Inside the Robert De Niro-backed, state-of-the-art ‘vertical film studio’ that’s changing NYC’s entertainment industry

New York Post - May 6th, 2025
Open on New York Post

In a groundbreaking development for New York City's entertainment industry, Wildflower Studios has opened its doors in Astoria, Queens, as the world's first vertical film studio. This state-of-the-art facility, featuring 11 sound stages stacked across three floors, is a billion-dollar project driven by key figures such as Adam Gordon, Robert De Niro, and Jane Rosenthal. Designed by renowned architect Bjarke Ingels, the studio aims to create permanent jobs and offer a dedicated space for artists to tell their stories. By integrating cutting-edge technology and efficient design, Wildflower Studios promises to enhance production efficiency by 20% to 30%, marking a significant milestone in urban filmmaking.

The opening of Wildflower Studios carries significant implications for the film industry in New York City. Historically, limited production space has pushed filmmakers to seek alternatives outside the city. However, this new facility, combined with Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed enhancements to the state's film tax credit, is poised to transform the landscape for independent and major productions alike. If the legislation passes, it could foster a more vibrant creative community by providing financial incentives and a world-class production environment. Wildflower Studios not only addresses a long-standing demand but also sets a precedent for how film studios can flourish in urban environments, solidifying New York's status as a cinematic hub.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article on Wildflower Studios provides a detailed and engaging overview of a significant development in New York City's film industry. It excels in accuracy and readability, offering a clear narrative supported by credible figures like Robert De Niro and Adam Gordon. The story's focus on innovative design and sustainability aligns with current industry trends, making it timely and relevant.

However, the article could benefit from a broader range of perspectives to enhance balance and address potential controversies. While it effectively highlights the studio's potential benefits, it lacks critical viewpoints that could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the project's implications.

Overall, the article is informative and engaging, with the potential to influence public opinion and industry practices. It serves as a valuable resource for readers interested in urban development, sustainability, and the future of film production in dense urban areas.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story about Wildflower Studios is largely accurate, with specific claims that align well with available sources. The description of the studio's location in Astoria, Queens, and its design as a vertical studio with sound stages stacked across multiple floors is consistent with external reports, though the exact number of floors varies slightly in different sources. The project's cost and size are also accurately reported, matching the billion-dollar figure and the 765,000 square feet mentioned in other articles.

The involvement of Robert De Niro and Adam Gordon is well-documented, with De Niro's role as a key investor and Gordon as the principal developer being factual. However, the role of Jane Rosenthal as an investor needs further verification, as not all sources mention her involvement explicitly.

The story claims that the studio includes advanced production spaces and sustainability features like solar panels. While these features are plausible and mentioned in some reports, the specifics, such as the solar panels' size, require additional confirmation. The claim about increasing production efficiency by 20% to 30% is ambitious and would benefit from empirical data or industry expert opinions to substantiate it.

Overall, the story is well-supported by facts, but a few details, such as the exact role of certain investors and some specific features, need further corroboration to ensure complete accuracy.

7
Balance

The story provides a balanced view of Wildflower Studios, highlighting both the innovative aspects of the studio and the challenges it aims to address in the film industry. It includes perspectives from key stakeholders, such as the developer Adam Gordon and investor Robert De Niro, which provides insight into their motivations and vision for the project.

However, the article could benefit from including more diverse viewpoints, particularly from independent industry experts or competitors, to provide a broader context. This would help in understanding the potential impact of Wildflower Studios on the local economy and the film industry at large.

The article predominantly focuses on the positive aspects of the project, such as job creation and sustainability efforts, without delving into potential criticisms or challenges faced during development. Including potential drawbacks or concerns raised by community members or industry professionals could offer a more comprehensive and balanced perspective.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and written in a clear and engaging manner, making it accessible to a broad audience. It logically presents information about the studio's development, design, and projected impact, allowing readers to easily follow the narrative.

The use of direct quotes from key figures adds authenticity and helps convey their enthusiasm and vision for the project. The language is straightforward, avoiding technical jargon, which enhances comprehension for readers unfamiliar with the film industry.

However, the article could improve clarity by providing more detailed explanations of certain technical aspects, such as the specific technologies used in the studio's augmented- and virtual-reality production spaces. Including definitions or brief explanations of these terms would aid readers in fully grasping the innovative features of the studio.

6
Source quality

The article relies on statements from principal figures like Adam Gordon and Robert De Niro, whose involvement lends credibility to the narrative. However, it lacks a variety of sources, such as independent experts or industry analysts, that could provide additional depth and verification.

The reliance on direct quotes from involved parties, while informative, introduces potential bias, as these individuals have vested interests in portraying the project positively. The article would benefit from incorporating third-party sources or data to bolster its claims and provide a more rounded view.

The absence of explicit references to external reports or studies that could substantiate claims about efficiency improvements or sustainability features limits the article's reliability. Greater inclusion of authoritative sources would enhance the article's credibility and provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the project's implications.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in disclosing the primary figures involved in the development of Wildflower Studios, such as Adam Gordon and Robert De Niro, and their motivations. It provides clear insights into the studio's design and operational goals, offering readers a detailed overview of the project's ambitions.

However, the article lacks transparency in terms of the methodology used to determine claims about production efficiency and sustainability. Providing more context on how these figures were calculated or the criteria used to label the studio as the 'most sustainable' would enhance transparency.

Additionally, the article does not address potential conflicts of interest, such as the financial stakes of the individuals quoted. Acknowledging these factors would provide readers with a clearer understanding of the potential biases in the statements made by these stakeholders.

Sources

  1. https://www.wildflowerltd.com/studio
  2. https://www.theb1m.com/article/BIG-wildflower-studios-new-york-city-vertical
  3. https://secretnyc.co/wildflower-studios-astoria-robert-de-niro/
  4. https://oana-ny.org/a-closer-look-at-wildflower-studio/
  5. https://www.wildflowerstudios.com/press