Safe Shoot Strategies in Action.
Cheers to another successful safe shoot with John Oliver.
To the Tri-State production community:
Thank you for keeping us informed and occupied, now and always! We’re proud of the way everyone is helping curb the spread of coronavirus. Knowledge is power, so here are some practical ways we’re making it work for our clients.
Expanded Livestreaming
We’ve offered Livestreaming for years, and our clients have used it mostly to communicate with decision-makers who can’t make the trip to the studio. Now, we’re offering Livestreaming, gratis, for bookings made until June 21st, and we’re recommending it as a way to connect with any one who isn’t essential on set. Collaborators can literally keep tabs on production by keeping a tab open on their computer with continuous HD quality footage delivered in real-time.
Space to Spread Out
With crew sizes of 10 people max, our 12,000 sq. ft. facility allows everyone to have their own nook and cranny. 12,000 sq ft divided by 10 people. Do the math! Our two locations and production support spaces are here to enable social distancing. Located three blocks from our studio, The Hoboken House is our fully-furnished, sun-drenched 2000 sq. ft. Carriage House that can also be used for extra space if need be.
Virtual Sets, Infinite Possibilities
Cobalt’s Virtual Backlot is a unique resource on the East Coast— letting you set a scene anywhere you can imagine—without even leaving our studio. Our advisory team is always on hand to help you take advantage of high tech social distancing tools like V Set, Livestreaming, and Video Village.
We do “Safe Shoots”
At Cobalt, nonessential personnel are working from home, and we are disinfecting our spaces and equipment for everyone’s protection. Because high tech is our way of life, we also use Ozone Air Purification between shoot days to cleanse our facilities of viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Dr. Mercola and many others support ozone therapy during the COVID-19 crisis.
Shooting Safely: Coronavirus Fast Facts and Tools
Virus 101
Viruses are not alive, so we can’t use antibiotics to kill them. Instead, we can inactiveate the viruses, so our cells are no longer susceptible to infection. We can also boost our immune systems with lifestyle and supplements.
Immunity Boosters
Ascorbate based vitamin C (for higher doses), zinc (if you think you've been exposed), elderberry (as a preventative), and reishi and agarikon mushrooms are all-natural immune boosters (and then some!). It also helps to get enough sleep and exercise, as well as eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Why is this coronavirus so contagious?
The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has protein spikes that stick out on all sides, making it very effective at bonding to our human cells. Reishi supplements can deter bonding between our cells and the virus.
How is it transmitted?
Coronavirus is spread primarily through physical contact like a handshake or in the form of airborne droplets from a cough, sneeze, or shared air. That’s why handwashing and physical distance are key.
How long is the virus 'active'?
Studies suggest that it can remain viable in the air for 2-3 hours, on cardboard for 24 hours, and on plastic and stainless steel for up to 3 days.
How can we destroy it?
First - soap and water, folks. Also, used correctly, ozone air purification and 3% hydrogen peroxide are effective in destroying the coronavirus. Other easy, but effective, home disinfectants also include 10% malt vinegar and distilled white vinegar in combination with 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Ozone Air Purification
We run an ozone machine between shoots to purify the air. Ozone, otherwise known as O3, is very effective in destroying bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Routinely used in Europe, ozone air purification destroys viruses by diffusing through the protein coat into the nucleic acid core, damaging the viral RNA.
High Tech Protection
Our Virtual Sets let you set a scene anywhere you can imagine—without leaving our studio. Our Livestreaming services let your clients and collaborators weigh in from home, without missing a beat. We now offer Livestreaming free to all productions that book our soundstage through June 21st, 2020.
Taking Care of Our Team
Much of Team Cobalt is working from home with only essential individuals to keep crew size small. Everyone is trained in hygienic "safe shooting" best practices at the top of each day. We sterilize equipment and surfaces at the end of each shoot.
We’re always here to help you shoot safely.
If you have any questions or would like to book our soundstage:
Disclaimer: Kara Vedder is not a doctor and is in no way providing medical advice or suggestions of any kind whatsoever. Please, contact your health care provider regarding adding any supplements or changes to your diet, exercise or life choices. Cobalt content and is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a physician. Our intent is to demonstrate that we are a health & safety conscious company.
Case Study: John Mulaney x Netflix @ Cobalt
Challenge
Cobalt Stages recently hosted a promo shoot for the Netflix hit “John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch.” The shoot involved two kinds of special talent: VIP John Mulaney and 15 child actors! With our diverse Industry experience, we’ve worn many hats in front and behind the camera. We understand that special talent has unique needs, and we know exactly what those needs are. So, we fashioned our soundstage to exceed expectations in meeting them.
