Wildflower Studios, a $400 million film studio co-owned by Hollywood legend Robert De Niro, has announced Cheryl Huggins as its new executive director. The studio, set to open on July 1 in Astoria, Queens, will be overseen by Huggins, who brings with her extensive experience from previous executive roles at Quixote Studios and Sunset Studios.
The 11 soundstage, 765,000 square foot studio campus is a joint venture between De Niro, his son Raphael De Niro, and managing partner Adam Gordon. One of the unique features of Wildflower Studios is its promise to provide “New York City level food” to film and TV productions, aiming to elevate the dining experience for cast and crew members.
Located on a five-acre site formerly owned by Steinway & Sons, the studio is strategically positioned near other prominent film production complexes in Queens, such as Kaufman Astoria Studios and Silvercup Studios. Together, these studios are working to attract more production from Los Angeles, especially from major streaming platforms, as the industry rebounds from recent strikes.
Notable projects currently filming in New York City include the latest seasons of CBS’ “The Equalizer” and NBC’s “Law & Order SVU,” as well as the sequel to Paramount’s “Smile, Smile Deluxe” and Netflix’s limited series “Zero Day.”
Wildflower Studios has also secured an exclusive production equipment supply agreement with Robert Halmi’s Phygital FX, further solidifying its position as a key player in the bustling New York City film industry. With Cheryl Huggins at the helm, the studio is poised to make a significant impact on the entertainment landscape.