Kaufman Astoria Studios launches expansion.

Plans for the construction of its seventh stage, a 15,000 to 18,000 square-foot sound stage and a 25,000 square-foot-plus support facility at Kaufman Astoria Studios (KAS) in Astoria (Queens), NY, were announced recently by George S. Kaufman, chairman, and Hal G. Rosenbluth, president of Kaufman Astoria Studios.

With funding for the $8.3 million construction project complete, a Fall '99 ground-breaking ceremony is anticipated. The new studio could open as early as Summer 2000, depending upon construction and weather conditions. It will be located on 36th Street in Astoria between 34th and 35th avenues. The Jansen Design Group of Manhattan are the project's architects.

The planned expansion will solidify the entertainment complex's position as a premiere production center for feature film, television, video and electronic production.

Funding for the project is as follows: Initial funding is being provided by New York City Council President Peter F. Vallone and Councilman Walter McCaffrey, Through their efforts, $2,5 million in grant money has been earmarked in the New York City Council budget for the project. Additional monies are also being provided for demolition.

New York State is providing $1.7 million in grants and loans to KAS through its development agency, The Empire State Development Corporation. Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and the New York City Economic Development Corporation will provide a loan in the amount of $l .2 million to KAS, along with the long-term leasing of the land to the studio. Through Queens Borough President Claire Shulman's office, a $125,000 grant has also been allocated.

The remainder of the funds have been secured by a $2.3 million loan from Astoria Federal Savings Bank.

"This is a perfect example of a successful public-private partnership," said Kaufman. "Had it not been for the tremendous support and belief in the strength of the entertainment industry here in New York City and State shown by Governor George Pataki; Mayor Rudolph Giuliani; Empire State Development Corporation President, Charles Gargano; New York City Council President Peter F. Vallone; New York City Councilman Walter McCaffrey; Queens Borough President Claire Shulman; Commissioner Patricia Scott, Mayor's Office of Film, Theater and Broadcasting; New York State Deputy Commissioner Patricia S. Kaufman of Governor's Office of Motion Picture and Television Development: as well as George L. Engelke, Jr., chairman, president and CEO of Astoria Federal Savings, and Michael Carey, president of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, this expansion announcement would not be taking place. These people have been with us every step of the way and they deserve a tremendous thanks."

"The entire film and broadcasting industry around the world will benefit from the work that these men and women have put into working with us to see to it that New York City continues to be a key player in the entertainment industry," Kaufman continued.

Studio officials estimate that this project will generate over $55 million in direct and indirect revenues to New York over the next 20 years.

"Adding a seventh large stage to the complex is bringing KAS closer to critical mass and should stabilize The Studio's utilization rate," said Rosenbluth. "The new KAS production center will not only attract new feature film, television and multimedia productions to New York, but it will enhance the City's reputation as the premiere site for studio and on-location entertainment production."

The new 15,000 to 18,000 square-foot studio and support space, added to the existing six stages, is expected to help ease New York's studio shortfall.

Productions working at KAS now have and will continue to benefit from full access to the many production service companies housed at KAS that include: K/A/S Lighting, a full-service lighting and grip company; Master Sound Astoria for audio services; and post-production services, as well as The KAS Commissary, for on-set and on-location catering.

Commenting on the expansion, Rosenbluth said "KAS has been the studio that the best in the business choose. We owe a great deal of thanks and credit to our friends, who have recognized our abilities and grown with us. On-set as well as on-location, Woody Allen has been with us since the beginning. And, as Cosby heads into its fourth season on CBS, we're marking our ninth TV season with Bill Cosby, dating back to the 80's and The Cosby Show. Having talents like Bill and Woody behind you is the greatest endorsement a studio executive could ever want."

Making Movie and TV History

Kaufman Astoria Studios has been making entertainment history for close to 80 years. After making its debut as Famous Players/Lasky on September 20, 1920 (later Paramount Studios), the studio became the home of productions starring Rudolph Valentino, Claudette Colbert, W.C. Fields, The Marx Brothers, Sylvia Sydney, D.W. Griffith, Gloria Swanson and many other screen legends.

In the years between the studio's current incarnation as Kaufman Astoria Studios and its earliest days, the property was transferred to the U.S. Army. It became the Signal Corps Pictorial Center during World War II and helped to launch many careers, including those of Paul Newman, Jack Lemmon and Milos Forman.

In the early 1970's, the historic facility was saved by a non-profit foundation, now the American Museum of the Moving Image, and designated an American landmark by the U.S. Department of the interior.

Film and television stars such as Bill Cosby, Anthony Quinn, Rosie O'Donnell, Dan Aykroyd, Harrison Ford, Meryl Streep, Mel Gibson, Demi Moore and the Sesame Street Muppets are just a few of the many celebrities who have worked at Kaufman Astoria Studios.

The facility currently boasts six operating sound stages ranging in size from 3,200 square feet to over 26,000 square feet (the largest stage in the country east of Los Angeles.)