Manhattan's brand-new Sunset Pier 94 Studios is set to open its doors this month, with a major production already lined up as its inaugural tenant. Paramount Television Studios has signed an agreement to bring the second season of "Dexter: Resurrection" to the state-of-the-art facility. This move highlights New York's growing appeal as a filming destination, bolstered by competitive tax incentives and access to a rich pool of creative talent, promising a significant economic boost for the region.
The highly anticipated second season of "Dexter: Resurrection" will occupy a substantial portion of the new studio. The production has committed to utilizing 70,000 square feet of space, which includes two dedicated sound stages and ample office facilities. Drew Brown, Executive Vice President of Production for Paramount TV, expressed enthusiasm for the new location, emphasizing the studio's advanced amenities. He noted that the decision to film in Manhattan follows the series' narrative, which saw Dexter relocate to New York City. This strategic choice aims to capitalize on the region's skilled workforce, attractive tax credit programs, and reinforces Paramount's dedication to domestic production.
Sunset Pier 94 Studios is an impressive complex, offering a total of 232,000 square feet for lease, encompassing stages, production support areas, and office spaces. Situated along the West Side Highway, the studios also boast picturesque views of the Hudson River. With its prime Manhattan location and New York's recently enhanced state tax credits, the facility is strategically positioned to attract major Hollywood projects, encouraging them to maintain their production activities within the United States. This initiative is expected to draw more large-scale productions to the city, fostering economic growth and job creation in the local film industry.
Victor Coleman, Chairman and CEO of Hudson Pacific, a joint venture partner in the studio, underscored the facility's appeal. He stated that the studio's track record of attracting and retaining high-caliber productions across multiple seasons speaks volumes about the quality of their studios and services. Coleman expressed anticipation for deepening their relationship with Paramount and highlighted the strong pre-leasing interest in Sunset Pier 94 Studios. He asserted that the project's unparalleled quality and prime location make it a unique offering in the market, with more lease announcements expected in the near future.
Empire State Development President and CEO Hope Knight extended her congratulations to Sunset Pier 94 Studios for securing "Dexter: Resurrection." She proudly noted that the first season of the show was also filmed in New York, generating substantial economic benefits through job creation and small business spending. Knight credited Governor Hochul's expansion of the film production tax credit and initiatives like Production+ for incentivizing companies such as Paramount Television Studios, which has a long history of filming in New York, to continue investing in the state. The studio's opening is eagerly awaited, with expectations of welcoming many more projects to its world-class stages.
The move by Paramount Television Studios to launch the second season of "Dexter: Resurrection" at the newly established Sunset Pier 94 Studios in Manhattan signifies a pivotal moment for both the production and New York's film industry. This collaboration leverages the studio's cutting-edge facilities and strategic location, while benefiting from the state's generous tax incentives and rich talent pool. The partnership is poised to stimulate economic activity, create numerous job opportunities, and further solidify New York City's reputation as a premier global production hub for television and film.