In the midst of Westchester’s vibrant film community stands a long-established creative collaborator ready to broaden its services to the industry: Hudson Scenic. Recently acquired by Robert Halmi’s Great Point Studios, this Tony-nominated powerhouse in set design, custom fabrication, and automation services has long been an indispensable partner in the world of theater, film, TV, and theme parks. We sat down with Project Manager Zac Blitz to get the inside scoop on what makes Hudson Scenic a go-to partner for film productions in Westchester and beyond.
Founded in 1980 by Neil Mazzella, Hudson Scenic is known for “delivering the impossible” says Blitz. With over 120,000 square feet of space in Yonkers, the company has been an integral part of Broadway, contributing to iconic productions such as "Hamilton," "Hadestown," “Aladdin," and "The Lion King." The company also led the renovation of the Lyric Theater and set building for “Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.”
Now under the wing of Great Point, Hudson Scenic is set to meet the expanding needs of Westchester's film industry. According to Blitz, the strategic location of Hudson Scenic is a game-changer. "Our shop is less than 30 minutes to NYC and just a mile down the Hudson River from the new Lionsgate production campus in Yonkers,” he notes. Drawing on four decades of hands-on experience, Hudson Scenic is staffed with experienced local stagehands and scenic teams (members of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local One and United Scenic Artists 829, respectively), including designers, engineers, construction experts, and artisans blending creativity and technical expertise.
From Broadway to the Big Screen: Hudson Scenic's Role in Film
With fabrication, automation, and technical supervision, the company offers a comprehensive experience. "If you have a creative concept, we can turn that design idea into a piece of scenery, automate it, and make it work. From design to implementation, we've got it covered," says Blitz.
The company's involvement in the film and television industry spans a wide range of projects. From intricate sets for live TV — such as ESPN's “SportsCenter,” “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” (NBC) and “The Drew Barrymore Show” (CBS) — to collaborations on major film productions like "Maestro," the Leonard Bernstein biopic, Hudson Scenic prides itself on doing complicated things exceptionally well. "We can build modular, flexible sets that come apart for camera shots or any other specific needs. Our goal is to bring everything in-house, making us a one-stop shop for filmmakers," Blitz explains.
Not content with traditional craftsmanship, Hudson Scenic is a pioneer in deploying automation on stage and on set. Blitz says, "We have built our own proprietary automation control system from the ground up." This high-tech approach ensures precision and control, especially in projects where automation plays a crucial role. The company played a role in building a new 60-foot clock tower for the Disney store in Shanghai, including the design, construction, and automation of characters in the glockenspiel-styled piece.
What’s Next
From managing or fabricating Broadway shows to building sets for prestigious events like the Academy Awards and the Tony Awards, the company continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in set design and fabrication.
Hudson Scenic aims to have a role in the Westchester County film community that goes beyond building sets, says Blitz. “It's about crafting experiences. As we’re entering this next chapter under the Great Point umbrella, our collaborative project management team is ready to bring the industry’s creative vision to life."
Robert Halmi, Founder and CEO of Great Point Studios added, “Hudson Scenic, with Tony Award honoree Neil A. Mazzella at its helm, is the best in the business, making this new partnership an important addition for our business.”