Solution
When you host a cast of 15 children, they come with parents and tutors in tow—that’s a lot of people. Add in the Netflix team, the star, their people, and a sizable crew... and well, you really should be shooting at Cobalt. Our multiple, fully-furnished support rooms offer quiet, versatile spaces where people can regroup, review footage, or hold a private meeting away from the action. Our Hoboken facility provides a discreet location where high profile talent can slip in and slip out
without attracting unwanted attention.
Impact
We did more than accommodate the needs of 15 children, their parents and tutors, and the crew. Our commitment to hospitality and thoughtful extras made it comfortable and cozy without any additional expense. We’re told that the gracious and hilarious Mr. Mulaney put in a good word for Cobalt with Netflix execs, and we’re thrilled to report that they've already scheduled another shoot at Cobalt!
Shooting Tabletop at Cobalt
The Ideal Location for Close-Up Cinematography
Expert Advisors
Alex is the architect behind Cobalt’s close-up cinematography inventory—all the lenses and devices that make tabletop magic look easy. He’s on hand to connect our clients with the space, tools, and advice that make Cobalt ideal for tabletop products. And he’s saved our clients thousands by providing the generous space and equipment redundancies they need to work, simultaneously, instead of sequentially. You can set up multiple stations so lighting/ rigging crews, grips, electricians, set carpenters, prop people, and your art department can stay busy all the time — instead of taking turns working. This strategy may mean investing an extra $1000 in props, product, and lighting for multiple tabletops — all to save your production $1000 AN HOUR in crew costs. Alex speaks from experience, and loves to share :)
Home Ec Kitchen
Our home ec kitchen was purpose-built for food styling. The main door opens directly to the stage, and a side door opens to an extra large prep area. Key features include: Our one-of-a-kind, custom-built bake-up oven that allows you to see and experience the magic of baking in real-time or in time-lapse; our high-volume gas mains and purpose-built exhaust system for fire effects; our versatile kitchen amenities including an industrial range hood, adjustable-height stainless steel tables, four baker’s racks, forty full sheets, chest freezers and two double-door refrigerators that accommodate full sheets. There’s even a grocery store half a block away for last-minute needs!
Cutting Edge Tools
Tabletop tools are highly specialized to shoot smaller, faster, and closer while retaining a high resolution. If you need to capture the bubbles in a bottle of beer with the crispest detail imaginable, you'll want to be shooting over at Cobalt. Regular equipment doesn’t scale down to tabletop size, and over the years, Alex has acquired—and invented—the right devices to capture the moment. We offer macro lenses, our unique bellows-focusing Epic Dragon, and a comprehensive inventory of miniature motion control tools to deliver uncompromised precision. We have the tools you need to lift, push, pull, and rotate products—and the specially-modified lighting equipment you need to get the shot.
Science in the Service of Art
More than any other production discipline, tabletop requires a high degree of creativity and technical expertise. Come to Cobalt for the space, equipment, and expertise to help you
elevate your tabletop images.
Look Who’s Shooting with Cobalt
John Mulaney x Netflix, Harry Connick Jr., and Chris Rock
John Mulaney’s Netflix Promo
In the past year, Netflix has become a repeat client at Cobalt, and we couldn’t be happier about it! Most recently, we hosted John Mulaney and a bunch of kids to shoot a promo for his Netflix musical comedy special “John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch.” Cobalt’s commitment to comfort and hospitality shines when our clients are shooting with special talent like the kiddos, and we’re so grateful
they keep choosing us!
Harry Connick Jr. in the House
We were honored to host the legendary talent and consummate professional Harry Connick Jr. at our soundstage. Harry used our own Alex Fernbach as DP on his production. Harry and Alex really hit it off. He ended up dubbing Alex “Matrix Man,” as a nod to Alex’s historic contribution to cinematography. Conceived and directed by Harry, “A Celebration of Cole Porter” is a multimedia theatrical performance that presents Porter's most beloved songs in an unprecedented and unique way,highlighted by Harry’s signature style.
Chris Rock x Cobalt on the Road
When Chris Rock’s team calls with a production emergency, you don’t let it go to voicemail! We recently pulled off a near-miraculous motion control job supporting Chris Rock’s comedy special with just 48 hours’ notice! Challenged with coordinating equipment and talent in three time zones, our MoCo master Alex also devised a custom rig to fit in an extremely tight space. A true team effort — Kara directed the operation from an RV in Los Angeles while Cobalt’s Stage Manager Steve drove the rig overnight to Chicago, so our client wouldn’t miss a beat. We won't let you down. That’s how we roll. 🎥
We’re built for producers.
Experience the ultimate production workplace,
The Hoboken House.
Produce here. Stay here. Shoot here.
Located three blocks from our soundstage, The Hoboken House is Cobalt’s versatile three-bedroom, three-bath Carriage House. It’s fully-furnished and production-ready, with high ceilings, an open floorplan, and great natural light. Built by producers, for producers... No other “home” location on the East Coast is supported by a 12,000 sq. ft. turnkey soundstage facility. Done.
