Broadway Stages Gives Back | Social Responsibility

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Broadway Stages has a long history of supporting initiatives that benefit the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of the community. Giving back to the communities where we operate is at the core of our business philosophy.  During both good times and hard times, Broadway Stages lends a hand to those in need.

Broadway Stages is dedicated to building a strong and sustainable television and film culture in New York; one that brings mutual value to our clients, our operations, the community, and our environment. Our approach to business includes a deep-rooted commitment to provide unparalleled relationship-driven client and community service.  It’s this approach that sets us apart and allows us to make a difference and encourages our clients to do the same.  Even when facing hardships like the 2020 pandemic or the recent WGA and SAG/AFTRA strikes. 

For years we have had the privilege of supporting numerous community initiatives and programs.  From providing school supplies, collecting, and donating coats and prom attire, to supporting community efforts to fight food insecurity, Broadway Stages has been engaged in meeting the needs of the community. 

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we provided a 10-month no-cost lease to The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH) allowing them to feed more than 2 million individuals in need during this life changing event.  Today, we proudly serve on the board of TCAH and continue to support their fight against food insecurity. 

Earlier this year, we provided a 12-month no-cost lease to the Community Center Services Organization (CCSO), enabling the collection and distribution of food and other necessities, while they find a permanent facility.  And our clients are engaged as well, Apple Studios, that produced “City on Fire” recently made a significant donation of clothing and accessories to CCSO allowing them to distribute high end merchandise to neighbors in need.  And Possible Productions that filmed “The Blacklist” also donated kitchen and household supplies to CCSO.  Our clients understand the importance of giving back and the value it generates in our community.

Our outreach also includes support of organizations that provide much needed community services and programs including the Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, Sunnyside Community Services, Ujima Community Working Together, the Greenpoint YMCA, Camp Brooklyn, 5 Boros Basketball, Grace Foundation, Kiwanis Club, Los Sures, and others.  In addition, we continue to promote local businesses to establish a strong economic foundation where our community can flourish, and our neighbors can earn a living wage. 

We encourage you to read more about our commitment to community and if you missed it, take a look at our Proud blog series that highlights local businesses and organizations in the communities where we operate. To all the non-profit organizations that work to serve and support, we offer our sincere appreciation for your commitment; we are inspired by your dedication and grateful for your continued leadership and service to community. 

Greenpoint YMCA | Afterschool Program

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Parents – are you looking for an after school program that will offer your child enriching activities throughout the school year (September 2023 - June 2024) that boost their academic performance, physical fitness, and social well-being? If so, then check out the Greenpoint YMCA.

Registration is open for Greenpoint Y’s School-Age Child Care (SACC) after school program for grades Pre-k through 5th. Children will participate in hands-on STEM lessons, homework help, art, and gross motor activities in the gym, as well as social-emotional learning.

The Y’s staff will pick up your child Monday - Friday from either PS31 or PS34 and bring them to the Greenpoint Y. Program hours are 2:30 - 6 p.m. with service on half days.

You can find the application and medical forms on the Y’s website. For more information, contact the Greenpoint YMCA at 212-912-2260 or greenpoint_contact@ymcanyc.org. 

Broadway Stages is proud to support the Greenpoint YMCA and the YMCA of Greater New York.  Join us as we work together to build stronger communities.

Industry Jobs | Music Supervisor

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As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes, but they also need a skilled and experienced workforce. In this series, we look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at the role of the music supervisor.

What Does a Music Supervisor Do?

Previously, we highlighted the role of a composer, which contributes to bringing a director’s vision for a production to life by creating just the right music to help tell a story. But the composer is just one of the roles involved with the various aspects of the music created for a production. The lead role in this area is the music supervisor. Read on to learn more.

