George Kaufman Astoria Studios

Established

1920

Location

Astoria, Queens, New York City, USA

Nationality

American

Primary Profession

Motion Picture and Television Production Facility

Early History

• Originally constructed by Famous Players-Lasky (later Paramount Pictures) in 1920.
• One of the first and largest motion picture studios on the East Coast.

Career and Major Achievements

• Hosted numerous silent film productions in its early years.
• Served as the production base for the Marx Brothers in the 1930s.
• Acquired by the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II for the production of training films.
• Reopened as a commercial studio in the 1970s.
• Underwent significant renovations and modernization in the 1980s.
• Renamed George Kaufman Astoria Studios in honor of the playwright and director.
• Continues to serve as a prominent production center for film and television.

Notable Works

• Many Paramount Pictures silent films.
• Marx Brothers films including:
  • Animal Crackers (1930)
  • Monkey Business (1931)
  • Duck Soup (1933)
• Later productions including:
  • Sesame Street
  • Orange Is the New Black
  • Men in Black
  • The Muppets Take Manhattan

Legacy and Impact

George Kaufman Astoria Studios holds a significant place in the history of American film and television production. From its early days as a hub for silent films to its modern role as a major production facility, the studio has contributed to countless iconic works and has played a vital role in the entertainment industry.

Filmography (Selected)

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