What does cost control really mean?
What does cost control really mean?
It’s about transparency and collaboration.
Our approach to cost control isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about being honest and engaging with our clients as a production partner.
No Surprises Here.
Nobody likes to wrap production only to receive an invoice filled with unpleasant surprises. True to our “By producers, For producers” roots, we’re committed to being upfront so sticker shock goes bye-bye. When you wrap your job, you don’t have to worry about an unexpected curve ball.
Get More. Save More.
To save you time, money, and stress, Cobalt provides many of your production needs and amenities, in-house. This includes cameras and lenses, Livestreaming, Video Village, Virtual Sets, Motion Control, and much more. We also serve as a consultative resource, leveraging our knowledge and relationships to help you maximize your budget and efficiency.
To us, cost control means true confidence in getting the best production experience at the right price with no surprises.
We are closer to Midtown than Brooklyn.
If you haven’t shot in NJ lately,
there’s a lot to catch up on.
Case Study: DOGTV’s Cobalt Takeover
Case Study: TDOGTV’s Cobalt Takeover
Challenge
Filming with animals is always a challenge! Our client DOGTV—a channel for dogs to watch when they’re home alone—required a quiet set and a calm environment to keep the dogs from getting overstimulated and barking. Additionally, this project required lots of space to spread out. That meant hair, makeup, and talent holding areas for 30 pups with a pair of handlers for each, plus workspace for the team to produce more than 60 different video assets, ANND still photography! Regarding DOGTV’s rebrand shoot, Ron Levi told us, “It’s been a decade since we did the branding. So this project was so important for us. It wasn’t just another shoot. We were really excited about this but we weren’t sure how it was going to work out.”
Solution
Ron commented, “When I toured the studio, I immediately understood this is the place for us.” Cobalt’s spacious soundstage allowed DOGTV to maximize their time on set, bringing two dogs on set at a time: one team captured stills while the other worked on the video. To achieve this level of multitasking, the photography studio was set up in Cobalt’s garage while the video team used the soundstage. Two separate sets allowed complete separation between the dogs. Once each side wrapped, the crew would swap the dogs to the opposite set. While this was great for production, it also allowed the canine stars to stay relaxed. “We took over the whole building,” said Ron. “We opened a whole salon with human groomers and dog groomers.”
Impact
Cobalt’s spacious facility allowed DOGTV to film 30 dogs over two days, with plenty of space for a robust production team, and all the dogs’ “parents.” Cobalt rose to the challenge of hosting these lovable (yet unpredictable) pets with a uniquely versatile space, and amenities that bred efficient production flows, and a calm environment. “Everything was perfect,” enthused our client, praising Cobalt’s Hoboken location for being convenient. “I can’t wait to do it again and create another big shoot!”
Cobalt would love to welcome back the cast and crew of DOGTV any time!
If your production has unique needs, we can accommodate them.
We are closer to Midtown than Brooklyn.
If you haven’t shot in NJ lately,
there’s a lot to catch up on.
What’s driving filmmakers to New Jersey?
What’s driving filmmakers to New Jersey?
NJ tax credits are stronger than ever.
Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, and the cast of Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story
There has never been a better time to bring your production to New Jersey! The state grants 30–35% transferable tax credit for film productions, a separate 20–25% tax credit for digital media productions, and a 2% credit for a diversity initiative. Several A-list productions, including Joker and West Side Story, have benefitted from New Jersey’s robust tax incentives, so far. The goal? Tim Sullivan of the NJEDA aims for New Jersey to become “A major hub for production and studio development.” With feature films from Steven Spielberg and Zack Snyder, HBO’s Sopranos prequel “The Many Saints of Newark,” and many more projects wrapped and in the pipeline, we’d say it already is!
Take advantage of this exciting opportunity! Cobalt Stages is the perfect setting for your New Jersey production. Beyond our top-of-class Virtual Set, we provide a comprehensive workspace with generous breakout spaces, accommodating all areas of production.
Producers are coming to NJ because they say it’s currently the best Film & TV tax incentive in the nation. Want to take advantage of everything New Jersey and Cobalt have to offer?
We are closer to Midtown than Brooklyn.
If you haven’t shot in NJ lately,
there’s a lot to catch up on.
Cobalt History from Star Trek to Seinfeld
Cobalt History from Star Trek to Seinfeld
If these walls could talk
Like New Jersey’s rich film history, Cobalt Stages’ physical space holds so many compelling production stories. Read our highlights below.
1900s
Hoboken was once home to many candy and sweets factories, like Hostess and Tootsie Roll. Today, Cobalt occupies a space that was once one of these candy factories!
1986
Filmmaker Zbigniew “ZBig” Rybczynski creates John Lennon’s “Imagine” music video, the first HDTV production in the United States.
1988
Director William Shatner hires Hoboken-based visual effects artist Bran Ferren (Associates & Ferren) to construct and shoot the models for STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER at our place in Hoboken. These models included the iconic Starship Enterprise!
