Huffington Post Talks Business and Charity With Broadway Stages CEO Gina Argento

Yitzi Weiner from the Huffington Post sat down with Gina Argento, President of Broadway Stages, to learn about one of New York City's top businesswomen in the TV and Film industry.

Gina explains that the family-run business was started by her brother, Tony Argento, who wanted to break into the exclusive industry. Shadowing her brother since she was 10-years-old, Gina continuously learned about the film industry and affiliated industries, such as real estate. After graduating from St. John's University, she became committed to the business full-time.

Since taking over the growing business, Gina has established Broadway Stages as the world's first solar-powered sound stage, created the nation's first commercial green roof farm under an affiliated company, created Greenpoint's now iconic Kingsland Wildflower garden space, and expanded the business into more than 45 sound stages. 

Among other achievements, Gina is always excited to talk about the amazing organizations that she has worked with, including the Audubon Society, Kingsborough Community College, Catholic Chairties, and the Staten Island Zoo, just to name a few. Gina explains that her success in the film industry should be reinvested back into the community, whether the causes are for increasing educational access or resources, communal adhesion and identity, environmental stewardship, or helping local businesses. By helping reach more people and positively impact them, Gina believes we can build a stronger and more meaningful community of families.

For the full interview, please click here.

Broadway Stages Congratulates Crain's New York Business on a Successful Summit

Broadway Stages would like to congratulate Crain's New York Business on successfully hosting its Entertainment Summit. The event recognized New York's extended film and television production tax credit totaling $420 million until 2023.

Presenters and panelists included Howard Zemsky, President CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development, Matt Dienstag of Lenoble Lumber, Rhoda Glickman of Empire State Development, Thomas O'Donnell of Local 817, and Doug Steiner of Steiner Studios.

The summit provided insightful discussions regarding the current state of New York's film and television industry and the increasingly positive impact that the industry has had on New York's economy. Highlighting upcoming plans to further train employees and increase jobs in the film industry, the Crain's Entertainment Summit is pivotal in bringing together companies in New York's film industry with the common goal of creating jobs and increasing economic output. Once again, congratulations Crain's New York, and we look forward to next year's summit!

Staten Island Stages Right Around the Corner!

The former Arthur Kill Correctional Facility, located in Staten Island, has been vacant since 2011. Since 2013, Broadway Stages has been committed to redeveloping the facility into an economic center for the Staten Island community. Looking to bring the film and television industry into Staten Island, Broadway Stages wants to share the economic boon and benefits with local Staten Island business owners and residents.

It is no secret that film production requires not only hundreds of personnel to produce each episode but also require local services such as food, location, or supplies from local vendors. Just as Broadway Stages sources all of our resources from Brooklyn-based businesses, Staten Island Stages will follow the same commitment toward local neighborhood businesses. This translates to restaurants getting daily orders, Staten Island businesses selling construction material, and small businesses being paid to use their locations for filming. The reinvestment back into Staten Island will create a cycle of continual economic prosperity between the incoming film industry and business owners.

Since selected to develop the property in 2014, Broadway Stages has invested financial resources to bring the property up to code, provide working electric and water utilities, and hired security to develop the property. Even prior to yesterday's closing, Broadway Stages has been fully committed to maintaining the property for the past few years. With the closing completed, Staten Island Stages will be able to start construction for five new full sound stages, production offices, construction shops, and set dressing spaces. In total, upon the completion of Staten Island Stages, there will be an expected 1,300 new jobs created in the area, with the construction of the facility to employ 350 workers on the project.

Set to open in 2018, Staten Island Stages aims to become the best sound stage location for Staten Island and hopes to bring major economic benefits to Staten Island business owners and people. Staten Island Stages is coming soon!

New York's Superheroes Are Here to Stay!

Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced that New York State and Marvel Studios have reached an agreement that will extend Marvel's upcoming original TV show "The Defenders." The show, which follows the story of individual superheroes who join forces to defeat the villainous organization The Hand, will add an additional 75 episodes to the initial 60 episodes already planned to be filmed in New York City.

Additional episodes are not only good news for the film industry and fans but for the New York economy as a whole. The new episodes add to the benefits of New York's state film tax credit for production companies that operate in the state. The tax credit has already helped spur $17 billion of economic activity and helped employ over a million jobs since 2011. The explosion of economic activity in the film industry benefits a wide range of neighbor industries, including clothing and arts. In addition, the production activity also impacts small businesses including local restaurants, which help feed hundreds of people that operate a production everyday. The impacts and benefits of the film industry spread to small and large businesses alike.

With the tax credit to extend until 2022, New York City is sure to maintain a booming film industry and create business for those who service the film industry.

