Location Spotlight | Characters Restaurant and Bar

Welcome to Broadway Stages' Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, landmarks, and venues where productions that call Broadway Stages home have filmed “on location”. We encourage our readers to visit these locations and join the film and television industry in helping to support the local economy and community based establishments. Today, we visit a location featured in FBI: Most Wanted, Rockland County's Characters Restaurant and Bar.

As you tuned in to “FBI: Most Wanted” on Thursday, Dec. 17, you were probably focused on Dylan McDermott's character, FBI Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott, and his team's efforts to catch a serial killer and his own romantic pursuit of Susan Misner's character Abby Deaver. But residents and visitors to Rockland County, New York may have noticed a beloved character of their own, Characters Restaurant and Bar. While the scene from episode 8 was filmed in the parking lot, Characters has been an extra for many shows over the years. Given it’s popularity as a location for filming, we are taking time to spotlight this esteemed restaurant. And for those “FBI: Most Wanted” fans with a keen eye, you will notice that a local Greenpoint restaurant made a cameo appearance; our own Kinoko restaurant located on Meserole Ave. See our Spotlight blog about Kinoko here.

Characters has been a favorite dinner stop since it was established in 1908 as the Glenwood Hotel. For years, travelers going to and from upstate New York, Vermont, and Canada would enjoy the hospitality here. However, with the opening of the New York State Thruway in the 1950s, traffic slowed, and business did as well. In the late 1990s, the building was preserved and restored to its original appearance. In 2006, Jenny Kirby, her sister, Dionne Acton, and Dionne's husband, Tommy Acton, joined forces to create Characters. Kirby's husband and long-time Character's bartender, Dennis Kelleher, is often seen lending a hand as well. It truly is a family endeavor.

When they moved in, they improved upon the earlier restoration by adding intimate touches in the open dining area and the upstairs private banquet room and expanded the side bar. The bar, just off the main dining room, has a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere with friendly faces, whether they are local regulars or exhausted hikers fresh from nearby Harriman State Park. You can sit in the dining room by the fireplace, but some enjoy the wraparound porch while spending time with their canine friends. 

Upstairs, Character's offers a private room with its own bar. The room is cozy but classy and can accommodate up to sixty-five people. On occasion, Character's hosts live entertainment, but for the most part, the room can be rented for parties and dinners. 

Character's menu and beer selection definitely show the influence of the owner's Irish heritage. Jenny Kirby has been honored as the Hibernian Businessperson of the Year, and her brother-in-law, Tommy Acton, hails from Galway, Ireland. And while the bar offers a nice selection of moderately priced quality wines and a wide variety of imported and specialty beers, you may be tempted to partake in a frothy Guinness. 

The kitchen also has a range of dishes, from typical pub fare to pasta with handmade sauce. You can get seafood, steak, or pizza as well. But for those looking to taste something with a Gaelic sensibility, consider the fish and chips, the homemade Irish beef stew, chicken pot pie, or, of course, Shepard's pie. The authentic Irish beef stew is made with Guinness and served with a side of Irish soda bread. The chicken pot pie will stick to your ribs. It is filled with potatoes, mushrooms, peas, and carrots in a creamy veloute sauce and is topped with a puff pastry. And the star is the Shepards Pie crafted with  Prime Angus chopped beef, carrots, peas, and onions, topped with Characters creamed potatoes. You can see their complete offerings here.

Broadway Stages loves to work with other motivated, family-owned businesses. Character's isn't just a great place to see on the TV screen; it is a great place to be. As one Yelp reviewer said, "Whether you're sitting at the bar, in the dining room, ordering a to-go order, or throwing a party in the beautiful upstairs room, it is always a pleasant experience. Not only is the food great, but the people are as well. Not to mention the prices are unbeatable when compared to most other places in the county. I have never felt more at home in any other bar/restaurant! Characters is truly a one-of-a-kind place with one-of-a-kind people and will always be my #1!"

Character's is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook. for events, promotions, and weekly specials. Stop in today and tell them Broadway Stages sent you!  Oh, and and check back to see where FBI: Most Wanted will film next. Your favorite establishment may be the next character on the show! 

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One of New York’s largest growing full-service film, television, live streaming, commercial, live performance, and music video studio production companies, Broadway Stages has been an integral part of New York for over four decades. With more than 60 soundstages located across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, we currently have over 4 million sq. ft. of integrated soundstages, support space, locations, parking, and in-house lighting, power, and grip rental service available to handle all types of production.

Together with our clients, we have employed thousands of people, and have created hundreds of local jobs. We are dedicated to giving back to our community through education, the arts, and social and environmentally focused programs. We have a hyper-local focus and work primarily with local businesses for our production needs. We actively demonstrate our commitment to renewable energy and sustainability with our rooftop solar panels, agricultural and wildflower gardens, and related educational programs.

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information and links to put you in touch with industry-focused job posting sites; general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information. We also include a link to our blogs about many of the jobs that make a production come to life.

Brooklyn Workforce Innovations

Broadway Stages is dedicated to strengthening the communities where we work. We are not only active in fostering social and environmental initiatives that benefit our community, but also proud of the jobs that are created by the productions that call our facilities home. One of the major draws to filming in New York is our talented workforce.  The active generation of talent for the future of our industry is critical, which is why we support organizations like Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI). 

