Written by on Jul 17, 2013. Posted in On Location

Filming for Top Gear USA closes Buffalo Skyway road in New York State

Top Gear USA has filmed on the Buffalo Skyway road in western New York State. Made by BBC Worldwide Productions, scenes for the American version of the popular UK motoring show involved time trials for three amphibious vehicles.

“This is the first time I remember the Skyway being closed for something positive, instead of a car wreck or snowstorm,” Buffalo Niagara Film Commission head Tim Clark told Buffalo News: “There are local crew hired and that’s good for the Buffalo economy, along with the use of hotels, caterers and all the ancillary services that go with these kinds of productions. They are leaving a ton of money in this town.”

“It’s a chance to show off Buffalo and encourage even more people to check out all our region has to offer,” State Senator Tim Kennedy added to the outlet: “Filmmakers and television producers are quickly learning that Buffalo is the place to be to shoot exciting scenes in unique and diverse settings.”

Buffalo was recently announced as the home for new post-production company Empire Visual Effects, which could help boost location filming in the region. New York specifically incentivises productions to complete post-production work in upstate areas.

(Photos: BBC Worldwide Productions)