Wildflower Studios, the Robert De Niro-backed, $1 billion production facility in Astoria, Queens, has been recognized as one of the world’s most groundbreaking commercial developments. At this year’s MIPIM Awards—one of the most prestigious real estate honors globally—the facility took home the top prize in the Industrial and Logistics category, making it the only U.S. project to win.
Developed by De Niro alongside Adam Gordon and Meadow Partners, Wildflower Studios has been touted as the world’s first vertically oriented film studio. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the 775,000-square-foot space is a striking departure from the traditional single-story soundstage layouts seen across Hollywood and beyond. With 11 soundstages stacked across two floors, Wildflower redefines the efficiency and functionality of urban production spaces.
Why Wildflower Studios Stands Out
Wildflower Studios isn’t just another soundstage—it’s a blueprint for the future of production real estate. The facility is designed to accommodate everything from film and television to video games, virtual reality, and digital media. The vertical design allows for seamless workflows from pre-production to post-production, while dedicated support spaces and off-street parking offer convenience for productions operating on tight schedules.
Architecturally, Wildflower draws inspiration from brutalist design, with angled concrete panels creating a bold, modern aesthetic. The structure is as much a statement piece as it is a highly functional production hub, reinforcing New York’s standing as a premier destination for film and television.
A Boost for NYC’s Production Industry
The MIPIM Award comes at a time when New York’s film industry is mounting a comeback following setbacks caused by the pandemic and last year’s dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. According to CBRE, office leasing by media-related companies doubled in the first half of 2024 compared to all of 2023, signaling strong momentum for the sector.
New York has long been a major production hub, but facilities like Wildflower Studios are pushing the city toward global leadership in film and television infrastructure. As streaming platforms and studios look for high-tech, scalable production solutions, Wildflower is positioning itself as the model for next-generation filmmaking.
The Future of Vertical Studios
Wildflower’s recognition at MIPIM 2025 highlights the growing need for urban-friendly, high-density production spaces. As real estate costs continue to rise in major filmmaking cities, vertically integrated facilities could become a new industry standard. This win not only solidifies Wildflower’s status as a world-class facility but also sets the stage for more innovation in how film and TV studios are designed and operated.
For an industry constantly evolving with new technologies, from virtual production to AI-driven workflows, the success of Wildflower Studios proves that film infrastructure must innovate alongside storytelling itself.
