We built Cobalt Woodstock to offer a space that’s big enough for productions of any size. Now that we have multiple stages totaling a whopping 22,000 sq feet, we welcome not only our lovely commercial clients, but also TV episodics and features, boasting an entire building of production opportunity. We heard the rumblings of the newest Upstate New York Tax incentives, and didn’t want to be left out of the 40-45% credit that surpasses all of NYC (yes, even Brooklyn) and even the New Jersey stages.

Stage 1

At 12,000 square feet, Stage 1 is our largest space, and even larger than our Hoboken space. Ready to accommodate any project, we’re fully mapped for Virtual Production!! Of course, if you’re looking to shoot full practical, we can easily do that, as well. With ceilings that soar 36 feet at their highest point, we can handle pretty much anything. This massive space (with ridiculous ceilings), is accessed through our gigantic Trojan-horse-sized sound vestibule doors – and YES, Cobalt Woodstock is also a drive on stage!!

Stage 2

Stage 2 is an additional 7,000 square feet, which offers expansion space for a wide range of projects. Often in use, don’t hesitate to holler if you want to take advantage of the extra expanse! This stage is an add-on to our Main Stage – Stage 1.

Stage 3

Stage 3 is our tidy insert stage that’s 3,000 sq feet. Close to the Main Stage, yet completely private. Whether used as a control room, a catering hall, a still shoot, a VO recording, or for motion control (where you need a bit of isolation), it’s the ideal oasis that extends Cobalt’s upscale practicality—upstairs and conveniently located adjacent to our Vanity Dept.

And there’s no reason why you couldn’t take all 3 stages! Just take over the entire building for a couple months if that’s what you need.

Our In-The-Pipeline projects include:

A feature that takes place in virtual 1914 Paris, a feature shooting on-location in SC that is virtually New Orleans, a sci-fi episodic at Cobalt Woodstock, and a food commercial.

You don’t want to miss out – give us a ring to schedule look – can’t wait to see you up here!

Lets talk.

FAQs about “Cobalt on the Road”

MOBILE Virtual Production.

Cobalt On The Road:

MOBILE Virtual Production.

Redefining what’s possible.

Cobalt Stages is revolutionizing the production landscape with its innovative “Cobalt on the Road” MOBILE Virtual Stage, bringing cutting-edge Virtual Production directly to clients’ locations. This approach offers unparalleled flexibility and efficiency, enabling high-quality productions without the logistical challenges of traditional set-building or on-location shoots.

A prime example of this innovation is the collaboration with NBC for “Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular.” Cobalt’s MOBILE Virtual Stage facilitated the shooting of 12 polished sets in just three days, utilizing three tracked cameras for real-time compositing. This setup allowed for production of diverse scenes—from a magical Christmas hallway to a rustic lodge—without the need for location permits or extensive travel. The result was a visually stunning special that captivated 6.3 Million viewers during its primetime debut on December 4, 2024.

The “Cobalt on the Road” system is designed for mobility and convenience, enabling productions to save time and money while reducing scheduling stress. By bringing the virtual stage to the client’s preferred location, Cobalt eliminates the need for talent and crew to travel, streamlines lighting requirements, and offers real-time compositing capabilities. This approach not only enhances creative freedom but also significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional production methods.

In addition to its MOBILE solutions, Cobalt Stages offers a Hybrid Virtual Production workflow that combines LED walls with green screen technology. This approach maximizes efficiency and creativity, particularly for small and mid-range budget projects. By utilizing green screens for wide shots and LED walls for mid and close-up shots, productions can achieve realistic visuals without the need for large, expensive LED volumes. This hybrid method allows for seamless integration of real and virtual elements, providing a versatile solution for various production needs.

Cobalt’s commitment to innovation extends beyond technology. As a woman-owned company, Cobalt emphasizes gender equality in the industry and operates as a green facility, focusing on sustainable practices such as reducing waste and minimizing carbon emissions. Their comprehensive, turnkey production solutions are designed to meet the diverse needs of creative professionals, offering state-of-the-art stages, extensive in-house equipment, and a supportive team dedicated to delivering exceptional results.

For productions seeking to elevate their storytelling capabilities while maintaining efficiency and sustainability, Cobalt Stages’ MOBILE Virtual Stage and Hybrid Virtual Production workflows offer transformative solutions. By embracing these innovative approaches, creators can bring their most ambitious visions to life, unbounded by traditional production constraints.

