Though New York City isn’t known for its quaint seaside communities, just over a small bridge in the Bronx that is exactly what you will find. City Island is one of New York’s best kept secrets and for many it is a taste of New England in the middle of the Big Apple.
City Island has one main street, the aptly named City Island Ave that stretches its entire length, a whopping 1.5 miles and is lined with seafood restaurants, antique shops, and corner stores. The primarily residential side streets that jut off of City Island Ave, terminate at beaches, most locked and gated, a clear signal to outsiders that this private, close knit community plans to stay that way.
The island’s history is rooted in nautical lore that begins in the late 19th Century when there was a boom in the oyster business. Later, through the 20th Century, City Islanders began servicing and building ships, including large luxury yachts that created a prosperous economic climate on the island. There are still reminders of the past in the yacht clubs, marinas, and seafood restaurants along City Island Ave.
City Island is once again going to have its day in the sun only this time instead of the glimmer of lighthouses it will be Hollywood’s spotlight leading the way. City Island is both the namesake and setting of a major motion picture directed by Raymond De Felitta and starring Andy Garcia that has been filming on the island for the past month. Variety describes the movie as a comedy about a Bronx prison guard (Vince Rizzo played by Garcia) who recognizes one of the inmates as his own illegitimate son. Though other films and TV shows have been shot on the island this is the first to be prominently set on City Island as well.
City Island was first brought to my attention by a reader who wanted to know more about the film and its filming locations. In researching the movie I quickly stumbled upon Raymond De Felitta’s blog Movies ‘Til Dawn and was awed by how much he was sharing about the filmmaking process. I have followed blogs by other filmmakers and felt they were just blatant self promotional vehicles (yes, I am talking to you Kevin Smith). De Felitta on the other hand seems genuine in his desire to share the process and let people peek behind the magic curtain of Hollywood.
After checking out Raymond’s blog I dropped him a line telling him about our site and he invited us down for a set visit. So last Friday my photographer John and I drove to City Island to check out the film’s set. We met up with Raymond’s assistant, Amy Basil, who gave us a tour of 90 Horton St in City Island, The Rizzo Family’s home in the movie. Amy explained the house, which sits on the Eastchester Bay, was chosen for its breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline. She also pointed out the changes that had been made to the home for the movie. A shed and deck were added to the backyard, inside, new wallpaper, family photos, and curtains were hung while new furniture was moved in to make this house the Rizzo’s home. The owner was compensated for its use and everything will be put back exactly the way it was before he returns (except for the deck, that may be an added perk).
Beginning the shoot on the small island created a needed community feeling among cast and crew. The close proximity of houses along Horton St also forced the production to become fast friends with their new neighbors as trucks blocked the road and movie equipment spilled onto adjacent driveways. The movie’s location assistant, Laura Tressel, told us the locals “have been fabulous”. And she would know best since she grew up on the island and is now working with fellow City Islanders to make sure everyone’s needs were accommodated. The production was pretty great to the residents as well offering them coffee in the morning and allowing local kids to gorge themselves on craft service throughout the day. None of this would happen on a shoot in Manhattan or L.A.
Though the community was accepting of the film, they remain guarded. “The community is excited but they don’t want too big an influx of outsiders”, Laura explained. Traffic is always a concern with only one main road it can get crowded. There is also a quiet, small town feel to City Island that residents want to hold onto and we can’t blame them.
The scene they were shooting on Friday was at another house on the opposite side of Horton St that was serving as the home of Carrie Baker Reynolds’ character Denise. Without giving too much away let’s just say that Vince Rizzo Jr., played by Ezra Miller, has taken a special interest in Denise. On this particular day, the house was pimped out with cakes and cupcakes since Carrie’s character in the film is an avid baker, maybe we should have stuck around to see what happened to all those treats after filming was complete.
Besides Horton St they have also shot scenes at the Morris Yacht and Beach Club, IGA Supermarket, and Orchard Beach. Orchard Beach is located just before the bridge to City Island and makes a great getaway from the hot hustle and bustle of the city. It could easily pass for any beach along the New England shore. We kept forgetting that we were actually in New York City, until we were jolted back to reality by the occasional NYPD officer on patrol. Orchard Beach can be reached by the number six train and from there you can take the Bronx number 29 bus to City Island.
Dinner in City Island is a perfect companion to a day at the beach. Luckily, Laura had some great restaurant recommendations including The Black Whale, The Lobster Box, and Le Ruge Inn (which is also the only B&B on the island). We took another of her recommendations and ate at Artie’s which also has a nice Italian menu if seafood isn’t your thing. The food was great and the atmosphere was pleasant. I would also highly recommend it. Let’s be honest, this is not the north shore of Oahu but for a city that is hot, gritty, and crowded in the summer, Orchard Beach and City Island can be an oasis away from it all.
Besides a rich maritime history and great restaurants City Island has a darker side that gives it a unique character, this not your run of the mill coastal town. First, there is Hart Island which can be seen from the eastern shore of City Island. It has been the location of a potter’s field for New York City since the American Civil War. Nearly 2000 unidentified dead are buried on the island each year including body parts and still born babies.
There is also a constant popping noise that can be heard from just about any point on City Island. When we first parked and were walking to the set, I said to John, “are those fireworks in the middle of the day?” But realized it was gunfire after talking to Laura who explained there was a large firing range not far away. This has apparently been a thorn in the side of residents but I think it actually makes the island a bit more interesting.
Even though we had a wonderful time in City Island and Amy and Laura couldn’t have been better guides I was disappointed that we couldn’t talk to Raymond since I was really interested to know what brought City Island to his attention. I sent an email to Raymond with a few follow up questions after we returned home and instead of just emailing me back, he was kind enough to answer my questions in this video which Amy also posted here on Raymond’s site! It is quite interesting to hear him explain his inspiration for City Island.
I can’t thank Amy, Raymond, or Laura enough for taking time out of their very busy schedules to talk to us! Along with Movies ‘Til Dawn, City Island has its own photo stream on Flickr and a Facebook page. Welcome to filmmaking in the 21st century!
For the most part filming is wrapping up on City Island but the real impact on this quaint coastal community has yet to be seen as the movie will inevitably thrust CI into the spotlight. We’re glad we were able to get there first and share both the movie and the island with all of you, both are worth checking out and we hope you do!
Happy to hear that you were treated well by amazing fellow crew members Laura and Amy. Special folks.
Also delighted to have confirmation that Raymond’s genuine passion for films and film making comes through as cleanly I thought it did on his blog. There have been blogs around films before, but none quite like Raymond’s blog.
“City Island” is one of the most memorable jobs of my life for lots of reasons, not least of which is the exceptionally generous, human crew. This is definitely NOT Hollywood, but indie at its best.
Thanks for writing about it.
Nice job guys!
Nice report. Made me nostalgic as I would go to City Island many times in my younger days for food or fishing. Thanks..looking forward to the movie.