Free event offers behind-the-scenes look at moviemaking in Astoria

BY ASHA MAHADEVAN

Forget LA — get a behind-the-scenes look at film production right here in Queens. The Museum of the Moving Image, Theatrical Teamsters Local 817 and Kaufman Astoria Studios is once again hosting New York on Location. The free, one-day event, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 21 at the Kaufman Astoria Studios backlot, will showcase up to 20 working movie trailers and trucks for the public to visit and include movie professionals that visitors can talk to about what goes into making a film. Visitors can also get a close look at stars’ dressing rooms, cameras, props, costumes and special effects machines.

“New York on Location is a fun and engaging way for families and kids to experience what goes on behind-the-scenes of their favorite movies and television shows and meet the people who make them possible,” said Hal Rosenbluth, president of Kaufman Astoria Studios.

There will be professional demonstrations revolving around the moviemaking process. They will include stunt performers from films such as “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Dark Knight Rises,” showing visitors how to survive a high fall or a street fight, makeup artists and hair stylists on how to fake bruises, and special effects professionals on how to create rain or snow. Visitors can buy food from Treat Trucks, the vendors who supply food to movie sets, and use the Honey Wagons, which are restrooms that are usually reserved for the stars.

“New Yorkers have grown accustomed to seeing movie trailers and trucks in their neighborhoods. New York on Location will allow them to step inside and talk to the dedicated and talented men and women who work behind the scenes in the film industry; and showcasing the work is at the core of the museum’s mission,” said Carl Goodman, executive director of the Museum of the Moving Image.

During the event, all the galleries of the museum will be open to the public for free.

New York on Location will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, on the Kaufman Astoria Studios backlot, at 36th Street between 34 and 35 avenues, and its surrounding streets. The Museum of the Moving Image is located at 36-01 35th Ave. in Astoria. A rain date for the event is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 28.

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