A NEW YORK CITY LANDMARK

Kaufman Astoria Studios (KAS) has been at the forefront of entertainment history for over a century. Originally opened in 1920 by Famous Players-Lasky (later known as Paramount), the studio’s legacy took on a new chapter more than sixty years later when New York City real estate developer George S. Kaufman undertook a visionary renovation and expansion. His efforts transformed the site into a national landmark, creating a state-of-the-art, full-service studio facility. Today, Kaufman Studios continues to thrive as a versatile hub capable of accommodating productions of any type, size, or style.

KAS was among the earliest motion picture studios to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its architectural significance and its pivotal role in the history of American cinema. With over 120 silent and sound films produced on its stages, the studio has hosted cinematic legends such as The Marx Brothers, Rudolph Valentino, Gloria Swanson, and W.C. Fields. Today, Kaufman Astoria Studios remains one of the world’s most iconic production hubs, having been the preferred location for renowned directors including Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, Norman Jewison, Woody Allen, Francis Ford Coppola, and Ava DuVernay. The studio has also served as the backdrop for groundbreaking television series and films, including Succession, Sesame Street, Birdman, Orange is the New Black, Nurse Jackie, and American Horror Story.