Our new stages and floor plan!

COBALT WOODSTOCK

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% rebate that surpasses all of NYC (yes, even Brooklyn) and even our New Jersey stage.

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.


Last week, we wrapped on a previous “Cannes award-winning” episodic that Cobalt produced and directed. Stay tuned for our Case Study on this Virtual Production that is soon to follow as it was a great success – 5 international cities, 20 actors, ALL VIRTUAL PRODUCTION.

Our In-The-Pipeline projects include:
A sci-fi episodic, a fantasy feature film, a Rom Com feature, 2 documentaries, and a food commercial. You don’t want to miss out – give us a ring to schedule a look – can’t wait to see you up here!

Lets talk.

Want to learn about virtual production and how to use it?

Cobalt’s got you covered. As the first company to offer Virtual Sets on the East Coast, we have the experience to guide you. Let’s have some fun.

ASK US ABOUT VIRTUAL

Need Production solutions and support?

THAT'S EASY - CALL US

Virtual Production: A New Era of Filmmaking

Virtual Production:
A New Era of Filmmaking

If you haven’t heard about Virtual…there’s a lot to catch up on.

Lets talk.

Want to learn about virtual production and how to use it?

Cobalt’s got you covered. As the first company to offer Virtual Sets on the East Coast, we have the experience to guide you. Let’s have some fun.

ASK US ABOUT VIRTUAL

Need Production solutions and support?

THAT'S EASY - CALL US

Ulster County is the place to be.

Why shoot just anywhere when you can shoot ANYWHERE!?

You know by now that you can shoot anywhere at Cobalt Woodstock. You can shoot on the Moon, Mars, India or Sealy, Texas for that matter. LOL. That’s the magic of Virtual Production.

Yeah, but what if its less expensive or just plain easier to shoot on-location??? Well, we’ve got that too! Nature and beauty resound inside our studio and OUT! Shoot some of your feature out in the wild, and then slip inside!

AND, don’t forget to have a little fun while you’re here 😉

The Music.

We got to thinking about all the reasons folks in the Industry might want to get out of Brooklyn or LA this summer (and fall, and winter, and spring) to shoot up here in Woodstock… How would you like to shoot all day, and then wind down to live music with, say, Leo Kottke or world-class musicians at Levon Helm’s Studio (which is really an acoustic barn venue of all things 🙂 Seriously, we can’t get over how lucky we are to have world-class talent playing in our backyard at a venue with such legendary legacies.

Just a quick look at concerts coming up the area shows you how deep and wide the local music scene is. We’ve got everything from Buddy Guy to Alex G to James Taylor to Shania Twain. That’s not even getting into the festivals and local acts or people playing at breweries and bars all week long. You can literally can go out and see live music every night of the week if that’s your thing.

Obviously, a lot of this is the result of a little festival that happened in 1969 and all the artists who made the area THE place to record in the intervening years. But the Arts have an even deeper history in this area!

The Arts (and the Colony).

The Byrdcliffe Colony was established in 1902, officially bringing the Arts to the area. The Colony was an experiment in utopian living for the Arts and Crafts movement. Artists, thinkers, poets, writers and philosophers flocked to the area. The Colony still exists on 300 acres, and you can take a tour of it. Each year, they have 70 artists in residence and host exhibitions, events and live music.

The Colony has drawn famous artists and visitors alike: feminist author Charlotte Perkins Gillman, educator John Dewey, naturalist John Burroughs, musicians Leon Barzin and Bob Dylan, authors Will Durant and Thomas Mann, painters Milton and Sally Avery, George Bellows, and Philip Guston, photographer Eva Watson-Schutze, sculptor Eva Hesse, journalists Walter Weyl and Heywood Broun, poet Wallace Stevens, actress Helen Hayes and entertainer Chevy Chase.

The Connection.

Looking to connect with yourself? Or something Bigger? You can do that here, too. Head to the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, to brush up on your yoga, to take a sound bath, or to practice mindfulness. They offer workshops ranging from relationships, to holistic healing, to food. Nestled in the woods, it’s a soothing, restorative place to visit.