The music supervisor handles a variety of music-related tasks for a film or TV production. Careers in Film tells us that, as head of the music department, the music supervisor will “oversee a range of duties from finding a composer, securing original music, starting and finalizing deals with music publishers and record labels, booking studio time, dealing with the musicians union, and consulting with the film’s director on creative music decisions.” According to MasterClass, the music supervisor will view the rough cut to identify places where music will be needed (this is called “spotting”), and they will work with the composer to identify where original music will be needed. They also work to ensure that licensing is obtained for existing music that will be used, to avoid copyright infringement issues.

How do I become a Music Supervisor?

A music supervisor will need to have a broad knowledge of music, as well as be aware of music licensing and intellectual property laws. Attention to detail, communication skills, and ability to manage a budget are also important. No specific degree is needed, although music business programs or courses can be helpful. And, as with most industry jobs, networking can help build contacts. Internships and apprenticeships or getting hired by music supervisors will help one break into the industry and provide opportunities to work up to the lead music supervisor role. Find more advice on the skills and experience needed to become a music supervisor at Careers in Film and Berklee College of Music.

More Information 

Read this Backstage interview with Music Supervisor John Bissell, who worked on NBC’s “The Blacklist,” one of the many TV shows filmed at Broadway Stages. Read this Awards Daily piece in which Music Supervisor Frankie Pine discusses the music used to set the tone and tell the story in HBO Max’s “The Flight Attendant” (filmed at Broadway Stages) and Amazon’s “Sylvie’s Love.”

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information about industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.

Broadway Stages is on Social Media

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Broadway Stages is here to keep you connected to the film and television industry, community news, and local organizations across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. Through our monthly newsletter and active presence on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, we offer captivating content and topical industry updates! We provide exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses, and updates on popular TV shows and movies, keeping you informed about the dynamic world of entertainment.

Be sure to check our Instagram account that provides stories about our history, our commitment to environmental sustainability, and local business spotlights. We also feature routine blog posts on our website that include information about the entertainment industry, the economy, arts and environmental news, and organizations we support across Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. Be sure to follow us and stay connected with behind-the-scenes content, and news about our commitment to community and economic development! 

Spotlight Queens Proud | FM Brush Co.

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This year marks the 40th anniversary of Broadway Stages. In celebration of our 40th trip around the sun, we are shining the spotlight on the heart of our community – the local businesses that provide the essential or simply enjoyable goods and services that allow us to thrive and delight in this great city we call home. We continue our series in the borough where it all began, Queens, and feature the local shops that line our streets, providing our neighbors, family, and friends a livelihood. Join us on our journey and get to know the people and businesses that make our community home. Today we take a look at the FM Brush Co. and the mark they have made not only in New York, but also across the world. 

In Glendale, Queens, a family-run company has been making its mark on the world for nearly a century. The FM Brush Company, established in 1929 by Frederick Mink, has become a global leader in the manufacturing of artist, cosmetic, craft, hobby, and custom-made brushes. With a legacy spanning four generations, the FM Brush Company has remained dedicated to providing customers with the finest handmade brushes available. Every brush they produce is meticulously crafted to exceed performance expectations. From the initial concept and design to the production and packaging stages, FM Brush maintains an unwavering attention to detail. Their precision tools are designed to endure under demanding conditions, ensuring durability and reliability for artists, craftsmen, and beauty professionals alike. FM Brush achieves this by utilizing precise quality standards and state-of-the-art production techniques, only sourcing materials from reputable and sustainable suppliers!

FM Brush stands apart as the only family-run American brush manufacturer in existence. This distinction brings with it a unique blend of tradition, personalized service, and unmatched expertise. Their New York City headquarters serve as the primary production facility, where superior handmade brushes are meticulously created. However, FM Brush doesn't stop at the borders of the United States. With manufacturing capabilities in Thailand, they have expanded their presence globally to meet the demands of the international art and beauty industries. This strategic positioning allows FM Brush to maintain the same high standards and craftsmanship on a global scale.

