New York Solidifies Position as Major US Soundstage Hub

City's diverse production facilities and incentives attract growing film and TV industry

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:38pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a sleek, modern camera lens and film reel props arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the sophisticated technology and craftsmanship behind the film and television production industry in New York City.New York City's resurgence as a major entertainment production hub is transforming the city's real estate landscape and solidifying its status as a global center for film, television, and digital media.NYC Today

New York City is reasserting itself as a major entertainment production center, with high-profile real estate players like Hudson Pacific Properties, Vornado Realty Trust, and Blackstone developing new state-of-the-art studio campuses. Factors driving the city's resurgence include its deep pool of creative talent, ability to film on location, and expanded state film tax credits. While still trailing Los Angeles in total soundstage space, New York and neighboring New Jersey are quickly emerging as formidable East Coast production hubs.

Why it matters

New York's revitalized status as a premier filming destination has significant economic implications, attracting major investments, creating jobs, and solidifying the city's reputation as a global entertainment capital. The influx of production activity also supports local businesses and communities, while the new studio facilities upgrade the city's infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the film and TV industry.

The details

Key developments include the opening of Sunset Pier 94 Studios, a 232,000-square-foot project on Manhattan's West Side developed by Hudson Pacific, Vornado, and Blackstone. Other major studio campuses include Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens, Silvercup Studios in Long Island City and the Bronx, and Wildflower Studios in Astoria. Newer projects like Borden Studios in Long Island City, Echelon Studios in Bushwick and Red Hook, and Netflix Studios Brooklyn are also adding significant production capacity. Public-private partnerships and state tax incentives have played a crucial role in positioning New York against competing markets like Los Angeles, Atlanta, and London.

  • In January 2026, Sunset Pier 94 Studios opened, marking a milestone in New York's resurgence as a production hub.
  • Over the past several years, New Jersey has also emerged as a formidable East Coast competitor, with the restoration of state film tax incentives in 2018 spurring major investments from Netflix and Lionsgate.
  • Kaufman Astoria Studios, which opened in 1920, is the oldest continuously operating film studio in the United States and was the original home of what became Paramount Pictures.

The players

Victor Coleman

Chairman and CEO of Los Angeles-based Hudson Pacific Properties, the developer of Sunset Pier 94 Studios.

Barry Langer

Executive Vice President of Development and Co-Head of Real Estate at Vornado Realty Trust, which partnered with Hudson Pacific on Sunset Pier 94 Studios.

Kaufman Astoria Studios

A historic film studio in Queens that opened in 1920 and has hosted numerous major productions over the decades.

Silvercup Studios

A leading production facility with three major studio campuses in Long Island City and the Bronx, totaling over 550,000 square feet of space.

Wildflower Studios

A state-of-the-art 750,000-square-foot studio complex in Astoria, co-developed by actor Robert De Niro and his son Raphael.

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What they’re saying

“We've not seen the type of interest in our other facilities that we've had here in New York in any of the years, even in the peak moments … when production was proliferating.”

— Victor Coleman, Chairman and CEO, Hudson Pacific Properties

“If you're a producer or you're the talent or stars in one of these shows, you want to be in Manhattan. The backdrop of Manhattan to your productions is critical to making them so interesting.”

— Barry Langer, Executive Vice President of Development and Co-Head of Real Estate, Vornado Realty Trust

What’s next

Hudson Pacific Properties plans to explore additional studio development opportunities in other New York City boroughs, including Brooklyn and Queens, to meet the growing demand for production space.

The takeaway

New York City's resurgence as a major entertainment production hub underscores the city's enduring appeal and competitive advantages, including its deep talent pool, diverse filming locations, and supportive public-private partnerships. This trend is transforming the city's real estate landscape and solidifying its status as a global center for film, television, and digital media.