BWI has empowered marginalized communities across New York City for more than two decades by creating realistic paths to stable, upwardly mobile careers.  Each year, the group assists more than 900 individuals in overcoming employment challenges and achieving long-term success. 

BWI knows there are many obstacles to success. To help smooth the road, they provide resources and support that allows trainees to focus on building a career. Participants can get help with tax preparation, access to benefits, financial literacy, and assistance with legal and transportation issues. Moreover, there are job replacement services, personalized career counseling, and continuing education workshops for graduates for two years after they complete their training program. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Brooklyn workforce innovations

BWI training programs include two specifically related to the film and television industry as well as others: 

• The “Made in NY” PA Training Program and Post Production Training Program: For TV and film production careers. It is a collaboration between BWI and the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.

• The Production Accounting Training Program: Trains on budgeting, tracking expenses, and managing payroll in the film and television industry

• Brooklyn Networks: A free 6-week, full-time training and job placement program for careers in voice and data telecommunications cable installation

• Brooklyn Woods: A free,7-week full-time training program in woodworking skills, cabinetmaking and fabrication

• Red Hook on the Road: Offers classroom-based and behind-the-wheel training leading to an NYS Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

• The NYCHA Resident Training Academy: NYCHA residents get the skills training for and placement in various careers with NYCHA and its contractors

• The KindWork Customer Experience Fellowship: A free 6-week training program that covers customer support software platforms and best practices for work in Customer Experience, Customer Support, or Customer Success careers in the technology sector.

While work brings a much-valued paycheck, getting work and keeping that coveted job requires an upfront investment. Trainees can apply for the Tools of the Trade Fund to overcome these hurdles. This fund can help pay for life expenses like childcare, groceries, and MetroCards. It can also be used for credentialing costs and the required tools and equipment for a new job. 

BWI graduates earn an average of $20 an hour, and 75% are placed in jobs that provide benefits. If all of this sounds attractive and you want to learn more, check out one of their upcoming information sessions.

If you are an employer looking for a great new member for your team, BWI can connect you with a candidate. Their graduates are trained, credentialed, and ready to work. You can be confident they have a firm grasp of the basics of their chosen industry and hands-on experience in real work environments. Click here for more information. If you don’t see your field listed in the currently offered training programs, BWI can develop and deliver customized training for your organization. Just contact them to get the process started. 

Broadway Stages knows the value of a well-trained and dedicated workforce. Our team has made us one of the largest growing film and television studio production companies in New York. We know that our industry and communities will remain strong thanks to outstanding organizations like Brooklyn Workforce Innovations. Consider giving them your financial support and keep an eye on the great things they do on Instagram and Facebook.

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information and links to put you in touch with industry-focused job posting sites; general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information. We also include a link to our blogs about many of the jobs that make a production come to life.

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One of New York’s largest growing full-service film, television, live streaming, commercial, live performance, and music video studio production companies, Broadway Stages has been an integral part of New York for over four decades. With more than 60 soundstages located across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, we currently have over 4 million sq. ft. of integrated soundstages, support space, locations, parking, and in-house lighting, power, and grip rental service available to handle all types of production.

Together with our clients, we have employed thousands of people, and have created hundreds of local jobs. We are dedicated to giving back to our community through education, the arts, social and environmentally focused programs. We have a hyper-local focus and work primarily with local businesses for our production needs. We actively demonstrate our commitment to renewable energy and sustainability with our rooftop solar panels, agricultural and wildflower gardens, and related educational programs.

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What Makes a Christmas Film, a Christmas Film?

"Miracle on 34th Street." "A Christmas Story." "The Muppets Christmas Carol." "Elf." No one can argue that those are not Christmas films. But many other movies are not so clear-cut. Check out some of these less traditional holiday films and decide for yourself.

"Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944)

This Judy Garland vehicle recounts a whole year in the life of the Smith family in the leadup to the opening of the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. The film starts in the summer of 1903, but the third act transpiring during the holidays is possibly the most celebrated. Patriarch Mr. Smith (Leon Ames) announces that the family must move to New York right after Christmas for his work. This devastating news means this will be the family's last Christmas in St. Louis, and they will miss the world's fair. Second-oldest daughter Esther (Garland) tries to console youngest daughter Tootie (Margaret O'Brien) with a heartfelt rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Will that be enough for their father to reconsider his decision to uproot the family?

"The Apartment" (1960)

Billy Wilder's Best Picture winner "The Apartment" follows several weeks in the life of C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon), a lonely New York City office worker seeking to climb the corporate ladder by allowing company managers to use his apartment for their extramarital trysts. He secretly pines for elevator operator Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine) who unbeknownst to Baxter is having an affair with his boss Jeff Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray). During the company Christmas party, Kubelik realizes that Sheldrake will never leave his wife for her, and she ends up passed out in Baxter's apartment following an argument with Sheldrake and an overdose of sleeping pills. As Baxter tends to her, the two grow closer together. Will these lonely colleagues fall in love by New Year's Eve?

"Trading Places" (1983)

John Landis's "Trading Places" stars Dan Aykroyd as the wealthy and snooty commodities broker Louis Winthorpe III and Eddie Murphy as the poor street hustler Billy Ray Valentine whose lives become intertwined when wealthy brothers Randolph and Mortimer Duke (Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche) bet on how the two men would fare if they swapped places. Winthorpe finds himself living on the streets during the holidays while Valentine is now earning a steady paycheck from Duke & Duke Commodity Brokers. At the company Christmas party, Winthorpe disguises himself as Santa so he can sneak in and plant drugs on Valentine to get him fired. When Valentine finds out about the bet, and that the Dukes plan to let him go, the two come together to plot their revenge.

