Broadway Stages, the largest full-service TV and film production company on the East Coast, is currently working with the State to purchase the Arthur Kill Correctional Facility, which was shut down by Governor Cuomo in 2011 as part of his prison closing program. The film production company plans on turning part of the prison into additional soundstages, while keeping other areas intact to give films and TV shows an authentic prison backdrop. The facility has already been used by hit shows, including Blindspot, Quantico, Blacklist, Blacklist Redemption, The Americans and more.
“The fact that major film and TV productions like Ocean’s 8 are filming on the Arthur Kill property, before the site is even acquired by Broadway Stages, demonstrates how popular this location will be as a future film studio,” said BP Oddo. “The facility is located on the West Shore waterfront of Staten Island, in an area that I call the ‘Jobs Coast,’ which is ideally suited for commercial activity. Every time a director calls ‘Action’ it will mean jobs and economic activity for Staten Island. In addition to the permanent jobs associated with the studio, I am told every major film and TV production will generate over two hundred jobs in a multitude of trades. When our future Staten Island film studio is officially open for business, I anticipate a steady stream of production here. The advance word is positive and exciting, and the activity that has been taking place before it is even open is encouraging.”
“We owe tremendous thanks to Borough President James Oddo, local elected officials and residents for their continued support of this venture. We are very excited to become a part of the Staten Island community, bringing jobs and major economic stimulation to this great borough,” said Gina Argento, President and CEO of Broadway Stages. “One reason we have been able to grow so quickly is because of the relationships we build in the local communities we operate in. It’s something we’re incredibly proud of and look forward to building those relationships in Staten Island.
Once Broadway Stages owns the property, it plans on calling the facility the Staten Island Stages. The company plans to create over 1,500 local jobs in the first year and make a $20M investment through its first five years.