How Staten Island Became a Cinematic Hub: Broadway Stages and the Arthur Kill Correctional Facility
/Founded in the 1980s in Astoria, Queens, New York, Broadway Stages has become a cornerstone of New York City's entertainment industry as a premier production studio company. Family-owned and deeply rooted in the community, we are known for our value-based business practices, relationship-driven client service, and dedication to local engagement and environmental responsibility.
We are one of the largest providers of soundstage and production facilities in New York City. With state-of-the-art spaces and a strong commitment to sustainability, we offer top-tier facilities for some of today's most popular films and television shows, such as "Blue Bloods," "Poker Face," and “Elsbeth,” to name just a few. However, we also play a vital role in supporting the local economy by helping to generate thousands of living wage jobs.
Our story began in Queens when we turned a dilapidated movie theatre on Broadway Street in Astoria — our namesake — into our first soundstage. In the 1990’s we moved into Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where we expanded to not only meet the needs of our industry, but also helped to revitalize the community, bringing economic growth and jobs.
With facilities located across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, one of our gems is the Arthur Kill Correctional Facility. This former medium-security prison on Staten Island was closed in 2011 and acquired by Broadway Stages in 2017. We have invested more than $20 million to transform the 69-acre site into a thriving production hub. In addition, we have repurposed existing structures for offices, equipment storage, support spaces, and training facilities. This redevelopment not only preserved the prison's authentic aesthetic for a wide variety of projects but also aimed to bolster Staten Island's role in New York City's entertainment industry by creating over 1,300 permanent jobs.
From Prison to Production Powerhouse: Inside Broadway Stages' Arthur Kill Production Studio Campus
Situated on the waterfront along Arthur Kill Road, the prison is located in the Charleston neighborhood of Staten Island in New York City. Opened in 1976, it was operated by the New York State Department of Correctional Services and had a capacity of 931 male inmates. The prison was decommissioned in 2011 as part of a statewide initiative to reduce excess prison capacity and cut costs. At the time of its closure, Arthur Kill was one of seven correctional institutions shut down that year, resulting in the transfer of approximately 2,600 inmates and 1,400 staff members across the state.
In August 2017, Broadway Stages acquired the property from Empire State Development. Prior to finalizing the purchase, we invested over $3 million to bring the site up to code, restore utilities, and ensure security. Our redevelopment plan included constructing five new soundstages totaling approximately 100,000 square feet. With crews of over 300 locally sourced construction jobs, we retained much of the prison's original architecture to provide a unique site with authentic settings.
We preserved some of the unique architectural features from its time as a prison, including intact guard towers, cell blocks, barred corridors, and a Secure Housing Unit (SHU), which provide authentic visuals for prison scenes. The site also includes an infirmary, a cafeteria, administrative offices, and a recreation yard, all preserved in their original form. This range of settings allows for versatile filming environments without the need for elaborate set construction, making the location cost-effective and visually realistic.
Iconic Productions Filmed at Broadway Stages' Staten Island Studios
Our Staten Island campus has been used by top producers throughout the industry. It has been home to several well-known works, including "Daredevil," "Ocean’s 8," and "Wu-Tang: An American Saga."
The "Orange Is the New Black" team utilized genuine prison features to enhance realism. Notably, the chapel seen in the series was an actual chapel from the prison, and the main hallway, coincidentally named "Broadway," served as a central location. The preservation of original elements like guard towers and cell blocks provided an authentic backdrop that resonated with both the cast and viewers. For more, check out this article from Business Insider.
Other productions that have filmed here include:
“Elsbeth”
“The Terror: Devil in Silver”
“FBI”
“Law and Order: SVU”
“Law and Order: Organized Crime”
“The Equalizer”
“Evil”
“Billions”
“The Flight Attendant”
“Mr. Robot”
What Sets the Arthur Kill Film Studio Apart: Unique Sets and State-of-the-Art Soundstages
What do the minds behind these works know about the Arthur Kill campus? They know our Staten Island campus offers more than just a genuine feel to a story. It also has a wide range of on-site facilities designed to meet the needs of film and television crews. Some of the key features available are:
Multiple Existing Buildings: The former prison's numerous structures have been repurposed into offices, dressing rooms, green rooms, and storage areas, providing convenient, ready-to-use spaces.
Purpose-Built Facilities: Broadway Stages constructed four new soundstages totaling approximately 100,000 square feet, equipped for high-quality shoots.
Backlot Space: The expansive grounds include outdoor areas that function as a versatile backlot, suitable for building temporary sets or shooting exterior scenes.
Authentic Settings: Preserved elements like cell blocks, guard towers, and a recreation yard provide realistic backdrops without the need for artificial sets.
On-Site Infrastructure: The campus is fully outfitted with restored utilities, including power, water, and HVAC systems, ensuring a self-sustained, production-ready environment. Also, we are working on an energy storage pilot program to help reduce our carbon footprint.
Waterfront Access: Located along the Arthur Kill waterway, the site offers unique waterfront cinematic opportunities, which can be used for marine scenes or scenic shots.