The right balance of efficiency and hospitality.
Cobalt offers more than just space. We provide convenient access to cutting edge production tools, and we’re generous with amenities that make our locations feel more like home. That includes quiet, comfortable places to collaborate, well-appointed kitchens, locally-sourced, organic coffee, and even the lemon-scented green cleaner we make ourselves.
Sustainable sets made affordable.
If you’re not experienced with Virtual Sets yet, let us show you the ropes! Our Virtual Backlot provides a cost-effective, low-carbon-footprint alternative to practical sets or shooting on location. Leverage our computer-generated Virtual backlot to set scenes anywhere you can imagine - with zero waste!
Comprehensive, cutting-edge production tools.
We’ve been in the business for over 25 years, and we’ve always been early adopters so that we can offer the East Coast the most comprehensive inventory of onsite production tools. Our in-house motion control robotics specialist, Alex, can help you customize solutions to lower your costs and stress. Feel free to give him a call!
We built Cobalt so you can focus on what matters most—doing great work. We’re generous with support and supplies because it helps our clients avoid costly delays and creative compromises :)
Shooting at Hobo House
Private, Convenient, and Production-Ready
Sun-Drenched and Spacious
The Hoboken House (aka Hobo House) is Cobalt’s versatile 2000 sq. ft. Carriage House with high ceilings and great natural light. Located three blocks from our soundstage, it comes fully furnished with three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and lots of extra amenities like a chef’s kitchen, BBQ, and ping pong.
Production Paradise for DPs
Hobo House’s open floor plan and high ceilings are ideal for wide-angle shots and distance camerawork. A recent TV commercial was shot in Hobo House’s sunny living room, while the kitchen was used for Video Village. The possibilities are endless in this versatile space.
A Sanctuary for Styling
Hair, makeup, and wardrobe professionals love setting up shop in Hobo House’s private second-floor suite. Its three bedrooms and two bathrooms are perfectly configured for this purpose, with laundry machines, full-length mirrors, and beautiful natural light from skylights and floor to ceiling windows.
A Private and Secure Setting
Hobo House’s "by producers, for producers" on-location solution is a lifesaver for productions with high-profile talent and expensive equipment. Set back from the street, it's accessed via a secure breezeway and private courtyard. Production appreciates the breezeway not only for its privacy, but also for its functionality, by sometimes setting up shipping and receiving, here. Everyone has the opportunity to relax and prepare, away from the distractions of street traffic and gawkers.
Shoot here. Work here. Stay here.
Our one-stop-shop soundstage is unlike any other in the Tri-State area.
Shoot
Cobalt’s world-class
production stage
Work
Cobalt’s second-floor
production space
Stay
Cobalt’s 2000 square foot
Carriage House
Shoot Here.
We save productions significant time and money by offering world-class production tools and solutions onsite. Our comprehensive inventory spans everything from Virtual Sets and Motion Control robotics, to rigging and lighting. At Cobalt, there’s no need to rent and carry in basic needs like chairs and printers.
And, we won’t bill you for them, either!
Work Here.
Rent Cobalt’s comfortable and convenient second-floor production space as a standalone rental! Set up shop a day or two ahead of a shoot, and make use of our producer-friendly, on-demand, office space. Then, move downstairs to shoot after production prep. We include facility-wide Wi-Fi, high-speed hardwired lines at every desk, and networked Workhorse color laser printers for an ultra-productive experience.
Stay Here.
When you need a furnished home to shoot, when you’re hosting a VIP client, or when you want to stay three blocks from our soundstage during a week of shooting— we have the answer. The Hoboken House, aka Hobo House, is our sun-drenched, 2000 square foot Carriage House. It’s fully furnished with 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and more. Check out our two-minute Hobo House video tour.
Soundstage Reimagined.
With decades of insights and expertise, our production campus is here to help you focus on what matters most—your projects. For more information or to schedule a walk-around…
Let’s talk.
Shoot at Cobalt and take advantage of the New Jersey Tax Credit
Call us to find out more.
Stay, shoot and host clients here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxG5IVx307w&feature=youtu.be
WATCH THIS: 90 Second Tour of Cobalt’s 2000 sq. ft. Carriage House
About The Hoboken House
- Open floor plan and soaring ceilings
- Fifteen minutes from Midtown Manhattan
- 3 blocks from Cobalt’s turnkey soundstage
- Comfortable and fully-furnished
- 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths
- Modern, Euro-style chef’s kitchen
- Quiet setting set back from street - private
- Private garden with ping pong and BBQ
- Secure breezeway for shipping and receiving
- Ceiling-height windows and skylights
Book The Hoboken House for your next production to take advantage of the awesomeness.
