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| Pier 59 Studios | |
|---|---|
| Name | Pier 59 Studios |
| Caption | Pier 59 Studios, Chelsea Piers |
| Location | Chelsea Piers, Manhattan, New York City |
| Opened | 1990s |
| Owner | Chelsea Piers Management |
| Type | Photography and production studios |
Pier 59 Studios is a waterfront complex of photography, film, and multimedia production studios located on the Hudson River in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood. Renowned for hosting editorial shoots, fashion shows, and commercial productions, it has become a focal point for collaborations among photographers, designers, publishers, and media companies. The studios have attracted major fashion houses, magazines, advertising agencies, and entertainment corporations seeking large-scale space and skyline views.
Opened during the late 20th century redevelopment of Manhattan's west side, the studios emerged amid revitalization efforts associated with Hudson River Park and the Chelsea waterfront. Early patrons included publications such as Vogue (magazine), Harper's Bazaar, W Magazine, and agencies tied to Condé Nast and Hearst Corporation. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the venue hosted events connected to New York Fashion Week, collaborations with designers like Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, and Donna Karan, and projects produced for brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Estée Lauder Companies. The studios adapted to shifts in digital media driven by companies such as Google, Apple Inc., and Facebook, serving production needs for online campaigns and streaming initiatives tied to Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Studios.
Situated on Chelsea Piers, the complex offers multiple soundstage-sized studios with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Hudson River and the skyline including views toward Statue of Liberty and One World Trade Center. Facilities include cyc stages, lighting rigs compatible with equipment from ARRI, RED Digital Cinema, and Sony cameras, production offices used by agencies such as Wieden+Kennedy and Ogilvy (agency), and hair and makeup rooms employed by stylists who have worked with celebrities represented by William Morris Endeavor and CAA. The location provides proximity to transportation hubs like Penn Station, cultural institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art, and hospitality venues used by production crews including properties of The Plaza Hotel and Ace Hotel.
The studios have hosted runway presentations and presentations tied to New York Fashion Week alongside designers from Prada, Versace, Tom Ford, and Alexander Wang. Editorial shoots featuring photographers like Annie Leibovitz, Mario Testino, Steven Meisel, and Patrick Demarchelier have been produced at the complex for magazines including Vogue (magazine), Elle (magazine), and Vanity Fair (magazine). Commercial campaigns for corporations such as Apple Inc., Samsung, Nike, Toyota Motor Corporation, and PepsiCo have been shot there, while music videos and concert film productions associated with artists from Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group have utilized the expansive stages. The studios have also accommodated television shoots for networks like NBC, CBS, ABC (American broadcaster), and streaming productions for Netflix originals and Hulu series.
Ownership and operations have involved real estate and leisure entities linked to Chelsea Piers development, with management collaborating with production firms, event producers, and agencies from Creative Artists Agency, United Talent Agency, and boutique production houses. The property has engaged with city planning stakeholders including representatives from the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and waterfront initiatives associated with Hudson River Park Trust. Partnerships have been formed with equipment rental houses such as Panavision and service providers in lighting and grip from firms connected to the broader production communities in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
The studios are frequently cited in coverage by industry outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue (magazine), and trade publications like Variety (magazine) and The Hollywood Reporter for their role in shaping photographic aesthetics and production scale in New York City. Influential in the careers of designers, photographers, and creative directors linked to houses such as Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, and Chanel as well as editorial leaders from Condé Nast and Hearst Corporation, the venue is often referenced in retrospectives on fashion editorial history and commercial production practice. Cultural commentary on the studios appears in books and exhibitions related to fashion photography and the evolution of media production in Manhattan.
Category:Buildings and structures in Manhattan Category:Film studios in New York City