Mohonk Mountain House sits on a secluded mountain-top lake and offers luxury relaxation in the form of spas, massage and outdoor adventure. They’ve also got have 85 miles of trails where you can wander, hike to spectacular views and connect with nature. Dine in the main dining room, at the chef’s table or outside at the Granary.

Museums are great, but Ulster County has Opus 40, a one-of-a-kind sculpture garden and outdoor museum that sits on 6.5 acres and is surrounded by beautiful meadows and forested paths. Professor and artist, Harvey Fite, hand-sculpted Opus 40 entirely from bluestone harvested, on site and it was a decades-long endeavor. This National Register Historic site was called “One of the largest and most beguiling works of art on the entire continent.” by Architectural Digest.

Ulster County is the place to be.

Yes, we know you want to be here for the 40% NY State Tax Credit, but the truth is…There’s so much to do, see, hear and experience in Ulster County – wayyyy beyond working… Give us a call, and we’ll help you find a little fun!

Want to learn about virtual production and how to use it?

Cobalt’s got you covered. As the first company to offer Virtual Sets on the East Coast, we have the experience to guide you. Let’s have some fun.

ASK US ABOUT VIRTUAL

Need Production solutions and support?

THAT'S EASY - CALL US

NJ vs. Upstate NY - What we've learned

NJ vs. Upstate NY - What we’ve learned…

We all love New Jersey. We love Snookie, Springsteen, conversations about what exit of the Garden State Parkway people grew up near. All of it… what’s not to love?
 
THANKFULLY, New York state makes it rain with tax incentives for the Industry, and gives you GIGANTIC reasons to shoot here.
New Jersey   New York
Up to 35% of qualified film production expenses
A WHOPPING 40% OFF in UPSTATE NY
 
(at Cobalt Woodstock)
 
AND 40% OFF on post-production costs as well
 

OR

30% for expenses incurred for services performed and tangible personal property purchased for use at a sound stage or other location that is located in the state within a 30-mile radius of the intersection of Eighth Avenue/Central Park West, Broadway, and West 59th Street/Central Park South, New York, New York 

AND

Nearly DOUBLE the funding pot to $700 Million

AND

A post production carve out of $45 Million

AND

More qualified ABOVE-THE-LINE costs, with double-caps:

wages for writers, directors, producers, actors, and composers capped per individual at $500,000, and capped per production at 40% of qualified production costs

 

AND

Accelerated timeline in which new productions can claim their credit in the first production year!

AND

Incentivized relocation of a series by allowing, for the first season in NY after relocation 

* relocation costs up to $6 Million

 

AND

A shortened timeline for a relocating talk/variety series to be in production before gaining eligibility from 5 years to 2 years 

Want to learn about virtual production and how to use it?

Cobalt’s got you covered. As the first company to offer Virtual Sets on the East Coast, we have the experience to guide you. Let’s have some fun.

ASK US ABOUT VIRTUAL

Need Production solutions and support?

THAT'S EASY - CALL US

HAPPY JULY 4TH from COBALT

HAPPY JULY 4TH from COBALT

THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman…

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value…

Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.

– Thomas Paine

Learn about Virtual Production and how to use it?

Cobalt’s got you covered. As the first company to offer Virtual Sets on the East Coast, we have the experience to guide you. Let’s have some fun 😉

ASK US ABOUT VIRTUAL

Need Production solutions and support?

THAT'S EASY - CALL US

Our New Stages Part 2!

Our New Stages Part 2!

Cobalt Woodstock.

The stages at Cobalt Woodstock are world class – built by producers, for producers. We offer ample production spaces, room for clients to stretch out and really settle in, a production office, a crafty kitchen, a gigantic prop room, and serious parking. We have a Hair and Make-Up Mezzanine with our Spa Trolley full of fresh slippers and robes, so your talent can get ready in a chill environment. We even have a Mediation Room for a little zen when you need it! Everything has been thoughtfully designed for maximum efficiency, comfort, and convenience.

