Women Leading Change | Evelyn Heilbron

Over 1 million New York City residents face food insecurity every day. But there are those among us who are dedicated to helping their neighbors overcome it. Broadway Stages is happy to highlight women who passionately work to ensure everyone has food on their table at the end of each day. Today, we present Evelyn Heilbron of Community Center Services Organization Corp (CCSO).

Since 2020, Evelyn Heilbron has helped those in need. She started by handing out food and clothing on 34th Avenue with the help of the organization 34th Avenue Open Streets Coalition. That is when she formed the nonprofit Community Center Services Organization Corp. CCSO offers support and services for the entire community without discrimination, including immigration, taxes, food distribution, and advice to disfranchised families and individuals.

In 2023, she opened the Corona Food Bank, located at 92-21 Corona Avenue in Elmhurst, New York. This 4,200 square foot facility serves as a food collection and distribution facility. The 12-month no-cost lease and facility modifications, valued at over $210K, were donated by Broadway Stages. Today, Heilbron and her 60 volunteers pass out up to 800 packages of non-perishables and fresh vegetables from the facility per week.

Our president, Gina Argento, said, “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.”

CCSO’s mission is to work endlessly until there are no more hungry families. You can help by donating at this link. Volunteers are also always needed. As Heilbron said, “Volunteering saves lives!” To volunteer, call CCSO at 332-228-8525 or email them at communitycsorg.c@gmail.com.

The Corona Food Bank is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can follow their good work on Instagram and Facebook.

Broadway Stages asks you to join us in supporting Evelyn Heilbron and the volunteers at Community Center Services Organization Corp so they can continue their fight. Together, we can make a difference! And check back next week when we highlight another local woman leading the fight against hunger, Dr. Melony Samuels of The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH).

The Second City: Chicago Comedy Titans Bring It to Brooklyn

Brooklyn's vibrant cultural scene just got a whole lot funnier with the arrival of The Second City, the legendary comedy troupe that has birthed some of the biggest names in comedy. Earlier this year, The Second City kicked off its residency at a facility owned by one of Broadway Stages’ affiliates. The Second City converted the former record shop and club into a 200-seat mainstage, a 60-seat second stage, several classrooms where improv and comedy writing are taught, and a restaurant. But wait, there’s more! The Second City also offers creative professional development services via Second City Works that use the same methods pioneered on their stages to drive individual growth and organizational improvement.

For decades, The Second City has been synonymous with cutting-edge comedy. From the early days that saw the likes of Bill Murray and Tina Fey grace its stages to the current era that boasts talents like Keegan-Michael Key and Stephen Colbert, The Second City has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined the art of sketch comedy and improvisation. Audiences can expect nothing short of wild laughs and bold sketch comedy. From uproarious antics of seasoned performers or the fresh, innovative humor of rising stars, there's something for everyone at The Second City. And let's not forget their world-famous improvisation, where quick wit and on-the-spot creativity reign supreme, ensuring that no two shows are ever alike.

In a city known for its hustle and bustle, The Second City offers a welcome respite — a chance to laugh, create, and connect in the heart of Brooklyn. So, get your tickets, spread the word, and get ready to embark on a comedic journey like no other. The Second City has arrived, and they're here to make you laugh like never before! For information about tickets, the restaurant, classes and professional services, click here.

Inaugural Toy Giveaway | CCSO - Food Bank of Corona

As the holiday season unfolded, the Community Center Services Organization (CCSO) - Food Bank of Corona wrapped up the year with a heartwarming event that spread joy and festive cheer throughout the community. On Friday, December 22, CCSO held its inaugural toy giveaway. This remarkable organization has become a beacon of hope for the residents of Queens, thanks to the commitment and dedication of its founder, Evelyn Heilbron. The roots of this heartening event trace back to Spring of this year when we gifted a brick-and-mortar facility to Food Bank of Corona to use free of charge for a year.  Established in 2020, CCSO has become an integral part of the Queens community, fostering a spirit of fellowship and support.

Heilbron’s dedication to giving back to the community has been unwavering, and her gift has become a catalyst for positive change in the lives of many. Under her direction, CCSO has brought together a dedicated team of more than 50 volunteers and sponsors including local restaurant Latino Bites, State Senator Jessica Ramos, Steve Cohen, owner of the NY Mets, Broadway Stages and many more who provide everything from food and water for the volunteers, balloons, toys, coats, food for distribution, and the list goes on and on.  Just look at the robust list of sponsors included on the official banner!

The atmosphere on Corona Avenue in Elmhurst was filled with compassion, warmth and joy as families gathered to receive gifts for their children, ensuring that every child who attended could experience the magic of the holiday season.  Not only were there toys, but also four live reindeer, two Santa’s, face painting, a DJ, the NY Mets’ mascots, Christmas carols sung by the IS 227 – Louis Armstrong Middle School Glee Club (under the direction of Luis Riveron), and happy helpers throughout. 

