bronx. She was filming “Nurse Jackie” (Showtime) there, and I got the chance to help out during the shoot. Lauri ended up hiring me as a location PA for the show, and that was my first big break. From there, I worked with other managers, grew into an assistant location manager role, and now I’ve been scouting on my own for years.
Q: What are some of the notable projects you’ve worked on?
I’ve been fortunate to work on a variety of projects. One of the longest running was “Orange Is the New Black” (Netflix) which I scouted for almost seven seasons extensively in Rockland and Westchester. It was an incredible way to learn the area in depth. Some other memorable projects included “The Good Nurse” (Netflix), “Goldfinch” (Warner Bros.), “Billions” (Showtime), “The Undoing” (HBO), “Dr. Death” (Peacock), and “Elementary” (CBS). Most recently, I scouted for “The Savant” (Apple TV+), which hasn’t aired yet.
Q: What makes Westchester a great place to scout and film?
Westchester’s versatility is unmatched. You can find urban settings in Yonkers or White Plains that feel like Cleveland or a nondescript city, which is perfect when Manhattan feels too recognizable. You’ve also got picturesque suburban neighborhoods, industrial spaces, farms, and estates—all within a short drive.
Another huge benefit is the collaboration with local officials and clerks in the towns. Positive relationships with them make the process smooth, and when productions have good experiences, they return to film here.
Q: Can you share some of your favorite Westchester filming locations?
I love locations that offer versatility. For example, the former Good Counsel School in White Plains is a gem—it’s got a variety of spaces, from office settings to industrial looks, all in one place. For “The Instigators” (Apple TV+) we filmed at Ebersol Skating Rink and on Rathbun Avenue in White Plains, which stood in for Quincy, Massachusetts. The Canadian border scenes were shot at the former Pace campus in Briarcliff.
Matt Damon and Casey Affleck in "The Instigators" (Apple TV+)
It’s amazing how you can find exactly what you need, whether it’s a farmhouse, a big estate, or even a roadside food spot like Walter’s in Mamaroneck. “The Goldfinch” (Warner Brothers) was set on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, but we built the set—including an elevator—in a home in Rye.
Q: What’s your process when scouting a new location?
It’s a mix of creativity and logistics. I always have my phone, camera, notebook, and car ready to go. Sometimes I rely on online research, and other times I drive around, knocking on doors or leaving flyers. For example, when scouting for a roadside food scene, I checked out local favorites like Leno’s Clam Bar in New Rochelle and Walter’s in Mamaroneck. It’s about blending the script’s requirements with practical options that fit the production's needs.
Q: What role do you play on a production team?
My job is definitely on the creative side, but it also involves a lot of logistical planning. I start by reading the script and brainstorming ideas, often thinking outside the box to find the perfect spot. Scouting usually begins well before filming starts, so I’m helping lay the groundwork for everything that follows.
Q: What can towns do to make it easier for productions to film?
The towns that are open to collaboration—allowing driving scenes, stunts, late-night filming—become favorites quickly. Productions talk, and when a town is accommodating, it encourages more projects to film there. On the flip side, towns with restrictive permitting or complicated processes tend to get avoided. Fortunately, many Westchester towns are incredibly welcoming and create positive experiences, which is why this area is so popular.
Q: How does filming benefit Westchester’s local economy?
Filming brings a lot of business to the area. Crews stay in local hotels to avoid long commutes, especially after late shoots. We support local delis, supermarkets, hardware stores, printing shops, and more during set-up and wrap days. It’s great to know that while working close to home, we’re also contributing to Westchester’s economy.
Westchester County is ready to bring your next project to life. Ready to find your ideal location? Start scouting Westchester today! Contact us.