FAQs about “Cobalt on the Road”

MOBILE Virtual Production.

Cobalt Stages takes Virtual Production

On the Road.

No permits, no hassle, just plain-ole movie magic!

We know you love our stages, BUT… Imagine a world where high-quality production isn’t tied to a massive studio, endless permits, or the soul-crushing traffic of getting everyone to set. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, hello hello, Cobalt Stages is making that a reality with Cobalt on the Road—a MOBILE Virtual Stage that brings cutting-edge Virtual Production straight to YOU. That’s right. Your location. Your schedule. Your creative vision—minus the logistical nightmares.

How we shot 12 stunning sets in 3 Days for NBC—Yes, really.

NBC put this game-changing tech to the test for Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular, and the results? Pure magic. Cobalt’s MOBILE Virtual Stage shot twelve polished sets in just three days, using three tracked cameras for real-time compositing. That means seamless transitions from a festive winter wonderland to a cozy, rustic lodge—without hauling an entire production team across multiple locations. No permits, no travel chaos, just studio-quality visuals that wowed 6.3 million viewers on December 4, 2024. Not bad for a few days’ work, huh?

Why “Cobalt on the Road” is a Game-Changer.

Here’s the deal: time is money, and traditional productions eat up both like an unsupervised intern at craft services. With Cobalt on the Road, productions cut down on:

✔️ Travel time – The Virtual Stage comes to YOU, so no more wrangling talent and crew across multiple cities.

✔️ Lighting logistics – Real-time compositing means less setup and more shooting.

✔️ Stress levels – Fewer moving parts = fewer gray hairs for everyone involved.

And the cherry on top? This method slashes the environmental impact of production. No fuel-guzzling flights, no wasteful set builds—just smart, sustainable filmmaking.

Our MOBILE Virtual Production Solution.

We’re at the forefront of this Virtual Production revolution! We’re so excited to now offer a MOBILE VP Solution that brings the magic of virtual environments directly to your set. Our NEW state-of-the-art, portable system combines cutting-edge VR technology with advanced software and hardware, providing a seamless and interactive production experience.

Designed for flexibility and adaptability, our MOBILE Virtual Production solution allows filmmakers to work in a variety of environments and locations at the stage or location of your choosing. Equipped with advanced motion capture technology, actors can perform within a virtual environment with precise tracking and real-time feedback. Plus, with top-notch lighting and rendering capabilities, filmmakers can achieve high-quality, photorealistic results that rival traditional methods.

(Now, don’t get us wrong, if you’d like to continue to take advantage of the “Upstate bump” of the +10% to the already incredible NY tax credits, you are still WELCOME to shoot with us at Cobalt Woodstock in the Hudson Valley.)

Hybrid Virtual Production: Because one size doesn’t fit all.

For projects that need a mix of tech magic, Cobalt also offers Hybrid Virtual Production—a genius combo of LED walls and green screen technology. This approach lets productions keep costs down while still delivering cinematic brilliance. Wide shots? Green screen. Mid and close-ups? LED walls. It’s a budget-friendly way to get Hollywood-level results without selling a kidney.

Innovation meets sustainability.

Beyond the tech, Cobalt Stages is also making waves as a woman-owned, eco-conscious production house. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s baked into their DNA. By reducing waste and minimizing carbon emissions, Cobalt proves that innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand. And if you’re sweet, we might even gift you with some of our homemade organic skin care product, Kara Care 😉

Ready to break free from traditional production constraints?

If you’re looking to take your storytelling to the next level—without the usual headaches—Cobalt Stages has the solution. With MOBILE Virtual Stages and Hybrid Virtual Production, creativity is no longer limited by location, budget, or outdated production methods.

Lights, camera, no limits. Let’s roll.

FAQs about “Cobalt on the Road” MOBILE Virtual Production.

New York Doubles Down on Film Production with Enhanced Tax Incentives

BY JASON FISHER on stagerunner.net

As production numbers dwindle and competition intensifies, New York is stepping up its game to reclaim its position as a top-tier destination for film and television production. Governor Kathy Hochul announced a robust expansion of the state’s film and TV tax incentive program, designed to attract big-budget productions and support independent filmmakers, while giving New York a competitive edge over neighboring states and international hubs.