We’re also a “more-is-more” soundstage. We provide more ceiling height, more hospitality , more smooth amenities, and more high-tech production tools than any other soundstage on the East Coast. Up for a spin with our eye opening Mo-Sys Virtual Production system? We take pride in our Swiss Army Knife-style preparedness. And YES… we honor the fact that streamlining complexity – even in accounting – is every producer’s love language. As always, once you’ve shot here, it’ll start to feel like home and you’ll wonder how you ever worked anywhere outside Hollywood on the Hudson 🙂

Learn about Virtual Production and how to use it?

Cobalt’s got you covered. As the first company to offer Virtual Sets on the East Coast, we have the experience to guide you. Let’s have some fun 😉

ASK US ABOUT VIRTUAL

Need Production solutions and support?

THAT'S EASY - CALL US

Our new stages and floor plan!

COBALT WOODSTOCK

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% rebate that surpasses NYC and even our New Jersey stage.

Stage 1

At 12,000 square feet, Stage 1 is our largest 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 – 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 your thing 😉

We’re drawing attention… lots of it.
Our In-The-Pipeline projects include: A sci-fi episodic, a fantasy feature film, a sponsored episodic, and a web-based documentary all slated for Virtual Production! You don’t want to miss out – give us a ring to schedule a look – can’t wait to see you up here!

Lets talk.

Learn about Virtual Production and how to use it?

Cobalt’s got you covered. As the first company to offer Virtual Sets on the East Coast, we have the experience to guide you. Let’s have some fun 😉

ASK US ABOUT VIRTUAL

Need Production solutions and support?

THAT'S EASY - CALL US

When your work becomes your play.

Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development
May 2023 Newsletter

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” – Steve Jobs.

THIS is who we are! Our work has literally become our play! Every day it seems as though a new challenge presents itself with each call, text or email, but we jump in wholeheartedly because storytelling is genuinely what we love to do.  ❤️

Learn about Virtual Production and how to use it?

Cobalt’s got you covered. As the first company to offer Virtual Sets on the East Coast, we have the experience to guide you. Let’s have some fun 😉

ASK US ABOUT VIRTUAL

Need Production solutions and support?

THAT'S EASY - CALL US

Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development

Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development
May 2023 Newsletter

Earlier this month, Governor Hochul announced transformational changes to extend and enhance the New York State Film Tax Credit Program as part of the historic FY 2024 New York State Budget. These changes include increasing the annual allocation from $420 million to $700 million, extending the program by five years from 2029 through 2034, increasing the base credit percent from 25% to 30%, including double capped above-the-line wages as qualified costs, and more. This new credit will have a major impact Upstate, where productions can receive up to 40% credit for filming in most Upstate counties.

New York State Budget changes to the New York City Musical & Theatrical Tax Credit Program include a two-year program extension, $100 million increase in funding, and expanded eligibility for certain smaller “off Broadway” productions.

Read on for more updates from the Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development (MPTV):

Virtual Information Sessions: NYS Film Tax Credit Changes

The Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development is holding virtual information sessions to inform the industry of the newly expanded film tax credit program and answer questions. The first two sessions were held on May 10 and May 24 and were enthusiastically attended by nearly 400 industry professionals.

The next information session will take place on Wednesday, June 14. MPTV looks forward to hosting more information sessions and continuing the conversation about the exciting developments taking place in New York’s film and television industry. Over the next several months, MPTV will continue to update all materials including websites, applications, guidelines, and regulations to reflect these exciting changes.

Keeping our Communities Camera-Ready

On May 23, MPTV partnered with Film Albany to present a virtual fam tour led by Albany Film Commissioner Debby Goedeke. Attendees learned about filming in the City of Albany and Albany County and were taken on a virtual tour of many stunning area locations that have been used by productions like SuccessionBillionsThe Gilded Age, and White House Plumbers, to name a few. Attendees also heard from location manager Steve Grivno, who shared his experience working on White House Plumbers in the Capital Region.

