Image via Kaufman Astoria Studios FacebookGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Kaufman Astoria Studios (KAS), located at 34-12 36th StGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028., has become one of Hollywood’s go-to destinations for some of the largest names in the film and television industryGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Today, KAS offers industry professionals over 500,000 sqGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.ftGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. of space for sound stages, production, and service, and employs thousandsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. So, as with countless other industries when the current COVID-19 pandemic hit, everything was put on holdGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

“The industry before the pandemic was as busy as one could ever imagineGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I say that for all of the New York production industryGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The unions were operating at more than 100%, getting permit workersGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Bringing in new members for training and testingGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Every facility was busy, new ones were opened; one just before in the Bronx, DeNiro on SteinwayGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. From an industry perspective, it could not have been busierGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The incentive program was driving people towards New YorkGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Spreading out into communities,” said Hal Rosenbluth, current President/CEO of Kaufman Astoria StudiosGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Fortunately, KAS will reopen as part of New York City’s Phase 2 reopeningGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The studio is eager to get back to work and resume productionGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Despite the economic challenges brought on by the pandemic, Kaufman Studios was able to keep its employees on payrollGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

So, what will production at KAS look like now? Rosenbluth and his partners have ensured that all proper protocols are in place to keep everyone at the space healthy and safeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Temperature checks, health forms, and health screenings will be required for all who enter the spaceGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Additionally, the studio has hired extra cleaning personnel, purchased foggers, and will be providing PPE to all employeesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

While these new measures will drive up costs, Rosenbluth is optimistic that the studio will be back and better than before with timeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. KAS is even set to add a new 150,000 sqGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.ftGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. space to its lot with two stages and 65,000 sqGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.ftGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. of commercial office spaceGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Said Rosenbluth: “The new building I expect to officially be able to open by AugustGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. We made a huge investment 150,000 sqGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. ftGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. two stages, 65,000 of commercial office spaceGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Our neighborhood is ripe for commercial office space to come toGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Hopefully now we see a bit more of thatGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. We still believe in the growth of the industryGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I think this will add to our inventory and what we can doGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. [We are] hopeful that we’ll see folks wanting to join us and invest in the communityGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I hope the community will welcome that and use that as an opportunity to speak with investors about what they want in the community”Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Ultimately, Rosenbluth believes it will be development and investment that will help spark a boost in the neighborhood’s economyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. “If we don’t bring economic drivers into our community, how do we regroup and get to the next levelGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. We have to become inviting to thisGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Bring development to help drive the buzzGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Rejuvenate the system and get back to economic sustainability”, said RosenbluthGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Give Me Astoria would like to thank MrGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Hal Rosenbluth for taking the time to speak with us, and would like to wish Kaufman Astoria Studios the best of luck on its reopening and going forward!