EXCLUSIVE: Shadowbox Studios has taken on management of Kaufman Astoria Studios in New York, a historic studio facility where classic film and TV hits including Goodfellas and Sesame Street filmed, as well as contemporary shows including Succession and Just Like That, and movies including The Devil Wears Prada 2.
A New Era for Kaufman Astoria Studios
The 500,000 square-foot campus in Astoria, Queens, is an iconic studio facility that has been the backdrop for numerous beloved productions. Today, the landmark studio comprises 11 soundstages and 325,000 square-feet of office and production support space.
Shadowbox takes on management of Kaufman Astoria after a tumultuous period at the studios. In April, Deutsche Bank filed a foreclosure complaint against Kaufman Astoria Studios and its then owner Hackman Capital Partners, alleging a default on a $340 million loan that was due to be paid last fall.
Following this, the court appointed a receiver, which in turn appointed an operator for the studios – step forward Shadowbox. This marks a significant shift for the studios, as Shadowbox begins managing the facilities, which were originally built in the 1920s as the home of Paramount Pictures.
“We want to welcome producers to this incredible studio to be enriched by its history and the storytellers that have come before them at the same time as offering a top-tier customer service to meet the demands of today’s production needs,” said Mike Mosallam, Chief Operating Officer, Shadowbox Studios.
He added: “Our team is looking forward to working with the on-lot staff to thoughtfully integrate the Shadowbox Studios standards of excellence. Whatever the production, we will work in partnership to make it seamless.”
Shadowbox already runs studios in the U.S. and internationally. Shadowbox Atlanta is a nine-soundstage complex that has been home to Jumanji and Godzilla: King of Monsters. In the UK, there is Shadowbox Shinfield, an 18-soundstage facility that has played host to Star Wars: The Acolyte and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. It is currently developing a 10-soundstage complex in Queensland, Australia.
Under Shadowbox’s management, Kaufman Astoria Studios is poised to continue its legacy as a premier production hub. With its rich history and state-of-the-art facilities, the studio is set to remain a go-to destination for filmmakers and producers alike.