"Die Hard" (1988)

With 95% of the film's action taking place during a Christmas party (a party gone terribly wrong, but a party nonetheless), it is hard to argue that "Die Hard" is not a holiday film. But the debate rages on more than 30 years after a group of terrorists led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) crashed the annual Nakatomi Corporation holiday party, spurring New York City cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) into action, taking down the terrorists one by one. With a soundtrack that includes "Let it Snow" and "Christmas in Hollis," as well as Santa hats, wreaths, poinsettias, and Christmas trees sprinkled throughout, and the memorable use of the phrase "ho ho ho," the film is full of holiday cheer.

"About a Boy" (2002)

Christmas is a recurring theme in this film about bachelor Will Freeman (Hugh Grant) who has no interest in commitment until he meets an awkward 12-year-old boy named Marcus (Nicholas Hoult). Freeman has very few cares in the world, as he lives off of royalties from a Christmas song that his father wrote. At a single parents social group, which he joins to meet women under the false pretense that he has a child, he encounters the attractive Suzie (Victoria Smurfit) and her friend's son Marcus, whose troubled mother has left him needing parental support. As Will and Marcus bond, he joins the family for Christmas dinner and a gift exchange and discovers what has been missing from his life

2024 Nominees | Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards

The 2024 awards season continues. This month we learned which productions earned nominations at the 82nd annual Golden Globes and 30th annual Critics Choice Awards.

We are thrilled to report that several productions that filmed at Broadway Srages are in the running for these prestigious honors. Netflix's limited series "Ripley" earned three Golden Globe nominations: Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television; Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television for Andrew Scott; and Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television for Dakota Fanning.

The series, which used our facilities for reshoots, also garnered three Critics Choice nods: Best Limited Series, Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television for Andrew Scott, and Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television for Dakota Fanning.

Another production filmed at our facilities that was recognized by the Critics Choice Association is "Evil," currently streaming on both Netflix and Paramount Plus. The supernatural show is up for Best Drama Series and Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Michael Emerson.

See the full list of Critics Choice Awards nominations

The papal drama "Conclave" and musical "Wicked" are the clear frontrunners at the Critics Choice Awards, with each film earning 11 nominations. Right behind are the sci-fi epic "Dune: Part Two" and the musical crime drama "Emilia Pérez" with 10. The historical drama "The Brutalist" also performed well, garnering nine nominations, while the crime drama "Anora" and horror satire "The Substance" brought in seven apiece. Each of these aforementioned films earned nominations for both Best Picture and Best Director.

In the television categories, FX/Hulu's historical drama "Shōgun" leads the pack with six nominations. Numerous productions received the next most nominations with four each: ABC's "Abbott Elementary," Netflix's "The Diplomat," Apple TV+'s "Disclaimer," HBO/Max's "Hacks," HBO/Max's "The Penguin," and FX's "What We Do in the Shadows."

Three shows streaming on Hulu dominate the Golden Globe television nominees, with "The Bear" garnering five nods and "Only Murders in the Building" and "Shōgun" earning four.

In the film categories, the Golden Globes have declared "Emilia Pérez" as the frontrunner with 10 nominations. "The Brutalist" follows with seven, then "Conclave" with six, and "Anora" and "The Substance" with five each. Several films, including "Wicked," trail with four nods.

This year the Golden Globes will present the honorary Cecil B. DeMille Award to Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis and the Carol Burnett Award to Emmy-award winning TV star Ted Danson.

See the full list of Golden Globe Awards nominees

The 82nd annual Golden Globes will air January 5 on CBS, with comedian Nikki Glaser hosting. Glaser is also up for an award for her stand-up special "Someday You'll Die." A week later on January 12, Chelsea Handler will host the 30th annual Critics Choice Awards. This will be her third year in a row hosting the ceremony. The festivities will air on E! and stream live on Peacock.

Best of luck to all nominees! We look forward to finding out who wins in a couple weeks.  Read on to learn about the history of the Gloden Globes and the Critics Choice Awards. 

About the Golden Globes:

The first major ceremony of awards season, the Golden Globes recognizes excellence in film and television.  Presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the voting body is made up of 300 entertainment journalists from 75 different countries. The Golden Globes award actors, directors, and other artists in film and television, recognizing  achievements in 27 categories; 14 in motion pictures and 13 in television. The first Golden Globe Awards were held in January 1944 and honored the best achievements in 1943 filmmaking.

About the Critics Choice: 

The finest in cinematic and television achievement are honored with the annual Critics Choice Awards.  The inaugural Critics Choice Awards were presented in 1996 by what is now today as the Critics Choice Association (CCA), a group of broadcast, radio, online critics and entertainment journalists who review films, documentaries, and scripted and unscripted television.  Originally known as the Broadcast Film Critics Association, which was founded by Joey Berlin and Rod Lurie in 1995, it merged with the Broadcast Television Journalists Association in 2019 to create the CCA. Today, the CCA is the largest critics organization in the U.S. and Canada with more than 580 members.