In Loss to the Greenpoint Community, the Park Deli Is Set to Close

Park Delicatessen, a haven for Polish comfort food, is known among the Greenpoint community as the go-to location for delicious Polish cuisine. The family-owned restaurant, known simply as Park Deli to locals, has been serving traditional Polish cuisine to thousands of hungry Brooklynites year round for nearly a decade. Unfortunately, Krystna Godawa, owner of Park Deli, recently announced the closing of its doors on August 1 due to a two-fold increase in rent.

The beloved restaurant was a popular destination for many members of the Broadway Stages family. Richie Vetere, a member of the theatrical union at Broadway Stages, notes that, "there's going to be a lot of disappointed teamsters." Vetere says around 75 workers at Broadway Stages rely on the Park Deli to satisfy their craving for chicken cutlets, Swedish meatballs, sauerkraut, and crispy pierogis. In addition to workers from Broadway Stages, Park Deli is also a favorite eatery for production workers who use Broadway Stages' sound stages to film hit shows such as Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Blue Bloods. The popular spot is also a beloved destination for local 94th Precinct policemen and policewomen looking to satisfy a long day's work with hot delicious food.

Broadway Stages is sad to see that our fellow Greenpoint business and beloved Polish restaurant will soon close. We have always supported local restaurants such as Park Deli as part of our Brooklyn commitment. Broadway Stages always looks to buy local because we believe in supporting our neighbors. We advise you to visit the Park Deli located at 209 Nassau Ave in Greenpoint, Brooklyn while you still can to show as much support as possible until August 1. Don't miss the chance to try one of the most amazing home-cooked Polish meals in Brooklyn!

Broadway Stages Supports North Brooklyn Businesses

Broadway Stages has stayed true to our North Brooklyn and East Williamsburg neighbors and businesses by always trying to purchase materials and source services from Brooklyn vendors. Believing that Brooklynites are part of the Broadway Stages family, Broadway Stages is an active and participatory member of Evergreen, an organization with the goal of supporting Brooklyn businesses in need of business advising.

Evergreen manages the Industrial Business Zones and Empire Zones of North Brooklyn by providing businesses with reliable and quality assistance in tax credits, financing, energy, workforce, and real estate. Responsible for assistance in business service needs of over 10,000 business in the Industrial Business and Ombudsman Zones, Evergreen is committed to growing a variety of different Brooklyn businesses. With the identical missions to make businesses competitive and successful, Broadway Stages works together with Evergreen to combine our resources for greater positive impact.

Committed to positively impacting business owners, Broadway Stages provides Evergreen with funds required to sustain its business advising service and assistance programs. Looking to raise the number of successful businesses, Broadway Stages believes our active participation as an Evergreen member will help thousands of businesses receive essential business resources and services.

Broadway Stages recently sponsored Evergreen's Annual Celebration, allowing us to directly support Brooklyn businesses by increasing funding for high-quality business services, business advising, and business networking opportunities. Together with Evergreen and other fellow Evergreen members, we can build a stronger Brooklyn business economy!

Broadway Stages President Gina Argento Advises College Graduates on Entering the Workforce

Fortune's Question of the Day aims to answer public concerns or questions in the business world regarding entrepreneurship, economy, and finance, amongst other topics, with the help of business professionals and industry experts.

To help recent college graduates gain an edge in the job market, Broadway Stages President Gina Argento commented on Fortune's Question of the Day,
“What advice do you have for college graduates entering the workforce?”

1. Don't make generic cover letters!
   "The ones that stand out say more than just, 'I have experience with film.' That is already expected when applying to a film production company." To make the cut, you need to personalize your cover letter and express why you will be the ideal candidate for the position you are going to fill. Think about how your strengths will be applied to that position.

2. Get excited!
   The more excited you are for the position, the more excited your interviewer will be. Show that you are excited to learn about and willing to grow into and beyond your new position. "At Broadway Stages, I look for my staff to become experts in their field, whether it's in filming equipment, woodworking, lighting, or another area. Their expertise isn't expected on day one, but when we hire, we look for those who have potential to grow and become leaders of their team." Learning is part of the process when first entering the workforce, but showing that you will go beyond your daily assignments speaks key.

Go out there and make your way to the top of the interview list and land that job!

Follow Gina Argento on Fortune's Leadership Insider Network here!

Broadway Stages Congratulates NYWIFT and Designing Women Honorees 2017 With Amy Schumer, David Costabile, Rosario Dawson, and Variety Magazine!

Broadway Stages would love to give a big shoutout to the lovely presenters Rosario Dawson, Krysten Ritter, David Costabile, Carmen Ejogo, and Amy Schumer and a big round of applause to New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) Designing Women honorees Sarit Klein, Pamela May, Stephanie Maslansky, and the rest of the Jessica Jones team for their exceptional work! Congratulations on a well-deserved award and long overdue recognition for your individual commitments and sacrifices to make Jessica Jones happen. Broadway Stages is thankful for your continued dedication and your revolutionary contributions to the TV and film industry.

