Kaufman Astoria Studios

Astoria Studios has been making entertainment history for 85 years. Its doors were opened by Adolph Zuckor in 1920. Eventually, the studio became a home for Paramount Pictures, and during the next 20 years, over 120 silent and sound films were produced at the studio. At the start of WWII, the studio was taken over by the U.S. Signal Corps and became known as the Army Pictorial Center. The building eventually fell into disuse, until a non-profit foundation re-opened the big stage in 1977 for the production of "The Wiz." In 1980, New York City turned to real estate developer George S. Kaufman to renovate, expand and revive this national landmark. Working with many interested organizations, he was able to achieve his vision of a full-service, comprehensive studios capable of handling any type, size and style of production. Today, KAS is the location for major motion pictures, independent film, television shows and commercials. Its stages have been graced by artists such as Bill Cosby, Harrison Ford, Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, Mel Gibson, Demi Moore and the cast of Sesame Street.