Just across the East River from Manhattan, a groundbreaking film and TV production facility is set to open its doors this spring, ushering in an exciting new era for the industry in the city. Borden Studios, located in the Queens neighborhood of Long Island City, will occupy the top floors of a complex on Borden Avenue. This privately owned site was built by real estate investment and operating company Innovo Property Group, with backing from Nan Fung Group. Boasting four state-of-the-art sound stages and 220,000 square feet of production space, Borden Studios is garnering attention for its prime location, easily accessible to industry professionals based in New York City.
The rise of Borden Studios is just the beginning of a larger wave of developments in the film and TV production landscape of New York City. In tandem with Borden Studios, East End Studios in Sunnyside, Queens, is also set to open its doors in the near future. These facilities have garnered praise from Mayor Eric Adams, who described Western Queens as “a worthy rival to Hollywood.” This surge in production facilities marks a significant milestone for New York City’s ongoing efforts to solidify its position as a major hub for the film and TV industry.
Despite enduring the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City’s film and TV production scene has shown remarkable resilience and is on the path to recovery. While the pandemic dealt a blow to the industry in 2020, the momentum was picking up before the crisis hit. Although there were temporary setbacks in 2023, investor enthusiasm remains high for the long-term growth of the sector. The opening of Borden Studios, along with other developments like Lionsgate Studios in Yonkers and Sunset Pier 94 Studios in Manhattan, underscores the industry’s determination to bounce back and thrive in a post-pandemic landscape.
Borden Studios is set to become a premier destination for content creators looking to film in New York City. The facility’s four sound stages are meticulously designed, with sound ratings of NC-25 and sizes ranging from 11,800 to 16,200 square feet. The stages boast 40-foot ceilings and fully retractable, STC-53-rated walls, offering unparalleled versatility for productions of all scales. In addition to the production spaces, Borden Studios will feature 43,000 square feet of offices, 56,000 square feet of support space, and over 8,800 square feet of outdoor space, including a rooftop terrace. The facility’s dedication to providing diverse spaces reflects its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the industry.
Borden Studios aims to redefine the standards of convenience and accessibility for film and TV productions in New York City. The site’s multistory design caters to the needs of next-generation users in the densely populated metropolitan market. With direct, drive-up access and ample parking right outside the doors, Borden Studios offers unparalleled convenience for productions of all sizes. Its proximity to Manhattan further solidifies its status as an ideal location for industry professionals who want the vibrancy of the city within minutes of their filming destination.
Borden Studios represents an exciting new chapter in the ever-evolving landscape of film and TV production in New York City. With its cutting-edge facilities, prime location, and commitment to meeting the needs of the industry, Borden Studios is poised to play a pivotal role in furthering New York City’s status as a global powerhouse in the world of entertainment. As the industry continues to rebound from the challenges of the past, Borden Studios serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity, inspiring content creators to push the boundaries of creativity in the heart of the city that never sleeps.