Recently launched 32TEN Studios, a new company based in San Rafael (Marin) that provides production facilities and VFX services, has, in just two quick months, hosted on-site production projects for a diverse range of clients, including Robin Williams & PBS, Kia, Cadillac, Polycom, US Cellular, and an indie film. The announcement was made by Tim Partridge, President/CEO, and Greg Maloney, COO, of 32TEN Studios.
Academy Award winner Robin Williams, a local resident, has recently utilized 32TEN Studios for two high profile television productions, one for national PBS and the other for McIntosh Films. PBS’s series “Pioneers of Television” producer Steve Boettcher said, "Robin recommended 32TEN to us because of the location, facility and the staff. We were blown away by the quality of the production facility and especially the staff. Our experience at 32TEN was outstanding." Robin Williams can be seen on “Pioneers of Television” in the fall on national PBS.
Two production companies, Bandito Brothers and Furlined Productions, have shot car commercials very recently at 32TEN Studios. Bandito Brothers shot footage for a new commercial featuring the Kia Sorento, while Furlined Productions shot a TV spot for the new Cadillac XTS. Jof Hanwright, a location manager who works with Furlined Productions, said "It was a pleasure to work at 32TEN – great staff, very accommodating. Made shooting there a pleasure!"
Additionally, industrial producer John McNeil Studio also rented out the 32TEN Studios stage for a week to shoot a project for video conference giant Polycom.
A retro-futuristic short indie film, “Neon” also shot a scene at 32TEN Studios. “Neon” is a nostalgia-infused story about a guy a girl and a gun taking place over a single night. The film stars Johnny Turco and Liana Hee alongside iconic cars from the 70s and 80s. “Neon” is co-directed by Charles Choo and Sean Wells, written by Nic Anastassiou.
Said Sean Wells, "In scouting for non-descript warehouse exteriors in the bay area, we found 32TEN’s Main Stage building to fit the bill perfectly. Shooting in a controlled lot with proper accommodations made the shoot a possibility. Greg, Anthony, Stephanie and the crew at 32TEN were a complete pleasure to work with and incredibly helpful along the way. We’re hoping to move indoors and put their world-class stage to use on future projects!"
Finally, the Model Shop at 32TEN has just completed its first job, providing an on-set model for a TV commercial for US Cellular which was produced by local company Locksmith Content through ad agency Riney. Producer Robert Caruso said, “I’ve worked at this facility and with these artists many times in the past when the site was owned and operated by previous entities, and was delighted to see that 32TEN Studios is continuing the long-held tradition of providing unparalleled special effects there. They produced a beautiful model for us, and I certainly look forward to working there again, sometime soon.”
Without a doubt, though, the busiest night at 32TEN Studios this year was the company’s recent grand opening celebration, when over 800 members of the Bay Area production and advertising industries turned out to visit the facility and to network. During the event, which was co-hosted by the Reel Directory, 12 of the original FX crew members who worked on “The Empire Strikes Back,” the first movie ever produced at the 32TEN Studios site (when it was ILM,) were in attendance, and were heralded by the new company’s management team.
Said Mr. Partridge, “We are beyond thrilled that our production facility and practical FX unit have been embraced so rapidly by the Bay Area production and advertising communities. We have quickly established a new name brand, and look forward to continuing—and expanding—our outreach in the coming months ahead to also include film, episodic TV and other multi-media projects shooting here.”
Photo Caption for Group Picture Above: Honored guests, the FX crew members who worked with ILM on the classic film “The Empire Strikes Back” pose with 32TEN Studio Executives at a recent open house party. Left to right: Bill Beck, Marty Brenneis, Peter Daulton, Ease Owyeung, Ted Moehnke, Patty Blau, Tim Partridge, CEO/President, 32TEN Studios, Charlie Bailey, Greg Maloney, COO of 32TEN Studios, Rose Duignan, Scott Farrar, Eric Jensen, Dave Barry, Udo Pampel, and Lorne Peterson.
About 32TEN STUDIOS
Launched in early 2012 by longtime entertainment industry leaders Tim Partridge and Greg Maloney, 32TEN Studios is a production facility and VFX services provider located at the historic first site of ILM in San Rafael. The company provides its services to producers of major motion pictures, independent films, TV programs, commercials, industrials, web content and multi-media projects.
32TEN Studios is located at 3210 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA, 94901. The phone is 800 717 3210, and the website is: www.32ten.com
