One-On-One With NYC's New 'Film Czar' Julie Menin

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York City's newest "film czar" started work Monday.

WCBS 880 Reporter Stephanie Colombini spoke with Julie Menin ahead of her first day on the job as the new Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment.

Menin is taking charge of an agency that manages, among other things, filmed entertainment in the city. It's an industry she says contributes close to $9 billion to the local economy and employs more than 130,000 New Yorkers.

"We really need to make sure from an economic development standpoint and job standpoint that the industry does continue to grow while also making sure the communities, we are protecting their interests as well," Menin said.

Menin, who spent the past two years as Commissioner of Consumer Affairs, believes her experience cutting through government red tape will be vital to her new role.

"Whether it's a community board that has concerns about filming, whether it's an elected official, I know how to get that done," Menin said.

One challenge she'll face is making room for the many film studios that are already at capacity. Menin said there are neighborhoods across the city that could benefit from the expansion.

"There are areas in the Bronx, in Staten Island, in Queens that are yearning for production," Menin said.

Menin replaces Cynthia Lopez, who held the title since April 2014, but abruptly resigned in August. She says she plans to expand on her new role to do more work in music, advertising and digital forms of media.