Sustainability in Action at Broadway Stages

Broadway Stages has been in film and television production studio business for forty years. In those four decades we have maintained our focus on meeting the demands of the industry and giving back to your community. Part of that commitment is our investments in environmentally sustainable initiatives, including being an early adopter of the green roof movement.

Broadway Stages boasts over 100,000 sq. ft. of green rooftop infrastructure across its studios in Brooklyn. Together with our environmental and arts partners — Alive Structures, Growing Chefs, Newtown Creek Alliance, and NOoSPHERE Arts — Broadway Stages has established a green corridor providing ecosystem and cultural services critical to the habitat.

“Our investments are intended not only to meet the growing needs of the film and television industry, but also to nurture the equitable prosperity of our community — economically, socially, and environmentally — well into the future,” said Gina Argento, President and CEO of Broadway Stages.

Broadway Stages demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability through actionable support of initiatives that provide equitable access to engage in, learn from, and enjoy the local environment. Such investments include:

●       Eagle Street Rooftop Farm, New York City’s first-ever fully operational organic rooftop farm managed by Growing Chefs: A 6,000 square-foot green roof organic vegetable farm located atop a warehouse rooftop owned by Broadway Stages in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

●   Solar panels that generate 1.2 million kilowatts of energy annually: 50,000 square feet of solar electric facilities on five of our soundstage buildings throughout Brooklyn.

●   The acclaimed Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof and Community Engagement Center: A 24,000-square-foot green roof habitat for native birds and pollinators that is managed by Newtown Creek Alliance that is based at no-cost at our Kingsland Wildflowers facility. 

●  Green Corridor: 30,000 + square-feet of green rooftops across our facilities in Brooklyn.

●  Construction of a facility for the North Brooklyn Community Boathouse: A community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to enabling safe, responsible, human-powered boating and educating residents to be stewards of the waterways of Greenpoint and Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Through green infrastructure investments, Broadway Stages is helping to enhance client and community awareness and understanding of the long-term contribution that sustainable business practices make to the health and well-being of our community.

CCSO Hero's Community Giveaway 2023 | Helping our Neighbors

The recent Hero's Community Giveaway held by the Community Center Services Organization Corporation (CCSO) in cooperation with the 83rd NYPD Precinct and the United States Marine Corp was a big success. A beacon of hope and support for the Queens Community District 4 that includes Elmnurst and Corona, this event not only provided essential resources, but also demonstrated how compassion and teamwork can create a positive impact. 

With the unwavering dedication of Executive Director, Evelyn Heilbron, CCSO is able to help uplift those facing challenging circumstances. And with the help of local businesses and a committed NY State Senator, CCSO has been able to expand their reach.

Earlier this year, Broadway Stages responded to a request by New York State Senator Jessica Ramos and provided CCSO with a 12-month, no-cost lease, offering CCSO a transitional brick-and-mortar facility that has allowed the organization to expand their outreach as they look toward acquiring a permanent home. In addition, a local restauranteur, John Bedoya, who owns Latino Bites, has also provided support to help ensure CCSO can continue their much needed outreach efforts.  

"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.

"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 doing 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.

We invite you to join us in supporting CCOS and helping the fight against food insecurity.  Take a look at the photos below that include the family and staff of our President and CEO. This display of hands-on commitment underscores the dedication of Broadway Stages and their actionable dedication to investing in the well-being of our local community.

Broadway Stages Gives Back | Social Responsibility

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. 

Industry Jobs | Music Supervisor

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 Gives Back | North Brooklyn Community Boathouse

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

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

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

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. 

Industry Jobs | Composer

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.

Industry Jobs | Choreographer

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 Choreographer.

What does a Choreographer do?

In our last blog, we looked at how the special effects makeup artist transforms an actor’s appearance. In this post, we focus on the role that uses creativity and industry knowledge to design and implement dance and movement, communicating emotion and tone to help tell the story in a TV or film production. This is the choreographer. Read on for an overview of this role.

Dance and movement are not standalone aspects of a production, they are interconnected with other set activities and departments. Therefore, the choreographer collaborates and coordinates with others on set, such as the director and music director, and the costume, set, and lighting departments. The choreographer will be concerned with researching different styles of dance, creating the dance or movement either alone or in collaboration with others; casting the dancers and instructing them; conducting rehearsals, and being on set to guide and coach the dancers and actors.

How do I become a Choreographer?