Why Storytellers Choose the Arthur Kill Production Facility in NYC
The expansive stages, authentic set pieces, and flexible infrastructure at our Staten Island Campus allow it to accommodate a wide range of projects, from small indie films needing cost-effective, ready-made locations, to large-scale series requiring controlled environments and technical support. Its versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, ample parking, and offices make it ideal for both streamlined shoots and complex, multi-unit endeavors.
Moreover, it offers substantial logistical advantages due to its accessibility, ample space, and privacy. Located in Staten Island's Charleston neighborhood, the campus is approximately 45–60 minutes by car from Manhattan and Brooklyn, depending on traffic. It's accessible via the Outerbridge Crossing, Staten Island Expressway, and West Shore Expressway, providing efficient routes for transporting crew and equipment. As a former correctional facility, the site is completely fenced and gated, with limited public access and natural barriers that ensure privacy and security. This is ideal for high-profile operations seeking confidentiality.
Maximize Savings with the New York State Film Tax Credit in 2025 at Broadway Stages
All of our stages meet the state's requirements for soundstage certification for the New York State Film Tax Credit Program. The New York State Film Tax Credit Program offers financial incentives to boost the local economy, create jobs, and make New York a competitive center for media. The New York State Film Tax Credit Program offers a 30% tax credit on qualified expenses, including certain above-the-line wages (subject to specific caps), below-the-line wages, and production costs directly related to producing a qualified project. This program is funded at $700 million annually through 2034. You can read more about this here.
How Broadway Stages Supports Staten Island's Community and Workforce Development
A report sponsored by the New York State Empire State Development covering 2021–2022 found that for every $1 of the current tax credit:
$1.70 of state and local government tax revenue is generated.
$13.80 is added to the State's GDP.
$23.90 of additional real economic output is created.
We pride ourselves on being good neighbors. So, we actively work to build good, ongoing relationships with Staten Island-based small businesses. We also encourage sourcing materials and services locally. We strive to build the local economy and industry through job creation. Our Industry Resource Guide is a centralized tool to support work across all Broadway Stages locations and offers information and links to recruiting sites, education and training programs, and state, city, and borough industry information.
Training the Next Generation: Film and TV Workforce Initiatives on Staten Island
Broadway Stages is deeply committed to fostering employment opportunities in the communities where we work, playing a vital role in New York City's media ecosystem. At our Staten Island campus, we are thrilled to be able to support three great programs to develop the workforce and give opportunities to tomorrow’s industry leaders.
For individuals eager to break into the world of media, the "Made in NY" Production Assistant (PA) Training Program offers an invaluable opportunity to gain a foothold in this thriving industry. The NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment offers the program in partnership with Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI). It is a workforce development initiative that prepares New Yorkers for entry-level jobs in media by providing hands-on opportunities, mentorship, and job placements on active sets. This helps build a strong, diverse local talent pipeline for the industry.
Another way we support workforce and industry development is the Local USA 829 Scenic Artist Apprenticeship Program. This competitive three-year initiative trains emerging scenic artists in specialized film, television, and live entertainment techniques. Participants receive classroom instruction and hands-on experience, working alongside seasoned professionals to master skills like backdrop painting, faux finishes, and large-scale scenic treatments. Broadway Stages plays a crucial role in this program by providing spacious, professionally upgraded studio facilities at our Staten Island location, tailored to the program and all at no cost. This partnership supports the future of scenic artistry and strengthens the local creative workforce.
Additionally, Broadway Stages supports the development of Staten Island youth through our support of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) offered by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. The program teaches middle and high school students how to start and run their own businesses. Students are guided through brainstorming ideas, writing business plans, and pitching to local investors, fostering real-world business experience and entrepreneurial skills. And we also support other local organizations such as the Staten Island Zoo and the Staten Island Children’s Museum.
Bringing Business to the Borough: Broadway Stages and Staten Island
Broadway Stages has transformed the Arthur Kill Correctional Facility into a vibrant campus. This redevelopment offers creators authentic settings by preserving the site's unique architecture. In the process, we create permanent jobs and support the local economy.
If you're looking to bring your next production to life in a space that combines state-of-the-art facilities, authentic set environments, and a deep commitment to community and sustainability, Broadway Stages is your premier partner. Our expansive Staten Island campus offers everything from custom-built spaces to preserved prison architecture, perfect for gritty realism, just minutes from Manhattan. With access to the New York State Film Tax Credit, a skilled local workforce, and on-the-ground support, filming at Broadway Stages is a smart creative decision and a strategic investment. Join the industry leaders already with us and discover why Broadway Stages is where New York's stories are made. Contact us today.
One of New York’s largest and most trusted full-service production studio companies, offering comprehensive services for film, television, live streaming, commercials, live performances, music videos, and more. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve become a cornerstone of New York’s thriving creative industry.
With more than 60 soundstages spanning across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, Broadway Stages offers over 4 million square feet of state-of-the-art production space, including soundstages, support space, distinctive filming locations, parking, and in-house services for lighting, power, and grip rentals. We provide tailored solutions for productions of all sizes, delivering the resources and expertise needed to meet your creative and technical needs.
Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information and links to put you in touch with industry-focused job posting sites; general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.
