In the wake of the recent Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) strike, New York City’s film and television industry is on the rise. Filmmakers are leaving Hollywood, and new studios are being built in The Big Apple. Amid this cinematic renaissance, Air Sea Land stands as a leading force, especially in the niche realm of underwater filmmaking.
With over 30 years of experience, ASL is the largest rental house for Professional Underwater camera gear and Jimmy Jib rentals in the NorthEast US.
NYC’s Industry on the Rise
It’s no secret that filmmakers love New York for its iconic nature and backdrop. Add in the tax credit, and you’ve got even more allure.
To encourage film companies to film in New York, productions which comply with requirements may be eligible for a tax credit of 30% percent of qualified production expenses. Qualified expenses include certain above-the-line wages subject to specific caps, below-the-line wages, and production costs directly related to the production of a qualified film. This tax credit is funded at $700 million a year through 2034. — New York State
New York State Film Tax Credit Program (Production)
Developers have caught on and are making strides. Even NYC Mayor Eric Adams is calling Western Queens “a worthy rival of Hollywood.” (Deadline)
Wildflower Studios
Located next to the Steinway and Sons piano factory in Astoria and developed in partnership with Robert De Niro and his son Raphael, Wildflower Studios is a multi-level, 775,042-square-foot complex with 11 Sound Stages. Wildflower refers to the studio as a “vertical village for film production…combining the collaborative environment of a Hollywood-style studio with the latest digital production capability.” (Wildflower Ltd.)
East End Studio
Located in Sunnyside, East End Studio will be a 340,000 square feet production campus with “three full-service, ground floor soundstages adding up to 75,000 square feet” and a “15,000 square foot rooftop flex stage boasting views of the Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan skylines.” (Variety). Completion is expected by Quarter 1 of 2025.
These studios join Kaufman Astoria Studios and Silvercup Studios in Long Island City, making Queens the place to be. Our company is geared to be an integral part of this exciting chapter.
The Increasing Demand for Underwater Film Scenes
The industry is witnessing a surge in popularity and demand for underwater filming. Productions are increasingly choosing to shoot scenes underwater, a trend aimed at breathing life into their narratives and elevating the audience experience.
In the world of storytelling, underwater scenes have an unparalleled allure. We’ve witnessed ingenious solutions like stages built with retaining walls for shallow water shots, and it’s clear – New York needs a dedicated underwater stage.
As these studios emerge across the city, ASL is here to consult, provide equipment, and cater to the dynamic needs of filmmakers seeking to push boundaries.
ASL’s Underwater Production Services
Our dedicated team of highly skilled underwater divers and camera operators brings premium underwater video and filming services that elevate your visual storytelling. This commitment ensures that we capture not just footage but immersive experiences beneath the surface.
We pride ourselves on:
- Versatility: Our expertise spans various industries, including film, television, documentaries, and commercials.
- Equipment: We utilize state-of-the-art equipment featuring advanced underwater camera systems and cutting-edge underwater lighting.
- Results: We are driven to deliver exceptional results that surpass our clients’ expectations. Whether it’s the visual narrative of a feature film or the impactful storytelling needed for a marketing campaign, ASL transforms your vision into reality.
Check out our latest underwater track record:
In 2017, ASL live-streamed ABC News’ Ginger Zee swimming with sharks at the Ray of Hope Shipwreck off the coast of the Bahamas. ASL is the only company that has live-streamed underwater. You can watch the Live 360-degree view here.
ASL’s Jib Crane Services
ASL stands as a leading provider of jib services, jib rentals, and crew services. We are one of the pioneering companies in New York City to offer jib services.
We pride ourselves on:
- Inventory: Our extensive inventory includes various jib sizes and types, catering to the diverse needs of clients across film, television, and live events.
- Expertise: Our team of experienced professionals operates 24/7, providing jib services that consistently exceed client expectations. Our highly skilled technicians and operators are dedicated to ensuring that clients’ projects, from setup to breakdown, are executed seamlessly. With ASL’s crewing services, you get a comprehensive solution for all your jib-related needs.
Whether it’s capturing the magic of an underwater environment or orchestrating intricate shots with our jib cranes, our equipment, expertise, and creative support are pivotal in meeting the demands of the NYC film industry.
If you’re searching for underwater video equipment in NYC, check out our website or contact our team for tailored solutions:
Website: airsealand.com
Telephone: +1 (718) 626.2646
Email: info@airsealand.com or rentals@airsealand.com