Among the highlights of Hochul’s proposal is a new $100 million fund exclusively for independent films, offering much-needed relief to smaller productions that have struggled to access incentives in an oversubscribed system. Additionally, the governor unveiled a 10% bonus credit on top of the 30% base rate for companies producing at least three large-scale projects in the state—a move aimed squarely at enticing major studios to commit to New York for the long haul.

The Stakes Are High for New York’s Film Industry

Production spending in New York has dropped by 15% since 2019, with applications for the state’s tax credit plummeting 53% over the last five years, even after the program’s annual cap nearly doubled from $420 million to $700 million in 2023. This downturn mirrors trends across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., as studios pull back in response to shifting economics in the streaming era. The impact has been deeply felt by crews and local businesses, with some lawmakers warning of long-term damage to the state’s creative ecosystem.

New York is also feeling the heat from New Jersey, where aggressive incentives offer up to 39% in production cost reimbursements, making it a formidable rival for projects that might have otherwise stayed in the Empire State.

Leveling the Playing Field

Hochul’s proposal addresses key concerns raised by studios and independent producers alike. Notably, the $500,000 cap on salaries for actors, directors, writers, and producers would be removed, aligning New York’s program with industry standards in New Jersey and other states. This change makes New York more attractive for larger productions, particularly those with star-driven budgets.

Additionally, the governor plans to eliminate the multi-year payout structure for tax credits, which has been a major pain point for both studios and independents. By offering the full credit in the first year of allocation, New York hopes to speed up the cash flow and reduce financial strain on productions.

The proposed $100 million independent film fund is another game-changer, ensuring smaller productions can access vital incentives without competing against blockbuster projects for resources. Allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, this set-aside would be in addition to the $700 million annual cap, effectively raising the total budget for incentives to $800 million.

This is particularly significant as independent productions often face greater financial challenges, with delayed payouts disproportionately impacting their ability to sustain operations.

Industry Reaction

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) praised the move, calling Hochul a “champion for New York State’s creative community.” In a statement, the MPA emphasized the economic ripple effect of productions, noting that major films contribute $1.3 million daily to local communities, while TV series add $475,000 per day.

“She recognizes that when a movie or series films in cities and towns – from Yonkers to Buffalo – the production creates high-quality, high-paying jobs for local workers and supports local businesses,” the statement read.

Not everyone is on board. State Senator James Skoufis has criticized the incentive program, citing a 2023 audit that found it generates 31 cents in tax revenue for every dollar invested. While acknowledging that a repeal is unlikely, Skoufis has called for closer scrutiny of the program’s long-term benefits.

New York’s renewed efforts come as California and British Columbia also expand their programs. Governor Gavin Newsom recently proposed boosting California’s tax incentive to $750 million annually, while British Columbia is increasing its program to CA$1.2 billion (approximately $843 million USD). With production levels struggling to recover post-COVID and amid strikes, these states and provinces are vying to attract productions that could shape their creative economies for years to come.

The Path Ahead

Governor Hochul’s enhanced incentives aim to secure New York’s place in an increasingly competitive production market. By addressing studio concerns, supporting independent filmmakers, and streamlining financial processes, New York is positioning itself as a more attractive destination for production while bolstering its creative workforce and local economies.

As Hochul’s proposal heads to the Legislature, the stakes couldn’t be higher—not just for New York, but for the thousands of crew members and businesses that depend on a thriving film and television industry.

Learn more about Virtual Production and how to use it.

Let’s talk.

FAQs about “Cobalt on the Road” MOBILE Virtual Production.

Woodstock Film Festival Filmmaker Meetup!

Calling all Hudson Valley/Catskill filmmakers, directors, producers, writers, editors, cinematographers, and the like! Join us for an afternoon of networking, idea-sharing, and project discussions. Connect with like-minded professionals, hear from guest speakers, and share your own projects during an open mic session. Learn how to get involved in the 26th Annual Woodstock Film Festival and explore exciting new additions!

This month’s speakers include: Kara Vedder and Alex Fernbach, owners of Cobalt Stages, Virtual Production: Insights & Innovation. More speakers TBA!