Industry Organizations | Motion Picture Association

As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry by providing soundstages and locations where filming can take place. But we are just one part of the comprehensive network of companies and individuals working to make productions come to life. There are also organizations that serve as bridges between these varied parties, encouraging collaboration and mutual support. In this series, we will take a look at these industry organizations to provide insight into their role in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at the Motion Picture Association.

What Is the Motion Picture Association?

With headquarters located in Washington, DC, the Motion Picture Association (MPA) is an American trade association founded in 1922 to ensure the viability of the American film industry. Today, it is the leading advocate worldwide for the film, television, and streaming industry. Its member studios are Netflix Studios, LLC; Paramount Pictures Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Universal City Studios LLC; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.; and Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios. 

Under the leadership of chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin, the MPA is a leader in safeguarding intellectual property rights to protect its members' content across all screens. It also leads the way into the future by supporting innovative distribution models and trade policies that expand viewing choices to audiences worldwide. But its focus goes beyond the marketplace. The MPA champions the growing diversity of filmmakers and defends the creative and artistic freedoms of storytellers.  Their headquarters facility also houses its own secret movie museum, 70-seat theatre, and showcases props from a number of famous movies. Learn more about the mission and history of the MPA building here.  

What Does the Motion Picture Association Do? 

When you mention the MPA to many people, their first thought is of movie ratings. In 1930, when the U.S. government threatened to censor the content being brought to the screen, the MPA countered by creating a list the members called the "Don'ts and Be Carefuls," based on items challenged by local censor boards. This list became known as the Hays Code after Will H. Hays, president of the MPA at the time. Later, in 1968, the code was replaced by a voluntary film rating system managed by the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA), an independent division of the MPA. It is a voluntary system that is not enforced by law. Films can be exhibited without a rating, although most theaters refuse to exhibit non-rated films.

As mentioned above, the MPA also plays a vital role in protecting members' content. With this goal in mind, it has established the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), a global coalition dedicated to protecting the dynamic legal market and reducing online piracy, and the Trusted Partner Network. This multifaceted framework upholds the integrity and security of media content. 

Protecting content is essential to ensuring the financial stability of the film and TV industry. The MPA also advocates worldwide for policies that ensure a fertile market for production. This benefits both the MPA members and the communities where they create. The film and TV industry in the United States accounts for 2.74 million jobs and $17 billion in exports. 

In addition to these efforts, the MPA actively fosters new technological advances that empower creators to give life to their stories and to transport audiences to new worlds. These efforts range from production, like innovation in special effects, to the viewing experience, such as 3D and 4D theaters. Beyond the theater, the MPA is embracing and developing ways to deliver content where, when, and on any device they want. Content creators now use more than 140 legal services to make film and TV content available online in the United States and more than 460 worldwide.

Finally, the MPA knows that the quality of its productions depends on the quality of its creators. With more points of view shared, audiences experience more vibrant and enlightening stories. Diversity produces more unique stories and reveals perspectives that otherwise would have been missed. This is a view Broadway Stages shares. As our President and CEO, Gina Argento, said, "At Broadway Stages, we value diversity and promote the inclusion of experiences, talents, and culture across our operations, and we support efforts to advance opportunities for women and minorities in the television and film industry and beyond."

As you can see, the MPA works to support and empower creators from all backgrounds, geographies, skills, and pursuits. Check out their Instagram and Facebook pages to see what the Motion Picture Association is doing today.

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information and links to put you in touch with industry-focused job posting sites; general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information. We also include a link to our blogs about many of the jobs that make a production come to life.

Spotlight | Settepani

Welcome to Broadway Stages' Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to consider supporting these organizations to advance the local community. Today, we head to Williamsburg and Harlem to learn about the family-owned and -operated Settepani Bakery and Restaurant.

Today, we head to Williamsburg and Harlem to learn about the family-owned and -operated Settepani Bakery and Restaurant.  

Settepani Bakery founder Chef Nino Settepani moved from Sicily to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, as a boy. In his youth, he worked in a bakery, then attended NYU and the French Culinary Institute under chef Jacques Pépin, ultimately opening Settepani Bakery in Williamsburg in 1992.

The Settepani Bakery offers many artisanal breads, biscotti, cookies, pastries, custom cakes, homemade gelato, chocolates, and, of course, the holiday favorite and Settepani's famous Nutella panettone! In addition to providing great old-world Italian specialties, Settepani satisfies various tastes with mousse cakes, nut cakes, muffins, breads, and American favorites baked goods. You can view the full menu here. The Lorimer Street Bakery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

The family-owned and operated bakery grew significantly when Chef Nino met his wife, Leah Abraham. Leah, an Ethiopian-Eritrean immigrant, grew up in Harlem. In 2000, Leah and Nino reached out to Leah's neighborhood of Harlem and established the Settepani bakery and café. In 2010, they transformed the bakery in Harlem into an Italian restaurant, raising the bar once again. Panini is offered only at lunch, but there are ten antipasti, ten kinds of pasta, six pizzas, and seven main courses at dinner. While Settepani Restaurant offers contemporary Italian-Mediterranean cuisine, don't be surprised if you see some Ethiopian influence throughout its menu. You can view the full menu here. The Malcolm X Boulevard restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

Their children, Bilena and Seyoum, joined the family business and are keeping the dream alive! Bilena began her career in fashion but dropped it to help her parents when the pandemic hit. She changed course and successfully graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education; she is now the head chef and baker at Settepani! Seyoum, with an M.A. from the University of Richmond, is the restaurant's general manager.