FM Brush understands the significance of being a socially responsible entity and actively contributes to causes that make a difference. The company supports the fight against animal testing by working with responsible suppliers and vendors. They source brush handles from managed national wood reforestation programs, promoting sustainable practices. Additionally, FM Brush proudly lends its support to conservation and wildlife protection organizations such as the "Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund," "Free Arts New York City," and "The Kids in Need Foundation." By assisting the "Friends of Asian Elephants," FM Brush contributes to the world's first elephant hospital located in Lampang Province, Thailand. Through these initiatives, FM Brush demonstrates its commitment to making a positive impact beyond the realm of brush manufacturing.

For 94 years, the FM Brush Company has epitomized excellence, craftsmanship, and community support. With an extensive range of handmade brushes, innovative offerings, and a global presence, they continue to shape the industry they pioneered. FM Brush's commitment to quality and their active involvement in philanthropic endeavors highlight the values they hold dear. As they embark on their journey into the future, it is evident that the FM Brush Company will remain a trailblazer in the world of brush manufacturing while uplifting the communities that surround them.

Broadway Stages Gives Back | North Brooklyn Community Boathouse

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Broadway Stages has a long history of supporting initiatives that benefit the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the community. The North Brooklyn Community Boathouse is one of many organizations that have benefitted from our financial and in-kind support. Read more.

The North Brooklyn Community Boathouse (NBCB) is a nonprofit, volunteer-run community organization dedicated to enabling safe, responsible, human-powered boating access to the waterways of NYC. They also strive to educate residents about the history, ecology and sustainability of our urban waterways. Since 2010, NBCB’s volunteer trip leaders have taken thousands of people out on the water in kayaks, canoes, and rowing gigs. In addition to member trips that explore Newtown Creek, the East River and other NYC waterways, NBCB offers free monthly public paddles. The trips and workshops provided by the boathouse’s education program have served hundreds of community members and scores of students from local schools and colleges.

In November 2022, NBCB officially announced the construction of a new boathouse along the Newtown Creek in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The project is funded through a grant from the Newtown Creek Environmental Benefit Fund (NCEBF), and managed by the City Parks Foundation. Broadway Stages, on whose land the building is being constructed, is overseeing construction and has made significant financial contributions to the project. For the first time – and unique amongst boathouses in NYC – NBCB will own their facility and secure their access to the waterway in perpetuity.

The new boathouse will be close to 8,000 sq. ft. and provide ample space for boat and equipment storage, training and workshops, an environmental education center, offices, bathrooms, changing rooms, lockers, a kitchenette and more.

Broadway Stages Supports CCSO Food Bank | Elmhurst – Corona

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Broadway Stages has partnered with New York State Senator Jessica Ramos and Evelyn Hielbron, Executive Director of the Community Center Services Organization Corporation (CCSO), to address the critical issue of food insecurity.

Broadway Stages donated ​a ​4,200 square foot facility on Corona Avenue in Elmhurst, Queens for a full year to ​serve as a food collection and distribution facility for ​CCSO. Valued at over $210K, this generous donation includes a 12 month no-cost lease and facility modifications that were made to ensure its functionality.

CCSO is a non-profit organization established by Evelyn Heilbron in New York in June 2020. CCSO offers support and services for the entire community without discrimination, including assistance with immigration, taxes, food assistance, gently worn clothing, and advice to disfranchised families and individuals.

Their mission is to work endlessly to fight hunger. CCSO’s core values ​​are unity, love, and compassion for those most in need. Every Monday since 2020, the team of 60 CCSO volunteers has been distributing up to 800 packages of non-perishables and fresh vegetables to our neighbors in need. To expand their reach, CCSO launched their “No More Hunger” campaign on June 22, 2021, in Jackson Heights, Queens.

On May 11, 2023, Senator Ramos, Broadway Stages, and local community leaders gathered to celebrate the opening of the CCSO’s new brick-and-mortar location with a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening food and clothing distribution. With this facility, CCSO hopes to continue their efforts as a part of their “No More Hunger” campaign.