In addition to knowledge of and experience with dance and movement, a choreographer needs to possess a number of skills. As with other lead roles on set, the choreographer should be a strong leader and communicator as they interact with and instruct others. Berklee College of Music lists these additional abilities, skills, and areas of knowledge that a choreographer should have: teaching; designing movement sequences; knowledge of anatomy and physical fitness; creativity and inventiveness. As for education, a formal degree isn’t necessary, but can provide theoretical knowledge, additional experience, and networking opportunities. However, a choreographer needs years of dance experience as well as experience developing other skills. Backstage lists important skills including the following: knowledge of dance technique; choreographic conceptualizing to tell a story; choreographic writing including stage directions, describing dance formations, and making notes about other related aspects; passion for dance, and more.

There are different ways to pursue the choreographer role. MasterClass suggests the following: mastering different types of dance; studying dance at school; creating dances; and assisting a choreographer. In a Careers in Film interview, choreographer Kathryn Burns (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Drunk History,” and “Teachers” recommends sharing one’s work on social media and studying TV and Film as two helpful steps to being a choreographer. See the full interview here.

Read about a professional choreographer’s experiences in this NPR piece on how Justin Peck (the resident choreographer for the New York City Ballet) worked with Stephen Spielberg to “reimagine 'West Side Story' for the 21st century.” Finally, to get into the holiday spirit, watch this Today video, “Rockettes React To 6 Christmas Movie Dance Scenes.” Happy holidays!

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.

North Brooklyn Community Boathouse Announces New Facility

The North Brooklyn Community Boathouse (NBCB) announced the construction of a new facility located along Newtown Creek at the East River tributary that forms a substantial portion of the border between northern Brooklyn and Northern Queens. The announcement was made at a press conference held this past weekend. 

The new boathouse location is made possible through a generous grant from the Newtown Creek Environmental Benefit Fund (NCEBF), which is administered by the City Parks Foundation, and Broadway Stages, who have made substantial financial investments and are contributing the required portion of land to build the facility.

The NBCB includes local kayakers, canoeists, sailors, environmentalists, boatbuilders, community leaders, and activists. They are an open group and invite anyone interested in boating, open space, environmental education, and nautical recreation to join their public events and consider membership and volunteering.

The new boathouse will be almost 8,000 square feet. It will provide substantial space for storing kayaks, canoes, paddles, and safety gear. Moreover, it will have safety and skills training facilities, an environmental education center,  and a nautical craft (boatbuilding, paddle carving, knots, etc.) workshop.

Stay tuned for more information about the opening of the new facility expected in 2024.  In the meantime, take a look at photos from the press conference this past weekend.

Industry Job Focus | SFX Makeup Artist

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 special effects makeup artist.

What Does a Special Effects Makeup Artist Do?

With October comes the celebration of Halloween, with many revelers donning creative costumes depicting their favorite characters, creatures, or personas. In honor of this festive time of year, we look at the Film and TV industry role that remarkably transforms an actor’s appearance using special effects makeup (SFX makeup). SFX makeup can range from minimal effects such as bruising or scars to more complex transformations into characters such as monsters, zombies, or other-worldly creatures.

The SFX makeup artist is involved in the pre-production stage, working with the director and production designer to plan the needed designs; and during the production stage, applying the SFX makeup on the actors. Although SFX makeup artists report to the key makeup artist, they also need to coordinate with other departments on set, such as costume and special effects, to make sure the SFX makeup aligns with the work being done by those departments. SFX makeup artists apply makeup and prosthetics for various effects, such as layering color, creating texture and other desired results. See Backstage for a list of some of the tools (such as applicators, stencils, and airbrushes) and techniques (such as creating 3D replicas, latex skin, and crepe hair) that these artists employ.

How Do I Become a Special Effects Makeup Artist?

As with a regular makeup artist on a set, the SFX makeup artist can gain knowledge and skills by attending cosmetology school. However, to learn the techniques used for SFX makeup, specialized training and certificates are available. Production Beast recommends attending SFX makeup schools or classes and watching online tutorials. As for additional skills, SFX makeup artists should be creative, work well with others, and have a strong attention to detail. Those seeking to enter this field should have an SFX makeup kit and a portfolio to display their work. Some ways to gain experience include working on student and theatre productions, as well as practicing makeup techniques on friends. As with most on-set jobs, a good way to enter the field and work one’s way up is to become an assistant to a professional in the field. Backstage recommends ways “to help get your foot in the door” such as searching for jobs online with production companies, theatres, and themes parks; networking at industry events such as comic book and makeup artist conventions; entering competitions; and promoting your online portfolio on social media.

For a fun look at the history of SFX makeup in film, watch this Vanity Fair video. 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.