New York, known as the largest open-air set in the world, is the first city to be fancifully destroyed by Hollywood movies.
The crew chose to shoot here rather than on location in Boston because New York promised a high amount of tax incentives.
In the face of huge commercial interests, even a director of Martin Scorsese's stature still had to compromise.
In a studio located at the junction of Brooklyn and Queens, the crew began filming.
Inside the phone booth set up on the outer wall of the sound stage, Martin rapidly delivered his lines while holding the phone.
The sound technician crouched outside, securing the boom microphone and trying to lower his body as much as possible.
The director of photography, Michael, operated the camera, slowly sliding along the track that encircled the phone booth.
"Cut!" Director Scorsese yelled stop.
Martin put down the phone and turned around.