The night was truly a one-of-a-kind experience as celebrities came together to celebrate the achievements of outstanding women in the film and television industry. The event recognizes the many hours of hard work that go into designing the minute details of an on-screen character's hair, makeup, and clothes. The artists behind these details often create the personality of characters as much as the actors and actresses playing them. Actress Krysten Ritter, who plays Jessica Jones, agrees that the tremendous efforts by Designing Women honorees truly breathe life into the characters on the big screen.

After the ceremony, NYWIFT members shared their incredible energy with attendees, discussing the amazing work of the Jessica Jones team and the impressive teamwork that goes into a production like Jessica Jones. To top off the night, the Jessica Jones team shared funny and embarrassing behind-the-scenes stories that led to laughter for the whole crowd in attendance.

Once again, Broadway Stages would like to thank NYWIFT for sharing this incredible night with us, and we hope to be back again soon!

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Broadway Stages General Counsel Anthony K.C. Fong Esq. with Rosario Dawson, Recipient of the varIEty emsemble award

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NYWIFT Executive Director Terry Lawler with Rosario Dawson

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Broadway Stages Guest and Friend Bronx Supreme court hon. marc whiten and actor david costabile

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Amy Schumer at the NYWIFT Designing WomEn Ceremony

Don't Miss the New Season of Master of None, Filmed at Broadway Stages

Starring popular comedian Aziz Ansari, Master of None's second season is set to premiere at midnight on May 12. The second installment continues to follow the journey of aspiring actor Dev (Ansari) with his three friends Arnold Bauhesier (Eric Wareheim), Brian Cheng (Kelvin Yu), and Denise (Lena Waithe) while pursuing his love interest Rachel (Noel Wells).

The Netflix original series, filmed at Broadway Stages, has scored positive reviews from NY Post writer Andrea Morabito, who commented, "Master of None… perfected its recipe for success: it will make you laugh, think, and crave a plate of pasta." Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone calls it "one of the year's most bold and moving TV moments, with Ansari pitching in as a support player." And Broadway Stages Gina Argento assures "it’s going to be amazing!"

Be sure to tune in at midnight for the second installment of the Emmy-winning Master of None.

Broadway Stages President Gina Argento Awarded at Staten Island Economic Development Corporation Business Conference

Broadway Stages President Gina Argento was recognized at the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) Business Conference for her efforts in establishing the upcoming Staten Island Stages at the Arthur Kill Correctional Facility. The transformation of the old prison will bring about positive benefits and economic activity. Set to create five new sound stages that will attract film production companies, which will spend locally and gather local talent, the soon-to-come Staten Island Stages will operate as a hub of economic activity to boost Staten Island communities and businesses.

The SIEDC recognizes Gina's goal of transforming the unused Arthur Kill Correctional Facility into a production location to boost Staten Island's economy. At the 19th annual SIEDC Business Conference, Gina was awarded with one of the Top 31 Awards, which commends 31 businessmen and businesswomen who look to bring positive change to Staten Island.

NY1 covered the event and, citing support from Staten Island Borough President James Oddo, commented on the Arthur Kill development that "Every time you hear a director say action, that means there is economic activity happening."

Broadway Stages is excited for Staten Island Stages to come to the Arthur Kill Correctional Facility and for the positive economic impact it will have on the film industry and the region. We look forward to coming to Staten Island!

Broadway Stages Unites Marvel's "Defenders"

Broadway Stages, Brooklyn's largest full film production service company, is helping unite the hottest onscreen Marvel superheroes. As the select sound stage for "Jessica Jones," "Luke Cage," "Daredevil," and "Iron Fist," Broadway Stages has been involved with the creation of this year's most-watched Netflix superheroes. The new and upcoming Marvel TV show "The Defenders" is set to be produced in our Broadway Stages sound stages.

The five superheroes look to unite together in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the goal of taking down the Hand, a super villainous organization of ninjas from Japan. Broadway Stages is excited to join the five heroes in each of their individual series and their new series together.

We are looking forward to the upcoming series "The Defenders" coming in August!

Gina Argento Speaks to Fortune Magazine

Broadway Stages President Gina Argento has landed on Fortune's personal profile page! Gina is a businesswoman who exemplifies the need for businesses to reinvest back into their own communities. Whether it be a physical community like Greenpoint or an online business community like Fortune. Gina looks to invest her time and effort to lead others to achieve their personal success.

In an effort to help aspiring and current businessmen and businesswomen, Gina offers lifestyle and networking advice to help take careers to the next level. Take a look at her profile on Fortune here.