1989
ZBig relocates to Cobalt’s crib in Hoboken, and develops his HD Motion Control technology.
1995
Alex Fernbach’s ARF & Company lands in Hoboken, installing a motion control system underground in his new space. They produced hundreds of commercials, including notable Super Bowl spots for A-List clients like Taco Bell and Anheuser-Busch.
1998
Cobalt’s Alex Fernbach invents the Array Camera. This technology and technique was used to film the “Bullet Time” sequences in THE MATRIX (1999).
2015
Cobalt hires experts to analyze the building’s acoustics and create our Metropolitan Opera-approved Soundstage.
2016
Cobalt invests in the first Virtual Backlot available to the public film community on the East Coast.
2017
Cobalt uses multiple MoCo rigs to shoot Eminem’s “Walk On Water” video.
2018
Cobalt produces the “blur” motion control effect for the Ariana Grande video, “Breathin’.”
2019
Cobalt produces the video content for Harry Connick Jr.—A Celebration of Cole Porter, on Broadway.
2019
As part of The World Science Foundation, Cobalt helps bring Einstein’s work to life through a groundbreaking multimedia stage performance involving actors and projections for PBS’s “Light Falls: Space, Time and an Obsession of Albert Einstein.”
2020
John Oliver shoots his first socially distanced “Last Week Tonight” episodes, all on his own, at Cobalt Stages.
2021
Jerry Seinfeld returns to Cobalt, for the 3rd time, to direct a LEGO-themed Netflix promo with Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston.
High profile guests love the privacy and VIP amenities we offer at Hollywood on the Hudson!
We are closer to Midtown than Brooklyn.
If you haven’t shot in NJ lately,
there’s a lot to catch up on.
Jerry Seinfeld returns to Cobalt Stages.
Jerry Seinfeld returns to Cobalt Stages.
Jerry Seinfeld returned to Cobalt Stages to direct and star in a LEGO-themed promo announcing Netflix’s acquisition of his classic Seinfeld series.
This is Jerry’s third time shooting at Cobalt! This time he brought along Bryan Cranston to narrate this comedic Netflix promo. Jerry directed this animated spot, which was inspired by the Seinfeld LEGO set. It’s a must watch for Seinfeld fans!
High profile guests love the privacy and VIP amenities we offer at Hollywood on the Hudson!
We are closer to Midtown than Brooklyn.
If you haven’t shot in NJ lately,
there’s a lot to catch up on.
Check out our updated Hoboken resources page!
Find caterers, parking, supplies and more.
We’ve added fresh resources for shopping, dining, travel and more!
We are closer to Midtown than Brooklyn.
If you haven’t shot in NJ lately,
there’s a lot to catch up on.
Before there was Hollywood...
There was Hollywood on the Hudson!
IMAGE: Thomas Edison’s Black Maria film studio, situated on a giant turntable.
New Jersey was a key player in the productions and inventions that drove early film, from Thomas Edison’s earliest film experiments to notable movies produced in the area known as Hollywood on the Hudson.
How much do you know about this illustrious era?
(take the quiz)
1)
Which film featured the largest outdoor set ever built in Fort Lee, NJ?
A) Tale of Two Cities (1917)
B) Les Miserables (1918)
C) Cleopatra (1917)
D) True Blue (1918)
2)
Why was Thomas Edison’s film studio, the Black Maria in West Orange, NJ, built on a giant turntable?
A) To allow for multiple productions to film at once
B) To easily rotate cameras
C) To allow trains to pass by
D) For natural sunlight
3)
Which modern movie studio does NOT have ties to the New Jersey area?
A) Columbia Pictures
B) Universal Pictures
C) MGM Studios
D) 20th Century Studios (Fox)
4)
What was featured in the first short film Thomas Edison made on the Kinetoscope in 1893?
A) A train
B) A ballet dancer
C) A sneeze
D) A bear
5)
Which horror film was produced in the New Jersey area?
A) Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1913)
B) The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
C) Frankenstein (1931)
D) The Mummy (1932)
New Jersey is still making history today! After extensive filming in New Jersey in 2019 and 2020, "The Many Saints of Newark" premieres Friday, October 1st. We can’t wait to see this long-awaited feature film prequel to "The Sopranos," an HBO series that made television history!
Answers: B, D, A, C, A.
Leverage our space and expert support for your next project.
We are closer to Midtown than Brooklyn.
If you haven’t shot in NJ lately,
there’s a lot to catch up on.
Big News: The NJ Film and TV Tax Credit has been expanded!
Big News
The NJ Film and TV Tax Credit has been expanded!
Behind the scenes on set at “The Many Saints of Newark” shoot.
Increasingly, producers are flocking to New Jersey to take advantage of our tax incentives that apply to above AND below the line expenses. Due to such strong demand, NJ State has amended the program, increasing the cap from $75 to $100 million, and extending the sunset date by five years - ‘til July 2028!