"The CCSO represents the best of what our community can accomplish when we come together to help those in need. At Broadway Stages, we are always looking for ways to give back to our community and foster equitable growth. We are proud to support this initiative and are humbled by the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors," said Gina Argento, president and CEO of Broadway Stages.

"We are thankful that Senator Ramos reached out to us to help. It is our hope that this effort inspires others to join us in the fight against food insecurity. We believe that creating a better world starts with investing in our local communities, and we are committed to do our part to make a positive impact. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient future for all," said Tony Argento, founder of Broadway Stages. “With the unwavering dedication of Evelyn Heilbron, and a transitional brick-and-mortar facility, CCSO is now able to expand their outreach as they look toward acquiring a permanent home.  We are excited to see the impact that this partnership will have on our community, and we encourage others to join us.”

One of Broadway Stages’ clients in the film/television industry have also jumped in to help. The production team of the popular NBC crime thriller television series “The Blacklist” that utilize Broadway Stages’ facilities, have also made an in-kind contribution of commercial kitchen supplies including portable sinks, multi-layered sheet pan/food racks, and other kitchen supplies.  In addition, local restaurant Latino Bites, owned John Bedoya, has provided substantial support to CCSO. 

We encourage you consider making a donation or volunteering to lend a hand for CCSO.  Whatever you can do, your gifts are appreciated.  Please join us help those in need. 

United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829 | Apprenticeship Program

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The film and TV industry is exciting, rewarding and makes a great contribution to our local economy. There are a multitude of jobs that are needed to make a production come to life. Among those jobs that are critical to making magic is the role of the scenic artist who is responsible for designing the scenery — and more broadly, the artificial environment — in which a stage, television, or film performance takes place.

Our Staten Island campus is home to a prestigious three-year scenic artist apprenticeship program sponsored by Local USA 829 as a Trust Fund. The program combines approximately four thousand hours of paid on-the-job training and classes led by working Scenic Artists, in a variety of specific craft skills as well as health and safety. Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices become full members of USA 829. Getting into the program is competitive and requires a great deal of commitment. 

The apprentices must complete seminars, homework assignments and projects, and class work — all reviewed and critiqued by the instructors and committee members. The instruction is held at a facility that Broadway Stages donated and remodeled specifically for the apprentice program.  “The work of the scenic artist is critical and we are more than happy to do our part to generate the skilled workforce needed for our competitive industry,” said Tony Argento, founder of Broadway Stages. Their hands-on instruction includes skills in creating faux stain glass windows and graffiti, among many other craft skills they need to create scenery that convince you the actors are really in a particular location. 

United Scenic Artist Class of 2024 practice their graffiti skills. 

One of the apprentices, Timothy Alex, said, “Working as an Apprentice gives me the opportunity to discover, define and refine my skills as a Scenic Artist. Having the support of the Local USA 829 community strengthens me as I navigate my way in this new career.”

These hard-working Scenic Artists are assigned to jobs within the jurisdiction of Local USA 829 over the three years in the Local’s Apprentice program. This includes movies, television, scenery supplier shops, the Metropolitan Opera, and commercials. The time the apprentices invest pays off in experience, networks, and solidarity as they each go on to further their careers in the entertainment industry.

“The benefits of working as an Apprentice have, for me, been unbelievable. I think that working in this role on a crew gives you a special bond with everyone else working alongside you. All of the Scenics I have worked with so far just want to help and teach me. I will be forever grateful for this time in my career,” said apprentice Sophia N. Nahon.

You can read more about the artists in the program HERE. And follow Local USA 829 on Instagram and Twitter for more about this great organization and its contribution to the programs you love.

Broadway Stages is proud to play a role in the development of scenic artists, and to support the efforts of USA Local 829 — to nurture top skilled professionals in the creative industry.  We offer our congratulations to the program participants and look forward to seeing them behind-the-scenes as they create the scenery magic of theatre, television, and movies.  For more information on this and other jobs in film and television, be sure to check out our Industry Resource Guide!