One menu item that Bilena has added is the famed Nutella panettone. One customer said, "From the first time I went, Bilena was so sweet and helpful with her service, and I've been going back at least once a week since. They have so many fresh baked options, but their specialty, the panettones, is the best part." Be sure to feast with your eyes and stay in the Settepani loop by following them on Instagram and Facebook. 

Forbes magazine said that Settepani manifests "...the importance of being a tight family in the service of people who can feel their sincerity and their desire to please and make their guests very happy and satisfied." This sentiment hits close to home for Broadway Stages. We hope you take advantage of this local treasure soon. And when you do, don't forget the Nutella panettone, and be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

Industry Jobs | Production Manager

As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes. Still, they also need a skilled and experienced workforce. In this series, we look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at the role of a production manager.

What Is a Production Manager?

A production manager plays a key role in a film or television production, from planning to completion. They do not work on the creative side of a production; rather, they oversee the process. This position reports directly to the line producer, who is the chief administrator in the production office. Unit production managers, as the Directors Guild of America knows them, are responsible for budgets, shooting schedules, and managing the day-to-day business side of production. The production manager also oversees what's known as "below-the-line" crew. "Below-the-line" is a term for all the personnel on a TV show or film who are not the creative principals of a production. 

What Does a Production Manager Do?

A production manager's responsibilities are broad in scope when overseeing operations. They will hire and manage the crew, ensure the equipment is available and functioning, and adjust the budget and schedule, among many other jobs. Three of the main tasks they are charged with are budgeting, transportation, and scheduling, 

A film or television production is a massive machine with many moving parts. Money is the fuel that keeps it all moving, so budgeting can be the difference between a project's success or failure. A production manager may have to create a working budget for personnel, equipment, and locations or simply oversee it. On larger productions, they work with a team that may include financiers, producers, and directors.

Another factor they deal with is the location of the production. Some days, production will be centered on a studio lot like our Arthur Kills campus on Staten Island. On other days, the production may be filming at a location like McCarron Park in Greenpoint. Cast, crew, and equipment must move fluidly between sites so there are no interruptions. A production manager's skills craft the logistics required to accomplish this. 

Further ensuring a constant flow of work is the task of scheduling. Production managers need to have a firm grasp of the many dynamic variables on a set to make this happen. How will the schedule affect the quality of daylight at a filming location? How many hours are the child actors allowed to work? How will filming be set to fit union rules? A production manager's work rivals that of any project manager at any Fortune 500 company.

How Do I Become a Production Manager?

Production manager is definitely not an entry-level job. Some people begin their path toward this career with a college education. Those who do so usually choose majors such as television and film, journalism, communication, or broadcasting, but coursework in business management and basic accounting would prove valuable.

Even if you pursue a formal education, you will need a working knowledge of the production process. Experience and track record are more important than formal qualifications. Many production managers today started out or have experience as runners, production assistants, location managers, production coordinators, accountants, production secretaries, assistant production managers, or occasionally assistant directors.

Finally, to work on a union set, (unit) production managers must be members of the Directors Guild of America to work on union film sets. And while this is not a requirement on non-union sets, membership gives you access to job postings, educational programs, and an invaluable professional network. Like in all business, who you know can make all the difference.

ScreenSkills, MasterClass, and Wrapbook have articles that may offer more resources as you consider this career path. Also, this video at Beyond Film School takes a deep look into this crucial role.

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides:

●        Information about industry-focused job posting sites

●        Links to general recruiting sites

●        Education and training programs

●        State, city, and borough industry information

We also include a link to our blogs about many of the jobs that make a production come to life.

Fun Winter Activities in NYC

New York City has something to offer everyone, no matter the time of year. So don't let the change of season slow you down. Here are just a few cures for cabin fever that are available to you.

First off, we hope you were able to check out the December 6 tree lighting in Maspeth, Queens (Maspeth Memorial Square, 69th Street & Grand Avenue) and will view the Manhattan Avenue lights in Greenpoint, both proudly sponsored by Broadway Stages.

In the Bronx, the New York Botanical Gardens is hosting the Holiday Train Show. Experience expertly crafted miniatures of the New York City landscape made entirely from plant parts. More than 190 landmarks, including The Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Rockefeller Center, have been built using seeds, bark, leaves, and twigs. They are all connected by nearly half a mile of train tracks snaking their way inside the warmth of the Haupt Conservatory, the Garden's landmark glass house. There are also special Holiday Train Nights when the gardens' landscapes and buildings are illuminated on select evenings along with music, dance, and food, with prearranged adults-only and all-ages nights. The Holiday Train Show is taking place through January 20, 2025. You can order tickets here.

You can find another unique experience across the river at Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. This immersive experience features trails lined with 1 million lights. There are several illuminated installations by local artists, with the dazzling Cathedral tunnel being the most prominent. If you bring your appetite, Broadway Stages suggests you book a table at the Lightscape Lodge at Yellow Magnolia Café or graze on food and drinks at stops along the trail. Altogether, it makes for an otherworldly nighttime journey you will not forget. This one-of-a-kind spectacle will be on display through January 5, 2025. Click here to get your tickets now.

