It wasn’t long ago that NBC Universal stages in the NBC Tower were bustling with weekday production of the Jerry Springer and Steve Wilkos’ syndicated TV shows.
That was prior to July, 2009, when NBC Universal transported/the popular shows to Stamford, Connecticut after the Illinois House was disinclined to modify the Illinois film tax credit to include talk shows. (“What! We’re giving Oprah a tax credit?” House members exclaimed at the time.)
Now, two-and-a-half years later, the stage lights are on again as NBC Universal is offering its two large, well-equipped studios for rental.
Says NBC president/general manager Larry Wert: “The studios at NBC Tower offer a quality technical facility and a perfect downtown location,” for productions of all kind – commercials, music videos, indie films, still photography, special events and TV shows that call for possible audience recruitment.
“We have decades of experience (Jenny Jones, Jerry Springer, Judge Mathis to name a few) and will work with potential clients to meet all their needs and expectations for the space,” he says.
“We’re ready and open for business,” adds Trisha Hockings, Ch. 5 manager of studio operations and a 10-year NBC veteran. For rent are 5,400-sq. ft. Studio A and 4,300-sq. ft. Studio B, situated on the second floor of the NBC Tower.
Rental fee includes four cameras, lighting, SD control room, green room, dressing rooms, audience holding area, and the skills of an NBC’s production manager, a NABET engineer-in-charge and two Local 2 stagehands, along with the usual general liability insurance requirements.
The facility also has available set design, and carpentry and paint shops.
For rates and a studio tour, contact Trisha Hockings at 312/836-5557; see universal.filmmakersdestination.com