November 2019 Newsletter
Seth Meyers’ Netflix Comedy Special
Last month, we had the pleasure of hosting Seth Meyers, execs from Netflix, about 15 crew members, and a group of children for two days here at Cobalt! Seth kept the atmosphere very light and playful with the kids, so it was a ton of fun to watch. They shot with three cameras to get all the close-ups and intercuts they needed—a smart strategy to avoid tiring out the kids. We were told that Seth gave his 'Cobalt experience' rave reviews, and recommended us to the higher-ups at Netflix. Sounds like it worked because they've already been back — and with John Mulaney!! Thank you, Netflix. See you on the next one :) :)
Harry Connick Jr. in the House
We were honored to host Harry Connick Jr., a consummate professional who arrived at 6am, ready to rehearse ahead of an 8am crew call. Alex served as DP on the production, where Harry dubbed him the “Matrix Man,”— a nod to Alex’s historic contribution to cinematography. Conceived and directed by Harry, “A Celebration of Cole Porter” is a current multimedia theatrical performance that presents Porter's most beloved songs in an unprecedented and unique way, highlighted by Harry’s signature style. Performances are scheduled to begin in December 2019. We love you, Harry. You are darn cool!
Hobo House Hosts Hughlett
We want to give a shout out to our valued repeat client, producer Chris Hughlett. Chris booked our Hoboken House location for a recent TV commercial shoot. Shot in Hobo House’s sun-drenched living room, the production took advantage of the kitchen for setting up Video Village. The 2000 square foot Carriage House also features a private patio garden, a secure breezeway, three bedrooms, and three full bathrooms—perfect for makeup, wardrobe, etc.
Our Talk with Steven Gorelick
Last week, we had a productive call with Steven Gorelick, Executive Director of New Jersey's Motion Picture and Television Commission. He's been instrumental in making NJ the friendliest home possible for Tri-State Area productions– a mission we're doing our best to accomplish as well! We're impressed that he's made himself available to talk with us, personally, and is happy to talk to you too! Steve’s accessible to discuss more about the NJ Film and TV Tax Credit, and how he can help you save 30 percent on ABOVE AND BELOW the line qualified production expenses. New York’s tax credit only pertains to below the line expenses... so it's a great time to work at "Hollywood on the Hudson" here in Hoboken!
Production Prep at Cobalt
#Didyouknow... you can prep your production here at Cobalt? Setting up your pre-production meetings in our sun-drenched second-floor suite is convenient and affordable. This week, a production took advantage of the space by renting our makeup and wardrobe area for a fitting while using our fully-equipped conference room for their pre-production meeting. While here, productions enjoy access to facility-wide Wi-Fi, high-speed hardwired lines at every desk, and networked Workhorse color laser printers. After production prep, it’s easy to roll your production team downstairs to shoot on Cobalt's badass stage. Producers then situate in our ground floor production suite with a commanding view of the shoot's action. If you’re looking for a comfortable alternative to WeWork, try Cobalt! ????
Welcome to Production Paradise
Cobalt’s Private, Production-Ready House is Available for Filming
The Hoboken House
The Hoboken House, or "Hobo House", as we like to call it, is a 2000 square foot Carriage House equipped with three bedrooms and three full bathrooms, private garden, and modern, Euro-style chef’s kitchen. This ultra-flexible space lends itself to all kinds of production opportunities.
Bright, Spacious & Versatile
Created by producers, Hobo House strikes the ideal balance of fully-furnished comfort and uncluttered flexibility. Its elegant floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light. The house’s open floor plan and soaring ceilings enable creative camera placement. As opposed to cramped spaces that dictate the use of wide lenses, Hobo House’s open architecture, with its spacious kitchen, dining room, and living room, flows beautifully without interrupting walls. This allows your DP to step back, and get wide, uncompromised shots with a longer lens. Isn’t it nice to have creative choices in a home location?
A Private Urban Oasis
Hobo House, located in a private courtyard, insulates you from outside interruptions like the sights and sounds of street traffic. The secure breezeway enables worry-free shipping and receiving of expensive equipment. Clients often set up the private patio for crafty/catering or for talent holding.
Location Location Location
Fifteen minutes from Midtown Manhattan and a mere three blocks from our soundstage, Hoboken House could not be easier to get to. (“Commuting” between our two locations takes 1 minute 30 seconds by Lime Scooter.) But there’s another advantage to parking your production here at “Hollywood on the Hudson”... When you “set up your entity” here in New Jersey, you can shoot on location or in our studio and take advantage of the New Jersey Film and TV Tax Credit.