NEW YORK (PIX11) – The Tri-State area is world-famous in the movies and television.
Dozens of films and shows are in production at any given time around the region.
A new place is claiming the title of “Hollywood on the Hudson.”
It’s lights, camera, and action in Yonkers.
In March, Great Point Studios, located in central Yonkers by the train station, will expand to more than one million square feet and include 11 soundstages, offices, and production areas.
A state-of-the-art LED stage has monitors and screens to create all types of environments.
They’re ready to be the biggest and brightest star in the Northeast.
Robert Halmi Junior is the President and CEO of Great Point Studios. The company opened its first facilities in 2022 and has expanded ever since.
“When you’re brick and mortar, they’re here 365 days a year. We will have three series shootings, with 2,000 crew members, and to support that, we need local talent,” said Halmi.
Yonkers hosted a record number of film and television productions in 2024.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano created a mayor’s office of film and photography in 2012.
“When we first started, Yonkers had an unfriendly approach to the industry; that’s what we had to change. Local restaurants are doing well, and local people are being hired,” he said.
Each year, the Yonkers industry grows. It has a ripple effect in more ways than one.
The Robert Halmi Sr Academy of Film and Television serves middle and high school students. It opened for the 2024-2025 school year on a campus close to the studio lots.
They’ve created a partnership in the classroom and on set.
Storytelling is a family business for Halmi, whose father was an award-winning television and film producer. His legacy of giving and raising the next generation lives on at the new public school.
Students told PIX11 News they were excited to be in class and learning about productions and life behind the scenes.
“We are creating history. We are the first students to use the cameras and learn. It makes me happy because it’s what I want to do in the future,” said Natalee.
They take their regular high school classes and get hands-on production experience at the studio.
The principal called it a dream.
Halmi says it’s never been done with middle and high school students.