Beer, wine, coffee, and light refreshments will be served. Once you have RSVP’d, you will receive a brief survey to fill out so that we can get to know you more.

MOBILE Virtual Stage: “Cobalt on the Road” Makes Jimmy Fallon’s No. 1 Hit happen.

Key Takeaways

• Cobalt worked VIRTUAL magic for Jimmy Fallon’s No. 1 hit – the New-York-themed TV Special that received 6.3 Million Views – BY BRINGING OUR VIRTUAL STAGE TO BROOKLYN (yes, you heard that right), including three tracked cameras each outputting  ”final pixel” composites!

• With “Cobalt on the Road”, our MOBILE Virtual Set saved our NBC client time, money and scheduling stress making it convenient for A-list guests to join Jimmy Fallon without travel.

• Cobalt has invested in the latest, greatest and best Virtual Set technology for high-quality film production with giddy efficiency and location flexibility.

Jimmy Fallon and the many dozen A-list guests of NBC “Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular” danced their way to No. 1 in Primetime with 6.3 Million viewers. Cobalt was thrilled to help by bringing the power of our MOBILE Virtual Production to the client in Brooklyn. Virtual Production gave them unbounded creative freedom to:

• Be able to shoot 12 polished sets in 3 shoot days with incredible efficiency.
• Create visually deep and elaborate sets with minimum building and propping.
• Live composite all 3 cameras on the fly (in real time).
• Streamline lighting since only the live action element needed to be lit practically —all with campy effervescence.

Have VSet, will travel.

“Cobalt on the Road”, our MOBILE Virtual Stage, made a litany of production problems, non-issues. From the doors of a magical never-ending hallway to a hardware store interior; from a rustic lodge, to a flashback of Jimmy and “The Roots” as kids; from magical landscapes to an epic Times Square party to a hollowed out tree trunk with hundreds of chipmunks. We transitioned effortlessly through fantastical lands with America in tow.

No location permitting, no waiting for snow to fall, and no rabies shots (for chipmunks;)) needed when using Virtual Production on the Brooklyn stage.

Weird Al Yankovic & Jimmy Fallon on New Year’s Eve Virtual Set.

Jimmy in the Chipmunks n’ Chestnuts VSet.

And don’t forget virtual sledding with good ole Justin Timberlake.

Our Virtual Production process unleashes even the wildest imaginations.

Your imagination isn’t limited to a line item, and neither is Virtual Production. It frees you to dream big at a fraction of the cost of traditional production. Save time, travel and location costs while bringing your big idea to life.

While it’s natural to side-eye new tech, at first, it is obvious the Virtual Production workflow is the next inevitable progression in the film-to-digital transformation.

As our own Alex likes to say, Virtual is simply more “Science in the Service of Art.”

Cobalt comes to YOU with our MOBILE Virtual Stage.

If you’re virtually confused, that’s 100% understandable. Virtual Production technology has evolved rapidly, and it’s tough to catch up when you have a day job. Cobalt has stayed virtually in step for a very long time. As producers ourselves and production advisors, to boot, we speak your language. We translate all the latest gives and gets, so you can make confident decisions without going back in time to snag a computer sciences degree. AND NOW, we come to you. On-location or on any stage of your choice. We deliver right to your doorstep. Our newest system is extremely transportable.

If you can dream it…our Virtual Sets make it possible.

We love saying YES  to virtual possibilities. Dancing on the roof of Rockefeller Center? No sweat. Jimmy Fallon skiing over the city? Let’s do it. Dolly Parton in a hometown diner and a fabulous winter wonderland when its really summer outside? Brilliant. Your vision is our Virtual Production.

Learn more about Virtual Production and how to use it.

Let’s talk.

FAQs about “Cobalt on the Road” MOBILE Virtual Production.

Level Up Your Production in 2025

Here are 25 Ways Cobalt Can Help

1. We’re Innovative.

With “Cobalt on the Road”, our MOBILE Virtual Tech saves time, money and travel stress. From Brooklyn to LA, we’ll be at YOUR doorstep – just like our latest project w/ NBC in NYC!!

2. We’re Innovative.

Our credo is Production Reimagined. In a world of drafty, blank spaces, we strive to offer more— comprehensive tools, thoughtful amenities, and a supportive team. Our clients feel the difference, right away.

