EUE/Screen Gems

EUE/Screen Gems. It is a major American film and television production facility company, historically significant for its role in the New York City production scene. Founded in the 1960s, it grew from a regional commercial production house into a full-service studio complex instrumental to numerous landmark projects. The company operates some of the largest and most technologically advanced sound stages on the East Coast, serving a wide array of filmmakers and networks.

History

The company originated in 1962 when brothers Earl Glick and Irving Glick founded EUE, initially focusing on television commercials in New York City. A pivotal expansion occurred in 1978 with the acquisition of the former Gold Medal Studios complex in Manhattan, which was renamed EUE/Screen Gems Studios. This move established a permanent hub for film production rivaling the facilities of Hollywood. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the studio became a cornerstone for productions like Saturday Night Live and numerous projects from HBO and Warner Bros.. In 1999, the company further expanded by opening a massive studio facility at the former Navy base in Wilmington, North Carolina, cementing its status as a bi-coastal operation.

Notable productions

EUE/Screen Gems facilities have hosted a vast number of influential films and television series. Its New York City stages were the long-time home for the production of Saturday Night Live and the iconic sketch comedy show The Cosby Show. Major feature films shot at its studios include Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street, Spike Lee's Inside Man, and the superhero film The Avengers. Television milestones produced there encompass the entire run of Spin City, early seasons of Law & Order, and critically acclaimed series like Boardwalk Empire and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Facilities and technology

The company's primary facilities are the EUE/Screen Gems Studios in New York City and the Wilmington, North Carolina complex. The Manhattan location features multiple sound stages, including the famed Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza used by Saturday Night Live. The Wilmington campus is one of the largest production facilities outside of Los Angeles, featuring extensive backlot space, a massive water tank for marine filming, and dedicated post-production suites. These studios are equipped for the latest in digital cinematography, virtual production, and visual effects workflows, serving high-profile clients like Netflix, Disney, and HBO.

Corporate structure and ownership

Originally a family-owned business under the Glick family, the company underwent significant ownership changes in the 21st century. In 2014, the Wilmington, North Carolina studio assets were acquired by a consortium led by film producer Chris O'Donnell and private equity firm United Capital. This entity operates independently as Cinespace Studios, though the EUE/Screen Gems name remains active in New York City. The New York City operations have continued under the leadership of the founding family, maintaining its brand as a premier vendor for television networks and streaming services based in the Northeastern United States.

Impact on the film industry

EUE/Screen Gems played a crucial role in decentralizing film production from Hollywood and bolstering the East Coast as a competitive production center. Its development of large-scale infrastructure in New York City and North Carolina helped spur local film incentive programs and economic development. The studio's consistent service to broadcast television and later streaming media giants provided a reliable pipeline for content creation outside of California. Its legacy is evident in the continued growth of production hubs in Atlanta and New Mexico, following a model it helped pioneer for regional studio facilities.

Category:Film production companies of the United States Category:Television production companies of the United States Category:Companies based in New York City Category:1962 establishments in New York (state)