The Hudson Valley region, long known for its scenic landscapes and historic small towns, is quietly becoming one of the most important hubs for the United States film and television industry. A major force behind this rise is Choice Films, a production company and studio operator that is now expanding its footprint with state‑of‑the‑art facilities right in Montgomery, Orange County, New York, attracting big studio projects and reshaping the local economy.
What Makes Choice Films Studio a Hidden Power in Hudson Valley
At the heart of this transformation is the studio complex that Choice Films manages at 168 Bracken Road in Montgomery. What most local residents do not realize is that this facility features multiple huge sound stages — giant indoor film production spaces used for shooting scenes that would otherwise take weeks to build outdoors or on location.
In total, Choice Films currently operates four major sound stages at this site. Three of the stages are roughly 10,000 square feet with 35‑foot ceilings, ideal for large set builds and complicated lighting rigs. One standout structure is a 20,000 square foot stage with the same high clearance, giving filmmakers room to move vehicles and heavy equipment directly onto the set if needed.
Supporting these spaces are large crew areas, talent dressing rooms, private bathrooms, showers, and catering facilities — all features that are typically found at major studio locales. These amenities allow production companies to come in, shoot, and move efficiently from scene to scene without leaving the facility.
Film and TV Projects Rolling Through Hudson Valley
Choice Films’ studio isn’t sitting idle. Over the past few years, many well‑known films and television productions have utilized these facilities for key scenes. Among the notable projects filmed locally are The Whale, which starred Brendan Fraser, and Smile 2, both of which used Choice Films’ sound stages for parts of their production.
Television series such as Pretty Little Liars, Poker Face, The White House Plumbers, and The Four Seasons have also leveraged Choice Films’ studio infrastructure to film scenes far from the traditional Hollywood hubs.
Current work includes the Amazon Prime holiday production Clashing Through the Snow, which filmed scenes throughout the region earlier this year.
This diversity of projects highlights how the Hudson Valley — once considered an “off the beaten path” filming location — has become a go‑to destination for productions of all sizes thanks to studios like Choice Films that provide modern, flexible spaces.
Expansion Plans Set to Turn Region Into a Major Studio Hub
Film and TV production in the Hudson Valley is not stopping at the existing studios. Earlier this year, the Montgomery Industrial Development Agency approved a major expansion plan for Choice Films that would effectively double the size of its production footprint.
Under this plan, Choice Films will build a new 76,000 square foot production facility adjacent to the current studio. It will include three advanced sound stages, modern office space, and supporting production infrastructure engineered to meet the needs of big entertainment companies like Netflix, Fox, Peacock, and Amazon.
The project carries an estimated investment of over $21 million, and local leaders have called it a significant turning point for Montgomery’s economy, which historically centered on warehousing and distribution.
Officials believe the expansion will not only increase job opportunities in film production roles but will also spur growth across supporting sectors such as construction, hospitality, catering, and technical services.
Why Hudson Valley Is Attracting Filmmakers
Experts attribute the Hudson Valley’s rise as a filming destination to several key factors. Its proximity to New York City, varied landscapes, historic architecture, and growing local talent pool all make it appealing. Additionally, New York State’s film tax credit program offers powerful incentives for productions to shoot outside of traditional markets, drawing crews and investment directly to regions like the Hudson Valley.
Unique settings in the valley — from rural backdrops to suburban downtowns — provide diverse filming environments without the dense congestion of major metropolitan centers. This flexibility saves time and money for production teams, making Hudson Valley locations especially attractive for both film and television.
Film tax credit data show a sharp increase in production spending in the Mid‑Hudson region, reflecting a broader trend where studios are seeking new frontiers to build their sets and shoot on controlled stages instead of on location in expensive urban markets.
Economic Impact and Local Opportunities
Local officials and community leaders are optimistic about the long‑term economic impact of the expanding film industry in Orange County. The new studio facilities will create a wide range of jobs not only in creative fields — like set design, production assistance, and cinematography — but also in the trades and services that support large‑scale productions.
Educational institutions and workforce development programs may see new opportunities emerge as well, with industry partners expected to seek local talent for both behind‑the‑scenes roles and production support.
Retail and hospitality sectors are also poised to benefit from increased foot traffic as cast and crew members spend time in local communities between shoots and production schedules.
Hudson Valley residents are now starting to see familiar faces and Hollywood‑level activity in their towns, as streaming giants and major studios film projects right in their backyards.
As the region continues to grow as a center for film and television production, local voices are hopeful that this creative boom will bring lasting benefits to Montgomery and beyond.
From major feature films to network television series, the influence of Choice Films’ studios in the Hudson Valley is unmistakable. It not only puts Orange County on the cultural map but also redefines this once quiet region as a thriving engine for creative economic growth.
