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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Major Film Studio Slated for Buffalo, New York

07/06/2020
Great Point Capital Management, a media-focused investment fund run by Robert Halmi and Fehmi Zeko, filed plans to build a major new film and television studio complex in Buffalo, New York.

Earlier this year, Great Point signed a deal with Rich Holdings Inc. to purchase a building site for the studio on land adjacent to Rich Products, Niagara Street campus. The $50+ million full-service film and television production facility will include two 20,000-square-feet stages and 70,000-square-feet of office and support space. The studio will be built in two phases, with construction on Phase-1 slated to start this September with projected completion in autumn 2021.

Fehmi Zeko, co-founder of Great Point Capital said, "Buffalo is an ideal city for a state-of-the-art film and television complex. A combination of great locations, well-trained crew and tremendous support from local government, has made Buffalo a desirable destination for filmmakers. With the addition of the studio, Buffalo will see year-round activity."

According to company officials, Rich Holdings Inc., a key investment partner and a long-time corporate force in Buffalo has been instrumental in bringing this opportunity to fruition. Bill Gisel, executive vice chair of Rich Holdings, Inc. said, "The new studio facility will provide an immeasurable boost to filmmaking and television production in Buffalo, and we are thrilled that our West Side Promise Neighborhood will be at the center of it."

Longtime local developer and former CEO of the Buffalo Sabres, Larry Quinn, will be coordinating and supervising all aspects of the project for Great Point. The studio is expected to be a big boost to the local economy, company officials said. In addition to the many full and part time jobs which will be created at the complex, films utilizing the studio will source catering, security, cleaning crews, transportation and housing locally.

"Buffalo continues to emerge as a film-friendly city and the building of a major film and television studio complex, here in our community, is a game-changer for our community and a positive statement of the long-term confidence Great Point Capital Management and Rich Holdings, Inc. have in our City's growing film and television industry," stated Buffalo, New York Mayor Byron W. Brown. "This $50+ million investment means new employment opportunities for City residents and more business for those around the City who support Buffalo's thriving film sector."

This will be the second studio complex under construction for Great Point Capital. Construction on their Lionsgate Studios in Yonkers, New York. has resumed after a three-month Covid-19 hiatus. Great Point is in discussions with numerous television companies that are considering the role as anchor tenant for the Buffalo Studios.

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