Click here to see more photos.
Level Up Your Production in 2020
Here Are 20 Ways We Can Help
1. We’re Innovative
Our credo is Soundstage Reimagined. So in a world of warehouse-type spaces, we strive to offer more— comprehensive tools, thoughtful amenities, and a supportive team. Our clients feel the difference, right away.
2. We’re Turnkey
Why spend your precious time sourcing lights, rigging tools, and folding chairs? At Cobalt you don’t need to. Cobalt saves you time and money by offering your production essentials onsite.
3. We’re Virtual Set Virtuosos
We set up the East Coast’s first Virtual Backlot to help you save money, reduce waste, minimize the cost of crew hours, and place your story in any location you can imagine. A huge win for productions and the planet!
4. We’re Woman Owned
Cobalt is a woman-owned soundstage. We strongly believe in working toward gender equality in the Industry. Please join us in supporting even more women-owned businesses and women-led projects in 2020!
5. We have Hobo House
Cobalt’s newest property, The Hoboken House, is the perfect place to park your production. Our private, chic, sun-drenched 2000 square foot Carriage House has three bedrooms and three full baths. And... it’s three blocks from our soundstage 🎥
6. We’re a Green Facility
We’re committed to considering the impact of our actions on people and the environment. We also do our part by donating leftover food, investing in sustainable Virtual Sets, and making our own non-toxic, chemical free cleaning products and Kara Care skincare swag (more to come soon).
7. We’re Magic Makers
Arthur Clarke said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”... We have the tech to make the magic, and Cobalt’s tech wizard, Alex, can help you make the most of it.
8. We Care About Peace ~ Quiet and Comfort
Because of our Industry background, we understand how a thoughtfully curated soundstage can put clients at ease - and even relax - to elevate the quality of your work. Our well-appointed client spaces make it comfortable to hold a meeting or simply 'peace out' for a sec.
9. We're By Producers, For Producers
We leverage our Industry experience to make everything you need easily accessible, so you can focus on what matters– doing your best work. We’re committed to creating the most comfortable, convenient, and cutting edge experience.
10. We're Production Advisors
Helping producers problem-solve their projects is one of our specialties. We believe in taking the time to Listen, and we’re quick to offer innovative and practical solutions to save your production time, money, and stress.
11. We're MoCo Masters
Our clients have convenient access to our comprehensive inventory of Motion Control equipment—the largest and most diverse on the East Coast. Our Gazelle Motion Control camera crane also goes on the road–
anywhere your production does.
12. We've Got the Matrix Man
Cobalt’s very own Alex Fernbach designed and invented the 1st array camera used in the legendary “Bullet Time” scene in “The Matrix.” These days, he brings his unparalleled knowledge and creativity to Cobalt to support YOUR productions.
13. We're Conveniently Located
Here at “Hollywood on the Hudson,” we’re just 15 minutes from Midtown with convenient parking and public transportation. Whether you come by car, NY Waterway Ferry, or PATH train, getting here is faster and easier than getting to Brooklyn.
14. We've Got New Jersey's Tax Breaks
We’ve got New York beat. New Jersey’s Film & TV Tax Credit includes up to 35% percent of ABOVE AND BELOW the line on qualified expenses for productions in NJ. New York’s tax credit pertains to ONLY below the line expenses. No need to read between the lines here.
15. We're Wired
Superior connectivity makes it effortless to multitask and monitor your production. At Cobalt, a live HD feed broadcasts from our soundstage to the client room, conference rooms, commercial food prep kitchen, wardrobe, and makeup areas.
16. We're Streaming Live
Our Live Streaming capability allows decision-makers to keep a tab open on their computer even remotely with continuous HD quality footage delivered in real-time. Clients can tune in and weigh in, instantly, so the whole production isn’t waiting around to get the thumbs-up ;)
17. We Don't Nickel and Dime You
At some soundstages, your itemized bill can look like you went on a Whole Foods bender. At Cobalt, there’s no need to rent or carry in basic amenities—and we won’t bill you for them either.
18. We're the Swiss Army Knife of Studios
Cobalt’s inventory of in-house production tools is curated and updated by seasoned professionals. We offer lighting, rigging, high-end lenses, precision robotics, Virtual Set, and more!
19. We Do Tabletop
We’re passionate about tabletop at Cobalt. It's in our DNA. Our home ec kitchen is fully-equipped and easy-to-reconfigure for all types of food-centric projects. This, combined with a wide variety of miniature rigs, specialized optics, and in-house motion control, makes producing tabletop easy and efficient.
20. We're on Your Team
At Cobalt, we’re as passionate about production excellence as you are! We invite you to make us your secret weapon by leveraging our experience and resources—just like an extension of your team.