What a Production Team Should Prepare Before Contacting Steiner Studios

Steiner Studios, located at 15 Washington Avenue in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, is a major production facility with about 780,000 square feet of space, including 30 soundstages and a range of support amenities. For production teams considering a Brooklyn shoot, preparing before reaching out to Steiner Studios can streamline the process and help clarify your needs.

Steiner is a working, secured production campus, rather than a museum stop to add to a sightseeing itinerary. Contact the appropriate department about access before traveling to the gates. The company opened the facility in November 2004; its current scale reflects a production operation with stages and supporting workspaces.

Clarify Your Production Requirements

Before contacting Steiner Studios, it’s important to define the scope of your project. Consider the number of soundstages you might need, the size and type of support spaces (such as offices, dressing rooms, makeup and wardrobe areas, mill shops, props storage, and screening rooms), and any specific technical requirements. For example, a commercial shoot with multiple set builds may require both millshop access and props storage, while a feature film might need extensive dressing and makeup facilities.

Prepare a Detailed Production Brief

A useful starting point for your inquiry is a production brief that includes your desired dates, required stage dimensions, sound and power needs, load-in plans, and any support space requirements. If you’re planning a multi-week television series, you might outline your anticipated stage usage schedule, power draws for lighting, and the volume of set construction. For a smaller shoot, such as a music video, you could focus on specific load-in times and minimal support space.

Address Security and Insurance Early

As a private, secured facility, ask Steiner Studios what security and insurance arrangements apply to your project. Before reaching out, consider what security measures your production will need, such as controlled access for cast and crew or equipment storage protocols. Prepare to discuss your insurance coverage and be ready to provide documentation if requested. Productions with large crews or valuable equipment may want to ask about site-specific security requirements.

Plan for Site Access and Transportation

For an appointment at Steiner, ask which entrance to use and how your crew and equipment should be checked in. When planning your visit, check current MTA directions and service changes to the Navy Yard area. If your team is arriving with trucks or large equipment, consider asking about load-in logistics and parking arrangements. Productions with accessibility needs should contact Steiner Studios directly to confirm entrance, restroom, and accommodation options.

Know Who to Contact

For bookings, Steiner Studios lists a dedicated phone number (718-858-1600) and email (bookings@steinerstudios.com). Human resources and press inquiries use separate channels, so production teams should direct all booking and facility questions to the contacts above. If you’re unsure which department to reach, start with the bookings contact and specify your project type and needs.

Anticipate Support Space and Facility Needs

Steiner Studios offers a range of support spaces, but availability and suitability will depend on your production’s requirements. Teams planning for extensive wardrobe changes, prop fabrication, or on-site screenings should outline these needs in their initial inquiry. For example, a period drama may require significant wardrobe and makeup space, while a documentary might need only basic office support.

Before You Go

Advance preparation is key to a smooth experience at Steiner Studios. Consider these steps:

• Draft a production brief with dates, space, and technical needs.
• Prepare to discuss security and insurance details.
• Confirm site access, transit, and any accessibility requirements.

By clarifying your project’s scope and logistical needs before contacting Steiner Studios, you can make the most of your Brooklyn Navy Yard production experience.