Nicolas Heller
Nicolas "Nico" Heller, better known as "New York Nico", is an American documentary film director, and social media personality known for his Instagram account @newyorknico. Nicknamed the "Unofficial Talent Scout of New York", Heller uses his platform to share photos, videos and stories showcasing life in New York City.
Early life and career
Nico is the son of art director Steven Heller and graphic designer Louise Fili. He grew up in New York City and attended the Little Red School House and Elisabeth Irwin High School. He obtained a degree in film from Emerson College and has gone on to create music videos, commercials, documentaries, and more under his production company, Heller Films. He first garnered attention for finding and recording offbeat New Yorkers.Heller Films' ordinary operation was put on pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent lockdown in New York City. During this time, Heller held a contest for Best New York Accent. New Yorkers in quarantine sent him video clips of their accents. The resulting videos went viral, and the project was picked up by mainstream media including The ''New York Times and CNN.
Heller used the New York-themed contest platform to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity. Small businesses are highlighted regularly on his social media channel to bring awareness to their fight to stay in business during the economic challenges of COVID-19, including Astor Place Hairstylists, Ray's Candy Store, Army & Navy Bags, Veselka and more.
In 2024 Heller released New York Nico's Guide to NYC'', an illustrated guidebook to New York City.
Personal life
Heller lives in Brooklyn. In 2025 he married a graphic designer, Naomi Otsu, with a wedding reception at Katz's Delicatessen, covered by The New York Times Styles desk.MTA collaborations
In November 2020, Heller announced a venture with MTA to enlist celebrities and notable New Yorkers to record public messages for use in the New York City subway. As of Spring 2020, messages have been recorded by:- Cam'ron
- Fran Lebowitz
- Whoopi Goldberg
- Young M.A.
- Jerry Seinfeld
- Edie Falco
- Bowen Yang
- Awkwafina
- Angie Martinez
- Bob the Drag Queen
- Debi Mazar
- Michael Rapaport
- Jadakiss
- DesusNice
- The Kid Mero
- MaliibuMitch
- Dave East
- FivioForeign
- Pat Kiernan
- Angela Yee
- Peter Rosenberg
- Ilana Glazer
- Michael Kay
- Eric Andre
- Abbi Jacobson