Industry Jobs | Production Studio Company

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As one of the premiere studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. Not only does the industry need a need a skilled and experienced workforce, but also, they need a facility or location where they can shoot their scenes. Today, we look at the role that the studio production company plays in making a production come to life.  

What is a production studio company?  A production studio company generally offers the soundstages, locations, and ancillary spaces for a variety of film and television productions. The soundstage is used to build out a set (think about the Sunday dinners hosted on CBS’ “Blue Bloods,” or the over-the-top period homes on HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” or the NYPD precinct on NBC’s “Law & Order: Organized Crime”).  The sets are painstakingly and realistically created with the help of artisans that we have spotlighted in this blog series.  From set design and construction to scenic artists, lighting, grip, and more – it takes a village to make a production come to life on a soundstage.  A full-service studio production company brings them all together in one place where they create and tell the stories we love to watch.   

What’s a soundstage? Studio Binder defines a soundstage as “a building that’s used primarily for shooting films. These stages are typically large, warehouse-like buildings.”  The idea of a soundstage was “conceived in response to the advent of sound in film in the late 1920s-early 30s to allow for live audio recording.”  The soundstages of today offer space to accommodate all types and sizes of productions. 

What is a location? Many production studio companies also offer locations where scenes can be shot for a film, TV show, music video or commercial.  What may appear to be a dilapidated building, abandoned structure such as a bank, gas terminal, parking garage, former prison, etc. may well be a maintained location ready to bring reality to the production being filmed.  One example of a location is the former Arthur Kill Correctional Facility on Staten Island. Due to its authentic penitentiary look and feel this location has been the backdrop for popular shows and films like “Orange is the New Black,” “Daredevil,” “Oceans 8,” “When They See Us,” and more. Check out this AP YouTube segment and see for yourself what it looks like inside the prison.

What is ancillary space?  When a production comes to town they come with a cast and crew that need space for their particular craft or discipline. From construction and scenic artists to hair and makeup, wardrobe, props, storage, accounting, editing, and more.  A full-service production studio company provides this type of space to accommodate the needs of their client.                  

WARDROBE Room

set construction shop

What does it take to be in the production studio business?
To be successful, a production studio company needs to be knowledgeable about filmmaking and the industry.  Customer service, communication and flexibility are key along with business skills and a professional network. As with many industry roles, on-the-job experience, including entry level jobs such as production assistant, soundstage assistant, or facility manager, is a way to learn the ropes.  Of course, you also need soundstages, locations and ancillary space to offer to your clients.

As always, you can learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information about industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.

Watch for our next segment in this series that will focus on the companies that provide products and services to the studio production companies and their clients. 

Greenpoint YMCA Winter Programs Happening Now!

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It’s the new year and your local YMCA is ready with fun and healthy activities for everyone. Winter programs, running from January 2 - February 26, 2023 are open for registration at the Greenpoint YMCA. The Greenpoint Y offers Adult Group Exercise & Sports with sports such as pickleball, volleyball, soccer, and basketball, and classes for fitness and conditioning of body and mind. They also offer an extensive schedule of youth classes for toddlers through teens. The Greenpoint Y ‘Just for Kids’ programs include preschool/toddler enrichment classes and dance, sports, and swimming classes for toddlers to teens. If a formal class isn’t what you are interested in, you can peruse the pool and gym schedules for open times.

The Greenpoint Y has several membership packages available. Click here for a complete list of the membership options. And since they are dedicated to making their community accessible, they even have financial aid options. In addition, if you are interested in upgrading to city-wide membership, you will be able to take advantage of each of the 24 locations for the YMCA of Greater New York!.

If you haven’t visited them since they reopened, please note their new hours (Mon-Fri: 6:30 AM-8:30 PM, Sat-Sun: 8:00 AM-3:00 PM). You can also read more about what you need to bring and the Y’s new health protocols in this reopening guide. For your ease, you can add your membership barcode to your mobile app for a contactless check-in when you arrive at the facility!

