BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Get your popcorn ready! Buffalo's new state-of-the-art film and television complex on Niagara Street is close to making its highly anticipated debut.
Great Point Studios Buffalo confirms with 7 News Anchor Jeff Russo that the full-service film and television production facility is putting the finishing touches on construction and plans to open this spring.
"We've always viewed Buffalo as an ideal city for a state-of-the-art film and television complex," said Daniela Sapkar, Spokesperson for Great Point Studios in a statement to 7 News, "With a combination of well-trained crew and tremendous support from local government, Buffalo continues to be a highly desirable destination for filmmakers and creatives. We look forward to our grand opening this spring."
Sapkar adds that Great Point Studios Buffalo is "thrilled to be a part of the community" and is expected to be in "full swing" by this summer.
The new film and television complex at 1155 Niagara Street marks a $50+ million investment on Buffalo's west side. Plans for the new facility were originally announced in June of 2020. The opening is expected to only add to the growing momentum on Niagara Street while bolstering the region's film industry.
"It's an important asset for us," says Buffalo Niagara Commissioner Tim Clark, "It's a worldwide company and we are very flattered that they saw the growth potential here in Western New York,"
Clark believes the new facility is another step in cementing Buffalo as a "go-to" destination for filmmakers, while also creating jobs.
"It means lots of jobs, good paying jobs, union type jobs, and in an industry that didn't exist here 10 years ago," says Clark, "In past years you'd have to move to Hollywood or New York or some of the typical production centers. We are now a production center. Buffalo and Western New York is at the apex of it all,"
Great Point Studios Buffalo is described as "tailored for the creation of high-quality, budget-friendly features, TV movies and series." on the company's website.
The new complex boasts 30,000 square feet of space spread across three "stages", broadcast capabilities, and editing facilities on site.
"As we enter the final phase of construction at Great Point Studios Buffalo, we're thrilled to be part of the community and expect to be in full swing by this summer. Here at Great Point, we’ve always viewed Buffalo as an ideal city for a state-of-the-art film and television complex. With a combination of well-trained crew and tremendous support from local government, Buffalo continues to be a highly desirable destination for filmmakers and creatives. We look forward to our grand opening this spring."
Buffalo continues to grow as a popular place for filmmakers. Several recent films including Nightmare Alley and A Quiet Place 2 have used Western New York as a backdrop.