The toy giveaway event serves as a powerful testimony to the true meaning of the holiday season. It exemplifies how the actions of one person, supported by a team of compassionate individuals, can create a ripple effect of generosity and goodwill. The efforts of CCSO - Food Bank of Corona remind us that the holiday season is not just about receiving but, more importantly, about giving and spreading kindness to those who need it most.

As the year comes to a close, the CCSO - Food Bank of Corona's inaugural toy giveaway event stands as a shining example of the impact that a community can have when united for a common cause. The dedication of Evelyn Heilbron and the collaborative efforts of volunteers and sponsors have not only brought smiles to the faces of children, but also have left an indelible mark on the community, reinforcing the belief that the spirit of giving is truly the heart of the holiday season. 

Please enjoy just a few of our favorite photos from the CCSO - Food Bank Corona Inaugural Toy Giveaway!

A Deep Dive Into the Costumes of HBO's "The Gilded Age"

HBO spares no expense in costuming the stars and designing the sets of "The Gilded Age." Currently in its second season, the period drama is filmed in locations across the state of New York, including a Broadway Stages set that serves as the beautiful interior of the van Rhijn/Brook brownstone. The new season took more than 100 days to film, and the production pumped more than $100 million into the local economy, supported more than 250 local businesses, and employed more than 1,500 people.

The New York Governor's Office of Motion Picture and Television Development and Warner Bros. Discovery recently hosted a webinar in which lead costume designer Kasia Walicka Maimone and members of her team discussed all of the hard work that goes into designing and creating the luxury threads that embodied the age of opulence in New York City in the late 19th century.

A period drama with a large ensemble cast such as "The Gilded Age" requires a surfeit of custom-made lavish costumes and accessories. Across two seasons, Maimone and her team (with lots of help from local artisans) have carefully crafted more than 1,200 women's dresses, 1,000 men's suits, 750 women's hats, 400 men's hats, 100 tiaras, and 4,000 pairs of shoes.

Maimone said that the creative process always starts with the material. In the case of "The Gilded Age," series creator Julian Fellowes established the time period, place, and characters while the creative team, led by director Michael Engler, determined how best to approach that period. Maimone said the team's main inspiration for the visual approach came from paintings.

"We looked at endless amounts of paintings, and that created very quickly this key to the door of how to approach this period, because the painters naturally heightened the beauty, heightened the contrast, heightened the colors, and we needed that language of heightened reality for our story," she said. "We know that we are not making a documentary. We know that we are creating new material, a new story, that has to live within the framework of the period and be very much inspired by the period."

The production employs a researcher who created a library of about 36,000 images from the time period (around 1877 to 1900). The team also had digital access to museum collections of garments and dresses as well as fashion magazines from the period to provide additional inspiration.

Maimone created a distinct look for each character, keeping in mind that old-money aristocrats such as Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) would have a very different wardrobe than the nouveau riche Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon).

"Bertha for sure was definitely a fun character to design. She's a character who breaks some rules. I mean, she's trying to belong to the society. She's desperately trying to belong... At the same time, she challenges the society. So my framework was quite specific. It has to fit within the norms of the historical reality."

For Bertha's look, her team drew from the latest European fashion of the time and looked beyond the precise year of 1882 so she would stand out.

"Her persona is so different than the old guard," she said. "For the old guard I chose those classic jewel colors, the deep maroons, deep, deep navies, the jewel tones, and for Bertha, it was the colors of newness and the colors of freshness."

She also raised the point that the nouveau riche didn't just dress differently to stand out and flaunt their newfound wealth, but also because they lacked traditions (such as precious heirlooms passed down from their ancestors) and were looking to establish new ones.

"I always compare the two guards like two museums that are here in New York: Metropolitan and Whitney Museum," she said. "They exist at the same time. We experience them both, but it's a completely different collection of art," she said.

Once assistant costume designers Isabelle Simone and Caroline Spitzer receive Maimone's completed design, it can take four to six weeks to create one dress. Head Tailor Sue Bakula makes many of the pieces in-house, but the team also relies on the hard work of local artisans to ensure that every sleeve, bustle, and bow is just right, and every button, fabric, and pattern fits the time period. In fact, these local artisans play a key role in helping the team authentically capture the period. In the 1880s, each character would likely have had her own favorite dressmaker with whom she would work to build out her wardrobe.

"We sort of approach it that there's one maker per character for the most part… there's one person making her clothes so you can see consistency through her entire closet," Simone said regarding each character. "It also takes about three fittings per dress, maybe four with the actor to get everything ready to be seen on camera."

Aside from the dresses, no woman of high society would dare be seen in public without proper accessories, like intricate hats, elegant jewelry, stylish shoes, and long gloves. The team works with local jewelry makers to reproduce iconic pieces from the era and create custom looks for each character — even the hundreds of extras.