And if nighttime lights are your thing, take advantage of the Tianyu Lights Festival at Citifield in Flushing. Going on now through January 19, 2025, this festival merges traditional Chinese lantern-making with modern technology (using steel, LED lights, and other colorful fabrics). The journey tells the story of a young boy visiting the Amazon Jungle in his dreams. Your path will be bathed in colors projected from sculptures of plants, animals, and dream fragments. You will also encounter live performances of traditional Chinese plucked string instruments, the guzheng and pipa, the peacock dance, and artwork using traditional Chinese styles.

If your motivation is strictly culinary, you are probably looking forward to NYC Restaurant Week. Running from January 21 to February 9. The program will offer prix-fixe menus starting at $30 at hundreds of participating restaurants and neighborhood favorites across the five boroughs. This event's winter edition allows you to enjoy New York City's world-famous dining scene without breaking the bank. The organizers put on this event to inspire diners to try something new at someplace new. Since Restaurant Week isn't until later in January, you can't book a table yet. But starting January 7, you can make your reservations here.

And, of course, there are the NYC Parks. As the weather grows cold and the snow starts to fall, the Parks offer great rinks for ice skating and hills for sled riding. You may also consider spotting Saw-whet, barred, and great-horned owls at an owl-watching event or getting some steps in to find hidden gems and scenic spots on a guided hike with an Urban Park Ranger.

Whatever your interest, this is a great time of year to pursue it. Broadway Stages encourages you not to stay trapped inside with the winter blues. Get out and live life in the best City in the world! Make winter one of the best seasons of the year.

Spotlight | Shop Local at 2024 Holiday Markets

Welcome to Broadway Stages' Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to consider supporting these organizations to advance the local community. This week, we explore local holiday markets!

Broadway Stages encourages you to shop local all year round. It stimulates the economy and builds a stronger community. But this time of year is an especially exciting time to shop local. Neighborhoods throughout the City have special holiday markets and pop-ups offering treats from retailers and makers who live and work near you. Here is just a small sampling of such markets in the communities that Broadway Stages calls home.

Shopping isn't a chore at the Holiday Hop at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden on Staten Island. Staten Island's annual holiday tradition takes place this weekend. When you go, you can browse the goods offered by over 150 NYC-based artisans. You can divide your time among four cultural organizations. Art Lab presents the Handcrafted Holiday Fair, the Staten Island Museum brings you Edible Island, and Culture Shop is hosted at the Noble Maritime Collection. And, of course, there is Cottage Row Curiosities by the namesake Snug Harbor. But the occasion also features live music by a brass band, DJs, and food and drink provided by Kills Boro Brewing Company. It is a great place to eat, drink, and be merry!

One of our favorite places to shop in Queens any time of the year is the Astoria Market at the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden. However, on December 8 and 15, the Market hosts two theme markets that offer handmade, baked, and vintage goods perfect for the season. Over 60 vendors will be present each week, and the vendor mix will change between weeks. So, plan on attending more than once! No matter when you attend, you can expect a large variety of fine art, jewelry, clothing, ceramics, seasonal decor, specialty food, winter produce, and more. While there, you can sate your appetite in the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden with festive food and drink.

The Holidays Makers Show @ City Point in Brooklyn is a market with a purpose. It was created as a mixed-use retail market platform rooted in social justice. Specifically, the founders sought to amplify underrepresented business leaders such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and women-led businesses. From Friday through Sunday throughout December, the Market has everything from custom jewelry to dog accessories. You can choose from festive products like homemade candles, custom clothing, and delectable baked goods at over 60 local vendors. Check items off your list while supporting a commitment to promoting equity and community investment.

These are just a few options available to you during this season. You don't have to shop online or go to a big box store to meet your needs. Your community probably has exactly what you need and some things you didn't even know you needed! Broadway Stages thinks this is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors and explore the neighborhoods that are not on your daily path. And just as Broadway Stages reinvests in our communities by prioritizing local vendors for our needs, you can, too. When you patronize a local retailer, 289% more revenue stays in the local economy than when you shop at a chain store. So, this winter, shop local. And when you do, tell them Broadway Stages sent you.

"A Different Man" Wins Top Prize at Gotham Awards

Three films dominated the 34th annual Gotham Independent Film Awards Monday night, with Aaron Schimberg’s dark comedy psychological thriller "A Different Man" winning Best Feature while "Nickel Boys" and "Sing Sing" each won two competitive awards.

"A Different Man" tells the story of an aspiring actor (Sebastian Stan) who suffers from the medical condition neurofibromatosis, which causes severe facial disfigurements. A novel medical procedure changes his appearance, but his new look does not bring him the joy or success he was hoping for. The film co-stars Renate Reinsve and Adam Pearson, an actor with neurofibromatosis.

RaMell Ross won Best Director for his feature directorial debut "Nickel Boys." The historical drama is an adaptation of the 2019 novel of the same name by Colson Whitehead, which centers on two African American boys who are sent to an abusive reform school in 1960s Florida. The novel was inspired by the real-life Dozier School for Boys, a reform school in Florida that was notorious for its abusive treatment of students.

Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson star as the two students, with Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Hamish Linklater, Fred Hechinger, and Daveed Diggs in supporting roles. Wilson won the film's second award of the night in the category Breakthrough Performer. Previous winners of this award include Amy Adams, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michael B. Jordan, and Timothée Chalamet, among others who went on to have highly successful film careers.