So, don’t let any more time slip away! Seize the day at the Greenpoint YMCA or the Y in your community, and get the year off to a great start!

Industry Jobs | Composer

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As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes, but they also need a skilled and experienced workforce. In this series, we look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at the role of a film composer.

What does a Film Composer do?

In our last blog, we looked at how the choreographer communicates emotion and tone through movement to help tell the story in a production. In this post, we look at a role that weaves the thread of music into a film to help tell the story. This is the composer, responsible for creating music that evokes emotion and provides tone to elevate the images, actions, and performances seen on screen. According to MasterClass, the composer can be responsible for writing the film’s score (only heard by filmgoers), or might also create music within the film’s story (that which is also heard by the characters). Additionally, the composer might write songs related to the film. A film’s music is yet another integral part of bringing the director’s creative vision to life. Read on for an overview of the composer role in a film production.

The composer can be involved at different stages of a film project, including before filming has started, for example creating an initial score based on storyboards; or after filming has been completed, adding the score to the film. In either case, two individuals that the composer works closely with are the director and music editor, to determine where music will be needed and what type, as well to make edits and changes throughout the music production process. The composer works to create the music, which might be written by hand and performed on piano or created using composition software. According to the Berklee College of Music, the latter is mostly used by composers. The composer might be closely involved in various aspects of producing the music performance and recording, from managing the budget to selecting musicians and conducting, however, they might be less involved and rely on others to handle these activities.

How do I become a Composer?

Although a composer does not need a degree, it is helpful to study music at a university or music conservatory. Indeed.com describes the benefits of bachelor’s and master’s degrees for composers and offers other tips for pursuing the composer role. These include learning about music, networking, pursuing projects, and securing an entry-level job. As with other industry jobs, one can climb the career ladder by starting out as an assistant or working on student and freelance projects to gain experience while building a network and portfolio.

The composer role also requires a diverse set of skills. Berklee College of Music identifies a number of skills a composer should have, including compositional flexibility; ability to read and write music, as well as to arrange and orchestrate; knowledge of music theory; and more. Further, Indeed.com lists teamwork, creative thinking, and self-motivation as important skills. With music being an integral part of telling the film’s story, Careers in Film, highlighting the importance of a composer being a storyteller, says “…If a Composer can understand the plot, motifs, character motivations, transitions, and general story arcs then they’ll be more effective in different sections of the story, creating the correct nuances….” Finally, due to the prevalent use of composition software, a composer should have technical skills and knowledge about relevant software programs.

Read about professional composer Robert Allaire’s experiences and advice at Careers in Film here. Watch this Variety video conversation “Composer Roundtable: How the Art of Film Scoring is Changing“ (featuring Rob Simonsen, who has scored “Blue Bloods,” which is filmed at Broadway Stages). And in the Christmas spirit, see this CBS Sunday Morning piece about Vince Guaraldi’s iconic score for “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information about industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.

It’s GivingTuesday!

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It’s that time of year again! We are full of gratitude and excited for the winter holiday season. Before you spend all of your holiday-giving budget, why not take a moment to stop and think about how you can help others in our community. Today, GivingTuesday, is a great day to get started.  In fact, it’s the tenth anniversary of GivingTuesday.

Created in 2012 as a simple idea - a day that encourages people to do good - GivingTuesday was born and fostered at the 92NY in New York City.  The idea has grown into a global movement of millions of people who give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. As a result, GivingTuesday is now an independent nonprofit with a global network of leaders, partners, communities, and generous individuals.

On GivingTuesday, millions of people worldwide volunteer at homeless shelters, organize food drives, fill their community fridges, donate to mutual aid funds, and spread messages of solidarity and hope.

Please join us in celebrating GivingTuesday by donating or volunteering your time.  Not sure where to start?  We have a few suggestions below.  On behalf of all of us at Broadway Stages and the many organizations we support, we thank you for your generosity.