Middletown movie sound stage expected to boost local economy

MIDDLETOWN – The Michelson Studio II, believed to be the largest movie sound stage facility in New York, was shown off Friday.
Eric Michelson, a New York City movie studio owner and professional photographer, has completed renovations on a 60,000 square foot facility in a former railroad car repair building in downtown Middletown.
Mayor Joseph DeStefano believes it will be a major shot in the arm for the city.
“We hope that this will not only increase investment into the city, but also the side businesses – the lumberyards, which are heavily used for production, the restaurants, the food service industry, the hotel and motel business because when people are here, they need to stay in hotels – so we hope that number of $1 million makes a significant increase based on this studio,” DeStefano said.
Michelson said he has invested some $500,000 in rehabilitating the old building and making it suitable for moviemaking.

Michelson, with DeStefano, right, and Common Council President Miguel Rodrigues

Hank Gross

Hank Gross is the founder of Mid-Hudson News and a veteran journalist with over five decades of experience covering the Hudson Valley. A graduate of SUNY Oneonta, where he began his career in broadcasting, Hank has worked across radio, TV, and print media since 1970. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including an Associated Press “Best Newscast” award and recognition as a “Pillar of the Community” by the Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center. He lives in Middletown with his wife, Virginia.