Unlike many other awarding bodies, the Gotham Film & Media Institute does not differentiate between male and female performances in its acting categories. Ten actors and actresses earned nominations for Outstanding Lead Performance, and Colman Domingo won the big prize for his performance in "Sing Sing." His co-star Clarence Maclin, who was incarcerated at Sing Sing Correctional Facility for more than a decade, won the award for Outstanding Supporting Performance.

Directed by Greg Kwedar, "Sing Sing" follows a group of incarcerated men who participate in theatrical shows at Sing Sing through a program similar to the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. Maclin is an alum of the program, and today he serves as a youth counselor trying to steer young men toward the creative arts rather than criminal activities.

Other films that won prizes include "His Three Daughters," which won the award for Best Screenplay. Screenwriter Azazel Jacobs took home the first prize of the night for his film that stars two actresses familiar to Broadway Stages – Natasha Lyonne ("Poker Face") and Carrie Coon "The Gilded Age."

"All We Imagine as Light," directed by Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia, won Best International Feature. Best Documentary Feature went to "No Other Land," directed by Palestinian-Israeli activists Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, and Rachel Szor in their directorial debut. The award for Breakthrough Director went to filmmaker Vera Drew for the superhero parody "The People’s Joker." Previous winners of this award include Darren Aronofsky, Ryan Coogler, and Jordan Peele.

Despite entering the evening with the most nominations, Sean Baker's Palme d'Or winner "Anora" came up empty-handed in all four categories in which it was nominated.

Each year the Gotham Film & Media Institute also presents tribute awards to honor visionary talent in front of and behind the camera. This year's recipients included Angelina Jolie, Denis Villeneuve, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet and James Mangold for "A Complete Unknown," the cast of "The Piano Lesson," the cast of "Sing Sing," and Franklin Leonard and his company The Black List.

The Gotham Film & Media Institute is a New York-based nonprofit that celebrates and nurtures independent film and media creators, providing career-building resources, access to industry influencers, and pathways to wider recognition.

Congratulations to all winners and nominees!

Inside Broadway Stages | What's Filming

The holidays will be here before you know it, but there is no slowing down at Broadway Stages…and we love it that way! Our facilities continue to host a diverse collection of productions, from whodunit dramedies to historical dramas, and everything in between. We have lots of news to share this month about the productions filmed at our facilities, so read on to find out what's happening.

"Elsbeth" Announces More Guest Stars and Brings Acting Families Together

CBS's hit dramedy "Elsbeth," currently in its second season, will feature several family reunions in the coming weeks. Matthew Broderick and his son will co-star in an episode airing next year, and lead actress Carrie Preston's husband Michael Emerson will make an appearance next week.

First, on December 5 fans will see Elsbeth in a holiday-themed episode titled "Gold, Frankincense, and Murder." Vanessa Bayer ("Saturday Night Live") will guest star as celebrity Christmas enthusiast DeeDee Dashers whose husband Dirk dies in what appears to be a freak accident. Dan Bucatinsky ("Scandal") will play her agent Kidder Hawes.

The following week, Emerson ("Evil") will appear in the seventh episode of the season titled "One Angry Woman." He will play the haughty Judge Milton Crawford who is overseeing a murder trial in which Elsbeth is serving jury duty. The couple recently sat for a Q&A with Deadline to share insider info on the episode.

The list of talented guest stars keeps growing, as Laurie Metcalf ("Lady Bird") will appear in the season's eighth episode, and Eric McCormack ("Will & Grace") will be in the ninth.

James Wilkie Broderick, the son of actors Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker, will make his first major television appearance as a guest star alongside his father in an episode filming soon and expected to air early next year.

The new year will also see the addition of Sullivan Jones ("Harlem"), who will make recurring appearances as a medical examiner. Additionally, Ioan Gruffudd ("Hornblower") will appear in a Valentine's Day special, and Alan Ruck ("Succession") will guest star as identical twins in another episode.

"Elsbeth" cast and crew members recently participated in a panel at New York Comic Con and spoke to Screen Rant about how much they enjoy filming in New York City and what fans can look forward to in the new season.

"Harlem" Returning to Prime Video in January

We finally know when Angie, Quinn, Camille, and Tye are coming back. The third season of Tracy Oliver's "Harlem," starring Shoniqua Shandai, Grace Byers, Meagan Good, and Jerrie Johnson, will premiere on January 23. What we still don't know following last season's cliffhanger finale…who is pregnant?

Filmed at our Foster Avenue studio in Brooklyn, "Harlem" follows four 30-something Black women who support each other as they look for love and professional fulfillment in New York City.

The third season will bring new talent to the show, including Robin Givens ("Batwoman") and Gail Bean ("Snowfall") as mother and daughter Jacqueline and Eva. Eva is a venture capitalist working with Tye, who is trying to move on following her divorce. Logan Browning ("Dear White People") will portray Portia, a beautiful and stylish childhood friend of Ian's (Tyler Lepley) who has just returned to Harlem. Kofi Siriboe ("Queen Sugar") will play Seth, a professional baseball player and love interest to one of the show's leading ladies.

If you need to catch up on the first two seasons in the coming weeks, all episodes are streaming on Prime Video.

CBS Planning Spinoff of "The Equalizer"

Currently airing its fifth season, "The Equalizer" has not been renewed yet for a sixth. While the future of Queen Latifah's starring vehicle remains to be seen, CBS is thinking about the future of the franchise.

