PAT SWINNEY KAUFMAN

For nineteen years, Pat Swinney Kaufman served as the Executive Director of the New York Governor’s Office for Motion Picture and Television Development and as Deputy Commissioner at Empire State Development. She helped build New York’s media industry by facilitating film, television, and commercial production. Kaufman managed New York State’s film production program, through which the state’s film industry secured more than 13 billion dollars over the past eight years. During her tenure, film and television production in New York reached record levels for the first time.

In 2010, Kaufman was at the very center of the industry’s success, working toward expanding long-term program funding to 420 million dollars annually and creating a post-production program. She also played a significant role in establishing the New York Lounge as New York’s representative at the Sundance Film Festival. From 2003 to 2007, she served as President of the Association of Film Commissioners International.

Over the past two years, as a board member of NYPA, Kaufman has focused on encouraging many distinguished regional film commissions to participate and collaborate with NYPA. In addition, Kaufman is a strong supporter of the ongoing work carried out by NYPA.

Q&A guest after “Occupy Cannes!” screening