3. We’re Turnkey.

Why spend your precious time sourcing lights, rigging tools, and folding chairs? At Cobalt you don’t need to. We save you time and money by offering all your production essentials onsite.

4. 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!

5. 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 2025!

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.

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 help them 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. And we’ve even expanded to the country with Cobalt Woodstock ✌️.

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, cutting-edge, and cost effective 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 in the Heart of New York’s Artistic Enclave.

Cobalt Woodstock is centrally located smack in the middle of one of New York’s original centers of Art. Your production, talent, and crew will have access to stylish BnB’s, outstanding food, and a community of artisans, all while saving a bundle on parking, lodging, and meal cost.

14. We’ve Got ALL the Tax Breaks.

Because we’re in upstate New York, your production will get up to 40% of ABOVE AND BELOW the line on qualified expenses. No need to read between the lines here. And, 45% for post!

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 room, 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, 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.

21. Get Creative.

No two productions are the same, so our spaces are built to be ultra-flexible. We’re hosting Virtual projects with clients making use of our live compositing, and Live-streaming with others! Some are even making use of our insert stage for still shoots all-the while. And if its easier for us to come to you with our Tech, we’ll do that, too!

22. Make Us Your Secret Weapon.

At Cobalt, we’re as passionate about production excellence as you are! We invite you to leverage our expertise and equipment, just like an extension of your team. We’d love to hear about your next production, and how we can help.

23. Use More, Pay Less.

We deliver the best value by offering generous free amenities and a comprehensive inventory of onsite production tools.

24. More Green (A Lot More).

Cobalt Woodstock is home to one of the largest green screens on the East Coast. This newly installed screen is 70 feet wide and 20 feet high, which means you can let your production’s imagination run wild.

25. Park to Your Heart’s Delight.

Want to drive a box truck into the soundstage? No big deal, we can handle it. Need easy and stress free parking for your whole crew? We’ve got that too. Cobalt is all about making things easy so you can focus on the work at hand.

2025 has been a big year!!

Let’s talk.

Virtual Production: Top 3 Things Every Producer Should Know.

Learning about Virtual Sets and using them whenever possible is a step all producers can take to reduce costs, creative compromises, carbon emissions, and solid waste. Want to sell your clients on this money-saving, planet-saving option? We can help. When we created the East Coast’s first Virtual Backlot, we promised to provide the Tri-State production community with the proper guidance to use it. Here are some of the things you should know.

Upgrade your sets for less.

Virtual Sets deliver a degree of detail that would be wildly expensive to create with practical sets. And that rich, convincing, VSet detail costs less than a practical set, too! For example, a typical low-cost office set consists of backlit blinds on the windows and a modest assortment of Ikea furniture. The virtual version, on the other hand, can show a view out the window that’s appropriate to the location, season, and time of day. Picture this— walls and shelves decked out with binders, awards, and books… Workstations loaded with computers, staplers, lamps, papers, phones, family photos, and coffee cups… without ever prop shopping. And as a bonus, assurance that set continuity becomes a non-issue, too.

Sustainable sets made simple.

The Industry is just starting to acknowledge the immense toll practical sets wreak on the environment. Part of the problem is their inherent transience. But when we dig a little deeper, the problem is more nuanced. Take luan, for example. This lightweight plywood is a popular set-building material because it’s easy to move around. Luan is harvested from rainforests and is “a massive source of deforestation” according to Hollywood’s sustainability consultant, Emille O’Brien. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Virtual Sets eliminate solid wastes, altogether, and create a minuscule carbon footprint. Because Virtual Sets are inexpensive and easy to use, there’s often no good reason not to.

Shoot anywhere in the universe.

Virtual Sets can enhance your production beyond budget constraints and environmental impact, too. With the infinite creative possibilities they offer, VSets are nothing short of revolutionary. With our Virtual Backlot, you can shoot in remote or even imaginary locations— the rainforest, a plane, or another planet—and you’re never more than 15 minutes from Midtown if you so choose. We’ll bring Cobalt on the Road to you! Vast, photorealistic environments like “Black Panther’s” Wakanda are now possible. How do you think they created six virtual miles of futuristic cityscape and 60,000 individual buildings…? Answer: Virtual Set.

Our Virtual Set experts can set you up with everything you need to incorporate this valuable tool into YOUR methodology.

Let’s talk.