Deadline reports that CBS will introduce two new characters this season who could form the crux of a spinoff series. One of the new characters will be "a skilled younger female martial artist, weapons expert and criminologist with a secret origin story who turns to McCall (Latifah) for help." The other is an "older male former top CIA operative." Casting is currently underway for both roles, with filming expected to start early next year. The special episode, which will be the 16th of the season, is expected to air in the spring.

"The Equalizer" is itself a remake of the television show from the 1980s, which also spun off a successful film series starring Denzel Washington. The CBS show returned in October with all the regulars in tow: Latifah as former CIA Operative Robyn McCall, Tory Kittles as NYPD detective Marcus Dante, Adam Goldberg as hacker Harry Keshegian, Liza Lapira as Robyn's longtime friend Mel Bayani, Laya DeLeon Hayes as Robyn's teen daughter Delilah, and Lorraine Toussaint as Robyn's Aunt Viola.

"Poker Face" Adds Even More Big Names as Guest Stars

Peacock's hit whodunit "Poker Face” has had no problem booking top-notch talent. We've already reported on more than a dozen actors who will appear in the second season, and now we can announce four more.

Actress and rapper Awkwafina ("The Farewell"), former MTV VJ and actor Simon Rex ("Red Rocket"), rapper and record producer Method Man (Wu-Tang Clan), and actor Corey Hawkins ("The Walking Dead") have all signed on as guest stars.

The show follows a case-of-the-week format, meaning each week viewers can expect a new celebrity to show up — most likely as a villain or victim. Natasha Lyonne anchors the series as Charlie Cale, a woman with a knack for telling when people are lying. She drives across the country solving crimes while hiding from casino bosses and others on her tail. In season two, Charlie will visit New York City, which is where Broadway Stages comes in.

The four latest guest stars join the likes of Cynthia Erivo, John Mulaney, Giancarlo Esposito, Kumail Nanjiani, Gaby Hoffmann, Katie Holmes, BJ Novak, Ben Marshall, Ego Nwodim, Sherry Cola, Kevin Corrigan, Margo Martindale, Kathrine Narducci, and Sam Richardson, who will also appear in the new season.

The first season was also jam-packed with celebrity guest stars, including Nick Nolte, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Stephanie Hsu, Judith Light (who won an Emmy for her performance), S. Epatha Merkerson, Simon Helberg, Ellen Barkin, Tim Meadows, and Chloë Sevigny.

"Godfather of Harlem" Reveals Newest Cast Members

MGM+ is getting ready to bring Bumpy Johnson (Forest Whitaker) back for another season. The streaming network has not announced a premiere date for season four of "Godfather of Harlem," but if it follows the timeframe of the first three seasons, then new episodes should arrive next year.

Michael Benjamin Washington ("American Auto") and newcomer Elijah Wright are the latest additions to the upcoming season, both joining as recurring guest stars. Washington will play the highly influential writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin, while Wright will portray a fictional young man from Harlem named Jerome Greene. Greene is torn between enlisting to fight in Vietnam or joining the Black Panthers.

In September we reported that Erik Palladino ("Suits") would portray the notorious hitman Giuseppe "Pino" Greco in a recurring role. He will reportedly be vying for power with Stella Gigante (Lucy Fry), daughter of Chin Gigante (Vincent D'Onofrio).

We also previously reported that Rome Flynn ("The Bold and the Beautiful") would be playing the infamous drug lord Frank Lucas, who was depicted by Denzel Washington in the 2007 film "American Gangster." Lucas will likely butt heads with Johnson for control of Harlem.

"The Gilded Age" Expands Its Ensemble Cast, Introduces More Historical Figures

Fans of HBO's "The Gilded Age" have already met American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, renowned inventor Thomas Edison, legendary author and orator Booker T. Washington, acclaimed playwright Oscar Wilde, and esteemed architect Stanford White, among other historical figures. In season three, several more bigwigs of the era will appear on the historical drama.

Bill Camp ("Presumed Innocent") will appear in at least one episode as the famed financier J.P. Morgan. Newcomer Hannah Shealy will play socialite Charlotte Augusta Astor, a daughter of Mrs. Astor (Donna Murphy). Tony nominee Bobby Steggert ("Ragtime") will portray artist John Singer Sargent, one of the most celebrated portrait painters of his time. Members of high society like Isabella Stewart Gardner commissioned him to paint their portraits, so perhaps the Russells will be his newest patrons?

Carrie Coon, who plays the nouveau riche social climber Bertha Russell, recently told Screen Rant that she was hopeful that filming would finish by January. HBO has confirmed that the show will return in 2025.

Others joining the cast for the new season include Dylan Baker ("Homeland"), Tony nominee Kate Baldwin ("Hello, Dolly!"), Michael Cumpsty ("Severance"), and John Ellison Conlee ("Boardwalk Empire").

In July we reported that Phylicia Rashad, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Jordan Donica, and Victoria Clark had also joined the cast in recurring roles. In September we reported that Merritt Wever, Jessica Frances Dukes, LisaGay Hamilton, Andrea Martin, Hattie Morahan, Leslie Uggams, and Paul Alexander Nolan would appear as well.

Be sure to check out all of the productions above, follow our blog and sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of updates on all of our productions.