Serving People, Telling Stories

Commissioner Rafael Espinal has always believed in serving people and telling stories. Three months into leading the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, he finally gets to combine both, working to make New York the most frictionless place in the world to create.

A Career Built on Two Passions: Serving people and telling stories led Rafael from local politics to the Freelancers Union, where he fought for the rights of independent creative workers. Now both passions live in one role. 🎬

The Most Frictionless Place to Create: Rafael's office supports filmmakers, Broadway theaters, video game studios, and commercial productions as they navigate the city and get work done. 🗽

Authenticity Wins: Rafael believes vertical, personal storytelling that speaks directly to the person holding the phone is the format brands need to embrace right now. 📱

Oura Comes First: Rafael checks his sleep data the moment he wakes up. Instagram and the weather app round out his daily top three. ⌚

One Big Wish: Free healthcare for every New Yorker, so the artists, filmmakers, and musicians stuck at a desk could finally take the leap. 💡