“The Wiz” (1978) was filmed almost entirely in and around New York City, with both studio and on‑location shoots across the city’s boroughs. The production deliberately reimagined Oz as a fantastical version of urban New York.

Main filming city

Most of “The Wiz” was filmed in New York City, especially in Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. Principal photography took place from July to December 1977, centering the entire fantasy world in a stylized NYC rather than a rural setting.

Key studio location

A major base for the production was Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens. Many interior and controlled set pieces, including portions of Oz, were constructed and shot on these soundstages.

Notable NYC landmarks used

Several iconic New York locations doubled as parts of Oz.

  • World Trade Center plaza stood in for Emerald City, hosting the huge Emerald City dance sequence.
  • The former New York State Pavilion from the 1964 World’s Fair was used as Munchkinland.
  • Astroland at Coney Island (Brooklyn) provided the Tin Man’s setting, with the Cyclone roller coaster visible.
  • Shea Stadium and other Queens/Manhattan sites appear in various road and crowd scenes.

Other specific locations

The film also used a number of recognizable city structures for different parts of Dorothy’s journey.

  • Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is featured in sequences tied to Emerald City–style grandeur.
  • Subway and bridge sequences were shot at places like Hoyt–Schermerhorn Street Station and the Wards/Meadow Lake bridge areas for yellow brick road scenes.

One‑sentence recap

In short, “The Wiz” was filmed primarily at Kaufman Astoria Studios and on location all over New York City—especially iconic spots like the World Trade Center, Coney Island, the New York State Pavilion, Lincoln Center, and Shea Stadium.