About Kingston
Kingston, NY, is a city in the Hudson Valley region of New York State. It has a rich history that dates back to 1609 when Henry Hudson first set foot in the area and claimed it for the Dutch. The city was founded in 1652 by Dutch colonists who named it Wiltwijck, meaning 'wild corner.' Kingston was New York State's first capital during the American Revolution, a central hub for trade and industry. In the 19th century, Kingston proliferated as an industrial center and production space for textiles, leather goods, paper-making, pottery-making, furniture-making, and other crafts.
Kingston, NY, has become a popular destination for filmmakers looking to shoot their next project. Located in the Hudson Valley region of New York State, Kingston offers a unique combination of rural and urban landscapes, which make for exciting backdrops for any story. With its abundance of historic buildings and lush scenery, filmmakers can create worlds from a movie set. The city boasts a variety of production spaces ideal for small-scale filming needs. Whether you need sound stages and green screens or are just looking to rent basic equipment such as cameras, lights, and props, Kingston has got it all! Additionally, many spaces offer services like crewing up and providing production assistants.
Overall, Kingston is a fantastic place full of history and culture stemming from its past as an industrial center that still carries through today with unique production spaces for artisans to create their masterpieces!
Production Options in Kingston
- Videography
Videographers in Kingston can add a visual flair to your project, using traditional video production techniques or more modern drone services. Lists of the city’s videographers specialize in event videography, while others provide general production services ranging from covering small gatherings to working on big-screen productions.
- Catering
Kingston offers a wide range of catering options, from simple food trucks to full-service catering companies. Some catering companies in Kingston specialize in serving film and television productions, as well as handling public events.
- AV Equipment
Kingston has everything from AV equipment rentals for small businesses to large production companies. The film rental companies have inventories of production gear, ranging from basic sound systems to more complex lighting and audiovisual equipment.
- Makeup and Hairstyle
Makeup and hair stylists in Kingston understand that aesthetics enhance the overall visuals of film production. Whether you are working on a music video and want simple hair and makeup or yours is a film production that requires intricate transformations, you can bet there is a professional in Kingston who can get the job done.
- Staffing
Working on a video production typically involves collaborating with various professionals. From essential production assistants to specialist jobs, such as directors and producers, the production process requires a lot of talent. Kingston's staffing firms exist to connect you with the right film crew professionals and actors for your project.
Production Vendors in Kingston
- Seven21 Media Center
The Seven21 Media Center is a 33,000-square-foot facility housing 38 different boutique companies. Some firms operating in the complex provide audio and video production services, software development, and advertising.
- Black Eyed Suzie’s
Cheryl Paff and Juan Tzitzimititila teamed up to launch Black Eyed Suzie’s in 1996. The catering company serves the greater Hudson Valley area, and its services include drop-off catering and family-style takeaways. They accommodate clients’ dietary restrictions and assist with the menu-creation process.
- Hand Held Films
Hand Held Films offers inventories of lighting, digital, and film equipment both for rent and sale. From cameras and lenses to grips and rigging, the company is your one-stop shop for film rentals in New York.
Pros and Cons of Production Spaces in Kingston
Kingston, New York, has various production spaces available for filmmakers looking to create their next project. Here is a look at some of the key benefits and drawbacks of production spaces in Kingston so you can make an informed decision about your next shoot.
Advantages
- The cost of renting production space in Kingston is often surprisingly low, making it an ideal option for budget-conscious productions.
- Kingston boasts a wealth of stunning scenery and urban locations, offering filmmakers everything they need for unique backdrops and settings.
- With several professional studios and plenty of experienced technicians, producers can rest assured they have access to high-quality facilities with the latest equipment.
Disadvantages
- While plenty of resources are available in Kingston for filmmakers, it's important to note that they may not be as extensive as in larger cities.
- As with any city in New York, Kingston has its own set of rules and regulations which filmmakers must abide by to ensure safety on set and comply with various guidelines set out by city councils.
- Winter in Kingston is freezing and cold and sudden weather changes can occur at any time, which can sometimes make outdoor shooting impossible.
Tips on How to Organize Productions in Kingston
Planning a production filming in Kingston can be an intimidating process. However, careful planning and preparation can be a successful and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you organize your production filming in Kingston with confidence:
- Research the local laws, guidelines, and regulations that govern motion pictures and filmings in the city: Doing this will give you an understanding of what is permissible under local laws and ensure that your production filming is conducted safely and compliantly.
- Contact the City of Kingston and the Mayor’s Office: They ensure that all your necessary permits and licenses have been acquired. They can also approve location requests for filming in public areas such as parks, streets, and city properties.
- Choose a suitable location for the shoot: It should reflect your desired aesthetic and fit within local zoning codes' parameters. Factor in access points for equipment, props, crew members, etc., as well as noise considerations for neighbors nearby who could be disturbed by your shooting schedule.
- Hire experienced crew members: They have to understand how to work quickly while still producing high-quality results. Skilled cinematographers, editors, sound engineers, and prop masters can often be found through word-of-mouth or online resources like professional filmmaking networks or job boards specifically tailored toward productions happening in Kingston.
- A budget should be established early on: This is to maximize cost savings during pre-production planning stages before moving onto principal photography days, when costs may inevitably increase due to last-minute changes or additions during the actual filming days.
Famous Locations in Kingston
- Uptown Kingston
The Stockade Historic District, better known to locals as Uptown Kingston, arguably offers the best things to do around the city. The quaint stores stock everything from homemade ice cream to used books. Other notable places in the area include the Pinkwater Gallery, Kingston Candy Bar, and Sweet Maresa’s Bakery. Most of the charming historic buildings featured covered arcades jutting over the sidewalks. Therefore, a little rain shouldn’t stop you from exploring the city on foot.
- The Hudson River Maritime Museum
Nautical enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Hudson River Maritime Museum. Constructed in 1979, the museum houses extensive educational exhibits that pay homage to the area’s maritime history. Alongside interactive displays, you'll find ice yachts, varied artifacts, and a 100-year-old shad boat at the museum. Even better, you can take a boat tour to explore the Maritime Museum.
- Forsyth Nature Center
The Forsyth Nature Center is an unassuming animal sanctuary that houses pot-bellied pigs, turtles, peacocks, and other fascinating creatures. Visitors get to learn about the area’s flora and fauna while getting up and close with some of the animals. Kids enjoy searching for frogs on the boardwalk and encountering the sanctuary’s goats and alpacas. The best thing is it's open to the public year-round and free for all!