For the first season, the team focused on creating the characters and figuring out the logistics of designing all the pieces. The new season provided the team with the opportunity to dig deeper into the time period and the emotional journey of each character.

"It became this really beautiful discovery," Maimone said. "I'm surrounded by designers, each one of them has this incredible talent and what they bring to the table. It really is this beautiful collaboration that made the show happen."

If you haven't watched HBO's luxe period drama "The Gilded Age" yet, what are you waiting for? Take a trip back to the opulent days of Manhattan and Newport in the 1880s. Broadway Stages is thrilled to be part of this stunning production that supports New York's booming film and television industry.

CCSO - Food Bank of Corona Thanksgiving Celebration

In Corona, Queens, on a crisp, sunny November morning, the community came together for a remarkable Thanksgiving Celebration complete with hot meals, turkey distribution, and cloting giveaway. The event, hosted by the Community Center Services Organization (CCSO) aka Corona Avenue Food Bank on November 20, 2023, from 8 am to 12 pm, was a beacon of hope and compassion, showcasing the strength of unity within the neighborhood.

The success of this heartwarming initiative was spearheaded by CCSO Executive Director, Evelyn Heilbron, and the generous support of lead sponsors New York State Senator Jessica Ramos, Broadway Stages, and local gem Latino Bites from Jackson Heights, Queens, demonstrating their mutual commitment to giving back. In addition, multiple other local organizations provided support to help CCSO provide a dignified helping hand to residents in need. In collaboration with over 100 volunteers the following organizations, and others, shared in the success of this day of Thanksgiving. 

●       34th Avenue Open Streets Coalition; Betty’s Catering; El Rey de la Birria; Evelia Tamales; Las Doña’s Academy; Metro Plus Health;

●       NY Mets Foundation; NYPD; Peruvian Civic Center; Productos Mexicanos La Guadalupanan; Queens Chamber of Commerce; and others.

A hot and delicious thanksgiving meal, prepared by Peruvian Chef John López, was offered, complete with turkey and all the trimmings.  And there were many other offerings including amazing homemade tacos, and tamales. In total, more than 1,000 meals were served.  Among the highlights of the day, was the distribution of 300+ turkeys, ensuring that families in Corona could enjoy a traditional and hearty holiday meal! The event truly resonated with the community, and the presence of a DJ added a festive atmosphere, turning the food giveaway into a celebration of unity and compassion.

The CCSO Thanksgiving celebration was more than just a charitable event, it was a testament to the strength of community spirit. We thank all who helped to make this happen and especially to CCSO Executive Director, Evelyn Heilbron, for her deep rooted commitment to community.  This initiative, and her daily community outreach offering food, clothing, coats and more, have made a lasting impact on those in need.   For that we are eternally grateful. 

As we reflect on the holiday season, may this heartwarming event serve as a reminder that together, we can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors, one act of kindness at a time. If you would like to donate to CCSO please click here. 

It’s Time to Donate Coats for Those in Need

As winter draws near, the cold becomes a stark reality for many in need. The plummeting temperatures often pose a significant challenge, especially for those without adequate protection against the weather. In the spirit of giving and community support, local organizations stand ready to collect and distribute coats and jackets to those who can use a helping hand during the cold season.

There are local coat drives that we will let you know about as the information is made available. In the meantime, here are three organizations that are accepting donations now to assist individuals in facing the harsh weather conditions that winter brings.

Community Center Services Organization (CCSO)

CCSO volunteers distribute coats TO THE NEEDY

CCSO began in the streets of NYC in 2020 with a mission to feed and clothe those in need. In early 2023, Broadway Stages donated a 4,200 square foot facility on Corona Avenue in Elmhurst, Queens for a full year to serve as a food and clothing collection and distribution facility for CCSO. Since March 2023, CCSO has distributed more than 100,000 thousand pounds of clothing. CCSO accepts new or gently used winter clothing and coats for all ages every Monday between 7:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at 34th Avenue and 77th Streets in Jackson Heights, and every Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at 93-15 Corona Avenue in Queens. 

New York Cares

New York Cares has been at the forefront of numerous charitable initiatives, including their coat drive. They provide a platform for individuals to donate gently used coats, helping to ensure that the less fortunate can find warmth during the coldest months.

One Warm Coat

One Warm Coat, a national non-profit organization, focuses on providing free, warm coats to those in need. They partner with local agencies and businesses to make the process of donating coats more accessible and efficient.

This winter, it’s important to remember that a simple act of kindness can make a significant difference in someone's life. Donating coats and jackets — whether gently used or new — can warm not only bodies, but also hearts. Each contribution brings the gift of comfort and protection to individuals who may be struggling to stay warm during the cold season.  Please join us in the lending a hand to our neighbors in need.

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 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. 

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.