Zoom In on a 30 – 35% Tax Credit
Looking for diverse, nearby locations, stellar production sites, AND compelling financial incentives? Bring your next film project to New Jersey, the birthplace of movie-making. Take advantage of New Jersey’s program which offers a 30–35% transferable tax credit on qualified film production expenses, PLUS an additional 2% for developing and executing an approved diversity and inclusion plan. Digital media projects can qualify for a separate 20–25% tax credit, too!
Save Even More on Sales Tax and Use Tax
Specific tangible property used directly and primarily in the production of film and television programs is exempt from New Jersey's sales tax. Just a few examples include:
Just a few examples include:
- Cameras and accessories, such as lenses
- Microphones, amplifiers, and similar recording or sound equipment
- Audio/visual mixing and editing equipment
- Replacement parts for exempt tangible personal property without regard to their useful life
- Materials used in set construction
- Dollies, including grips and tracks
- Props used in the film or video, including motor vehicles
- Motor vehicles used to mount cameras and equipment used for filming
- Wardrobe
- Makeup and cosmetics
Give us a call and take advantage of all New Jersey has to offer!
We are closer to Midtown than Brooklyn.
If you haven’t shot in NJ lately,
there’s a lot to catch up on.
Get the look you want with the focus range you need.
The issue with doing any kind of macro or tabletop work is the fact that your tools don't scale to the subject. That's always been the challenge of doing this type of work. You have to build your own tools to execute shots because the equipment grossly outsizes the subject, even in the digital age. To solve this problem, we custom designed and engineered a digital version of a tool once used primarily for film: our bellows focusing digital camera.
Cobalt's Custom-Built Solution
To overcome the limited focal lengths of available macro lenses and to avoid hanging a lot of accessories on the lens and support bracketry, we designed and engineered a unique system to focus our Red 6K Epic camera. Our Bellows-Focusing Camera derives focus by moving the camera toward and away from the lens instead of rotating the lens, which can introduce distortion.
The Benefits are Numerous
Its range is impressive: you can shoot about an inch from the subject, all the way to infinity. What you get are amazing focus ranges and amazing close focus. It's motorized to integrate seamlessly into our Motion Control system so that you can write the most complex focus racks in a snap. It's also a PL mount system the Industry standard. So, any and every imaginable PL mount lens now becomes a macro lens.
Our Bellows-Focusing Camera in Action
Our clients use it to shoot food and jewelry all the time. For a Kay Jewelers' commercial featuring a cascade of tiny loose diamonds, it achieved an incredible three-quarters of an inch frame size—incredibly close. And for a Cobalt-supported Hulu shoot, it enabled a shot to focus on the eye of "Breaking Bad" actor, Aaron Paul, then widen out to a medium shot.
If you have any challenging production needs coming up, we’d love to be a resource.
We are closer to Midtown than Brooklyn.
If you haven’t shot in NJ lately,
there’s a lot to catch up on.
Experience Greater New York's Turnkey Soundstage
We offer what no other production studio on the East Coast can - our state-of-the-art Soundstage and support spaces, Virtual Set and Motion Control tools, and a comprehensive inventory of production equipment
- ALL UNDER ONE ROOF.
The Ultimate Production Experience.
As a By-Producers, For-Producers Soundstage, we understand how to elevate the production experience for you. From our No-Surprises Estimates to our comfortable client-support spaces, we always strive to offer more.
Powerfully Equipped for Productivity.
Our Virtual Backlot and robust Motion Control inventory are in-house, preconfigured, and completely unique to the East Coast. We also feature world-class Livestreaming capabilities with 825 MB/sec internet throughout our facility.
TURNKEY PRODUCTION FACILITY
12,000 SF Facility
7,000 SF Soundstage
Production Office Suite with Complete View of Soundstage
52' X 95' X 22' - 20' High 3 Wall Cyc
19' Clearspan
1500 Amps of Dedicated Power
Dedicated Stage Manager
On-Set / Plug & Play Video Village
Live Video Streaming Capability
Drive-On Soundstage, Street Level Load-In
Cement Floor
FULL IN-HOUSE EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
Extensive Tungsten Lighting Package
Complete Grip Inventory
Fisher 10 Dolly & Track Package
On-Site Scissor Lift
State-of-the-Art Motion Control Rigs including Turntables and Large & Small Sliders
On-Set HD Video Playback Package
Live Video Streaming Capability
Virtual Set / Camera tracking
Epic 6K Dragon / Leica Summicron Lens Package
SUPPORT SPACES & AMENITIES
Commercial Food Prep Kitchen
Live HD feed in Client Room
Conference Rooms
Wardrobe and Makeup Areas
Facility wide Wi-Fi, plus super high speed hardwired lines at every desk
Networked Workhorse color laser printers
Tables and chairs, wardrobe steamers, racks and hangers, and walkies
Comprehensive Woodworking Shop
If you have any challenging production needs coming up, we’d love to be a resource.
We are closer to Midtown than Brooklyn.
If you haven’t shot in NJ lately,
there’s a lot to catch up on.