“This is a truly special project:” News 4 gives behind-the-scenes look at new Buffalo film studio

BUFFALO NY (WIVB) – Lights, camera, action! A new movie studio will open next week on Buffalo’s West Side. News 4 got a behind-the-scenes look at the facility that plans to bring big Hollywood names to the Queen City.

Great Point Studios on West Ferry and Niagara Street are ready for their close-up. The state-of-the-art film and television complex opens on May 16.

“Buffalo has already proven itself. We’ve made a number of great films and I think what we’ve always lacked is that complete production facility,” said Lawrence Quinn, the project’s developer from Great Point Studios.

“Incentives in New York and particularly in upstate New York, in places like Buffalo, have become the talking point in Hollywood,” said Buffalo Niagara Film Commissioner Tim Clark.

In recent years, Buffalo has attracted the attention of big Hollywood names, including actor John Krasinski, who filmed Quiet Place II in Western New York. Clark said soundstages like the one at Great Point Studios were helpful when filming the film.

“When a Quiet Place II was here, there were a few days where thunder and lightning were a safety issue and a noise issue,” Clark said. “They were able to get into a soundstage and use it as a cover set, they were able to not waste the whole day and everyone’s time and money.”

Great Point Studios has three soundstages and one of the soundstages is 20,000 square feet.

“Those soundstages are the main thing they’re looking for,” Clark said. “It’s something we never had 10 years ago and now we have several in Buffalo.”

The facility also includes production offices, art rooms, green spaces and a number of makeup rooms and changing rooms. Those involved in the project hope it will attract filmmakers from here and abroad.

“It’s very exciting. When we build these things, when we get to this point, we’re thinking about what’s the next thing to do, but this is a really special project,” Quinn said.