Choice Films is a Hudson Valley–based film and television production company with more than two decades of experience delivering projects for major studios and streaming platforms, including Netflix, Peacock, Prime Video, FOX, Hallmark, and HBO. Headquartered in Newburgh, the company has played a key role in establishing Orange County as an emerging center for film and television production.

As demand for studio space and production capacity has accelerated, Choice Films expanded its footprint into the Town of Montgomery to support larger‑scale productions and long‑term industry growth in the region.

Powering Expansion in Orange County

To meet rising demand, Choice Films undertook a $21.6 million expansion to construct a new 75,000‑square‑foot film studio facility adjacent to its existing operations on Bracken Road. The project includes three state‑of‑the‑art sound stages and supporting production infrastructure designed to attract major film and television projects to the Hudson Valley.

The expansion strengthens Orange County’s position as a competitive alternative to downstate and out‑of‑state production markets, while generating significant economic ripple effects across hospitality, construction, transportation, and creative services. By increasing production capacity, the project supports continued job creation and reinforces the region’s growing reputation as a hub for the film and television industry.

Incentives Supporting Growth

The project is backed by a combination of state and local incentives that enhance its financial viability and long‑term impact:

Town of Montgomery Industrial Development Agency (IDA)

• 10‑Year Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement
• Sales tax exemption on construction equipment and materials (up to $812,500)
• Mortgage recording tax exemption (up to $120,000)

Empire State Development (Mid‑Hudson REDC)

• $900,000 grant supporting project investment

New York State Film Production Tax Credit

• 30%–50% credit supporting ongoing production activity and regional competitiveness

These incentives play a critical role in attracting and retaining film production activity in New York State, helping offset costs and encouraging long‑term industry investment in the Hudson Valley.

Central Hudson’s Partnership

Central Hudson worked closely with Choice Films throughout the planning and development process to support the project’s infrastructure needs and ensure readiness for a high‑demand production environment.

Support included:

• Early engagement in site planning to assess electric load and operational requirements
• Coordination and planning for electric infrastructure needed to serve multiple sound stages
• Collaboration with municipal and regional partners to align infrastructure with construction timelines

This partnership helped ensure the expansion could move forward with the reliable energy capacity required for modern film and television production.

This article is part of "Made in the Hudson Valley” series, which highlights local manufacturers and industries, the innovative products they make, and the vital jobs they provide in the communities we call home.

Central Hudson offers a suite of economic development grants focused on supporting and expanding manufacturing and job retention in the Hudson Valley, and are proud supporters of the Council of Industry, the manufacturer’s association for the Hudson Valley.