Next, MPTV will head to Western NY to present a virtual fam tour with Buffalo Film Commissioner Tim Clark on June 29. Then we will travel back down the Hudson to present a virtual fam tour with Hudson Valley Film Commissioner Laurent Rejto on July 11.

To familiarize filmmakers with New York State’s many film-friendly and camera-ready agencies and the locations and resources they offer, MPTV will also host a virtual event with the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) on July 25. The Port Authority will present New York State locations available for filming, provide information about filming protocols at their sites, and answer questions submitted by attendees.

Keep an eye out for more information about upcoming events with State agencies, regional film offices, and other partners about all New York has to offer filmmakers!

Investing in New York State Arts and Culture

Governor Hochul continues to support the many artists and creative organizations that call the Empire State home and enhance New York State arts and culture. Governor Hochul recently announced $82 million in New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) grants are now available for nonprofit arts and culture organizations and individual artists across New York State.

The Governor also announced $24 million in funding for 28 projects across the state through Round XII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. Congratulations to all the winning projects, especially the Social Impact Content Film School, which plans a state-of-the-art film school at its Downtown Yonkers campus, and the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens, which will utilize grant funds to implement and promote special events to attract filmmakers and tourists from around the world. Round XIII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative was recently launched and the New York State Consolidated Funding Application is now open.

Governor Hochul also announced a plan to upgrade the Apollo Media Center in East Buffalo to support job training, youth programming and media production. The $962,000 state investment will help the Center acquire new equipment to expand media education to City residents who own a business and provide a safe creative outlet for young people to explore music and art, while also teaching skills in video production and coding to help familiarize them with media careers.

For more information, or to get in touch with the Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development, please contact 212-803-2330 or nyfilm@esd.ny.gov.

Learn about Virtual Production and how to use it?

Cobalt’s got you covered. As the first company to offer Virtual Sets on the East Coast, we have the experience to guide you. Let’s have some fun 😉

ASK US ABOUT VIRTUAL

Need Production solutions and support?

THAT'S EASY - CALL US

Ulster County is THE place to be.

The Secret's out, Ulster County is THE place to be.

Ulster County already sounds great, but wait, wait there’s more!

The Hudson Valley, and Ulster County in particular, is home to jaw dropping nature, gram-worthy shopping, vibrant communities, and countless restaurants with farm-fresh food and cozy and exciting spaces.

We’re fond of a little town called Woodstock. Maybe you’ve heard of it?

Called the “Most Famous Small Town in the World,” Woodstock, New York is where the 1969 music festival famously took place. Say “Woodstock” and the legendary Summer of Love concert immediately springs to mind.

The nation’s oldest arts and crafts colony, Byrdcliffe, which dates back to 1903 is in Woodstock. While you can still get Woodstock-era beads, tie-dye, and glitter, these days you’re more likely to find modern art, jewelry, and clothing in the Village Green, at the center of town, as well as restaurants and plenty of live music venues that keep the scene thriving.

Want to pamper yourself a bit between days on location or after your production (or during)? Woodstock has you covered all the way from cute BnBs to the Tibetan Buddhist monastery that is next to our Overlook Mountain trailhead ✨. Anyway, there’s something for everyone in your cast and crew (and YOU of course).

If you’re looking for a snack or a drink, pop into Good Night— one of our favorites and the best in the area. The vibe is après ski lodge meets gin joint lounge (the couches are to die for). We recommend the East Coast oysters for a real taste of old New York in the Hudson Valley, (our personal fav is the Crispy Shrimp with Shishito Peppers).

Let’s talk soon about Ulster County!

Learn about Virtual Production and how to use it?

Cobalt’s got you covered. As the first company to offer Virtual Sets on the East Coast, we have the experience to guide you. Let’s have some fun 😉

ASK US ABOUT VIRTUAL

Need Production solutions and support?

THAT'S EASY - CALL US