What transpires in a year in New York City? Too much to mention in this blog post.
I can’t tell you how many times someone has said to me, “I could never live in New York.” My answer to that statement is, “How do you know? It’s not at all what you think it is.” Outsiders often label this city based on what they’ve heard in the news, read in a book, or seen on a television show. Crowds. Trash. Intensity. Crime. Danger. Rich and famous. High prices. Rude people. They don’t see the city for what it truly is, the reasons why many of us continue to live here and why many move to NYC every single day.
In the video below, Irish videographer Andrew Clancy shares highlights from a year in New York.
When asked the question,”What surprised you the most about living in New York?” He says, “What surprised me most was how hard New York is. It’s a grind. But the other surprise was how friendly people are, the comradeship between New Yorkers. The latter helps me deal with the former.”
Some of you New York-philes may have seen this tribute to NYC before, this video was released in 2011 and went viral on YouTube. But it’s one that I could watch again and again. “A Year in New York” captures the people of this city in a raw yet captivating way. Clancy seizes ordinary moments of life here and honors what makes New York the greatest city, a beloved city around the world – it’s really about the spirit of the people.
From Andrew Clancy…
As a filmmaker living in New York for the first time, I’d grab my Canon 7D and shoot footage of what was going on around me, to try and take in all that was happening. To try and capture the sense of community I felt in a place so large and diverse.
The HDSLR was a great tool for this. It allowed me get in among people and crowds but at the same time not draw attention to myself.
It seemed like a never ending project and you could stay filming life in New York for a long time. But eventually I put my camera down and started to edit. Here’s the end result, it’s a bit rough and tumble but that’s life in the Big Apple I guess.
Thank you to Andrew Clancy for shooting and editing this piece.
And thank you to blog reader Les Legaspi for sending me this to share with all of you.
When you’ve had a bad day in New York or you’re dreaming of this city and wishing you could hop on a plane and fly here, watch “A Year in New York.”
Video shot and edited by Andrew Clancy.
Music is “We Don’t Eat” by James Vincent McMorrow.
Photo by Carl Solder on Unsplash.
Also, a world premiere video, one day alone in manhattan, and emotions you’ll feel during your first year living in New York.
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Ron says
Tracy, being that I’ll be moving back to New York very soon, I can’t thank you enough for sharing this video. It literally brought tears to my eyes because it totally encapsulates why I (and so many other people) feel so drawn to this magnificent city that is filled with such a magnetic and magical energy that makes you believe that ANYTHING is possible.
” But the other surprise was how friendly people are, the comradeship between New Yorkers.”
I’ve always said that for however massive and fast-paced NYC is, New Yorkers are some of the most genuine, kind, and supportive people I’ve ever known. When I first lived there, I was an actor in the theater. And for being a city with such talented actors, it can be quite competitive. However, there is so much more opportunity for an actor in New York because of the wonderful support system of actors who help their fellow-actors succeed.
“Clancy seizes ordinary moments of life here and honors what makes New York the greatest city, a beloved city around the world – it’s really about the spirit of the people.”
Yes, you said it, Tracy!
Again, thanks so much for sharing!
Tracy Kaler says
Hi Ron,
Thank you so much for this sweet comment. You made my day! Glad you enjoyed this video –I got a bit weepy myself. 🙂
Les Legaspi says
Ah, Tracy, another outstanding post….your blog is truly a treasure. Thanks for mentioning! I love seeing this video every month to remind myself how lucky I am to be in NYC….
Tracy Kaler says
Hi Les!
Thank you so much for sharing it with me. I love it too. It’s kind of addictive, isn’t it?!
Celina says
Wow!
I am totally amazed by your blog post and this video!
I have never been to New York but this video and the blog post kind of inspired me to go there.
The “Big Apple” seems so interesting ,multicultural and fantastic to me.
Thank you so much,
Celina (from Germany)
Tracy Kaler says
Hi Celina,
New York is very multicultural. Come visit and you will see for yourself.
Cheers from the Upper West Side!
Erica murdoch says
Great snapshot of my favourite city in the world. Been meaning to watch this for months! Makes me want to come back( been twice in 4 years from Australia) Hopefully next trip in 2021 for a big birthday!
Tracy Kaler says
Hi Erica!
Thanks for your comment. Nice to meet a fellow New York-ophile. Yes, I love this video too. It shows all the colors of New York! Start counting down until your next trip. It’s almost 2019!
Dean Nachampasak says
Hello Tracy!
First of all, big fan of your website! I definitely come to your website when I need a New York content “fix” haha.
Second, I was in in New York from June to August for a summer program. I wish I could’ve called New York my “new home,” but due to numerous factors (mainly financial reasons, haha). I ended up coming back home (Hawaii…eh has its ups and downs lol). Although I’m a bit sad, I tell myself that New York shall always be there, and if at first I don’t succeed…just try again!
Whether it’s for a year, or 10 plus years, living in New York is something that I’ve wanted to do. No worries, just doing “what I gotta do” for now, and I hope to be back in the city soon! Especially now that I made a number of friends and contacts.
I apologize for the lengthy message Tracy. If you read this far, thank you so much for your time!
Sincerely,
Dean
Tracy Kaler says
Hi Dean,
Thanks for your comment. I hope you make it back to New York. And you are right, the city isn’t going anywhere!