FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
•How large is the space?
It's massive. The first word out of almost everyone's mouth when they enter the space for the first time is always the same: "Wow!" The entire loft occupies 12,000sf. The dimensions are roughly 52' across by 230' long. The ceiling height is 12' to the wood beams and approximately 20' to the center peak. There are 5 thin columns in the space but the majority of the room is column-free. Here's a few 360° photos where you can take a look around.
The rental includes use of all of our furniture & props, electric power, on-site parking, private loading dock with motorized conveyor belt, wardrobe room, hi-speed Verizon FIOS WiFi, client lounge, Bluetooth audio system, Italian espresso machine, refrigerator, backdrop stands with colored seamless paper, and 6ft & 12ft ladders
•What's not included in the space?
If you prefer not to handle your own garbage disposal at the end of the day we can offer that service for a nominal fee and there's a nominal fee if you need access to the large freight elevator (11,000 lb max) in our neighbor's space
•Do you offer equipment rentals?
Yes, we do! We have an arrangement with a local camera, grip & lighting vendor who will offer excellent rates on rentals from individual items to full packages including RED & Sony cameras. Have the gear waiting for you when you arrive. Feel free to email your equipment wish-list or click here to view our inventory. You are also welcome to use your own vendor if you prefer
•Do you offer furniture &/or prop rentals?
In addition to the included furniture & props we have in the space there's also a 40,000sf furniture & prop rental facility located right here in our complex. Visit Bergen Office Furniture. Ask for Ira and tell him you're shooting at Zen Space to receive special rates
•What is the parking & load-in like?
It's super-easy. We have a large parking lot right outside our studio plus an additional overflow lot right nearby for large productions. Equipment trucks can back up to our own private loading dock to unload. We have a motorized conveyor belt which will carry your gear & supplies right into our space. The conveyor belt runs in both directions for loading-in & out. We're on the second floor so it's also relatively easy to bring select items up by hand. For oversized items that are too big for the conveyor belt (like large pieces of furniture or wall flats) you can use a nearby freight elevator for a nominal fee
•Is the space quiet enough to record audio?
Our studio is not soundproof but it is surprisingly quiet. We are on the 2nd floor and the only thing below us is a warehouse full of boxes. The old wood floors also help to absorb sound so you will find that there is very little echo for such a large space. You should be fine recording interviews and audio
•Can we leave gear overnight?
The space is locked and alarmed overnight plus there's a 24-hour security guard in the complex. The surrounding residential neighborhood is quiet & safe. Gear can be left overnight at your own risk. Zen Space will not be held responsible for any damage or theft to gear left overnight
•Is there heating & air conditioning?
We have large, industrial heaters to keep the space warm in winter. During the summer months we have AC in our wardrobe room and green room but the main shooting area is not air-conditioned. We have windows on both sides that we open on hot days plus portable fans and a large exhaust fan to circulate the air. Some clients choose to hire an outside service to bring in portable units or pump in AC from ducts placed outside the building
•Are there any additional support rooms?
Our client lounge is approximately 13' x 10' and comes with chairs & tables. Our wardrobe room is approx. 20' x 13' and comes with tables, chairs and a mirror. For larger productions that require additional support space we have a beautiful 3,000 sf loft right next door that can be rented for an additional fee.
•How much electric power is in the space?
Our loft comes with 150 amp, 3-phase service. If needed you can access an additional 150 amp, 3-phase service from our loft next door for an additional fee. Please note the studio does not have cam-lock connectors or a distro-box so you will need to bring your own equipment if you plan on tie-ing in to our electric panel.
•Can we bring our own generator?
Yes. There is an area where you can park a generator on the ground floor and easily run a cable up through an open window on our 2nd floor. Please let us know in advance if you plan on bringing your own generator.
•Can the windows be blacked out?
Yes. We can prep the studio for a full black-out with 1-day's notice
•Does the studio have a cyc wall?
We do not have a cyc wall, but we do have backdrop stands, high ceilings and plenty of space to set up a seamless backdrop
•Do you require insurance?
Yes. We require an insurance certificate naming Zen Space LLC and RJS Corp as additionally insured. You can view & download a sample COI here. If you don't have insurance you can still rent the studio through a third-party website that includes insurance
•What are your rates?
Since every production is different we don't have set pricing. Instead we base our rates on the size & impact of each project. Please fill out this brief online form which will provide us with the necessary details to work up an estimate. Once it's complete shoot us a quick email to let us know and we'll get back to you ASAP. Please note, we always do our best to work with our clients' budgets!
•Can you help out with any issues that may arise before or during our shoot?
Yes! We come from a production background so we're all about creative problem-solving! We will do our best to assist your production in any way possible, be it sourcing a hard to find prop, picking up talent from the train station, making dinner reservations for your clients or recommending a great place nearby for lunch. We have almost 3 decades of production experience and we're here to help your shoot run smoothly!
•What's nearby?
Lots of stuff! Although Zen Space is located inside a gated, industrial complex there is a wealth of useful and interesting places right nearby from Dunkin' Donuts, to Home Depot, Trader Joe's to homemade empanadas. Check out our contact list for some nearby options
•Who owns/manages Zen Space?
Zen Space was founded by Glenn Schuster, a 25+ year veteran of the NYC film & photo production community. Over the course of his career Glenn has worked as a location scout & manager on just about every type of production from high-end photo shoots and nationally broadcast commercials to branded content, music videos, episodic television and both studio & independent feature films. He has also produced, directed shot & edited projects for a variety of clients, as well as his own independent productions including a film he produced & directed that was accepted at the Sundance Film Festival. With his extensive production background Glenn has a great understanding of the needs of producers, directors, photographers, DP's and location managers, and he works tirelessly to ensure that every production at Zen Space is a huge success. Read some recent press about Zen Space here.
•Can we pet &/or play with Milo & Maisie?
Absolutely. They love all men, women & children, and they love affection. Scratch Milo's ears or rub Maisie's belly and you're their new best friend. Milo is crazy-smart and knows a few tricks. He's even modeled for Petco, The Company Store catalog, TJ Maxx and others.
•Do you have detailed driving directions to get to your studio?
Yes, click here.
•How long does it take to get to the studio from Manhattan?
We're 20 minutes from the Lincoln Tunnel. Click here to see the drive
•Do you have any other locations available to rent?
Yes! We're located inside a large, industrial complex with lots of interesting & unique spots for film & photo shoots. Check out some of our other available locations.
•What have some previous clients said about shooting at Zen Space?
"Zen Space is a rare gem in the business! The space is one of the most versatile large spaces I have ever worked in. The natural light and quiet location is also a real plus. Glenn is a pro to work with and his extensive background in locations makes the booking process pleasant and professional!"
•Kindra Predmore, Producer/Production Designer
"Glenn was a great host & his location is fantastic. It's big, extremely versatile, and has just about everything you would need for many different types of scenes. We used it for a hospital room and it turned out great. It's also be a great place to shoot interviews. Quiet and great natural light"
•Jeff Schneider. Producer / ABC's 20/20
"You won't find a better space with quality and extremely accommodating service for the price anywhere in the Tri-State area. Zen Space is more like a hidden gem. BEAUTIFUL & HUGE space just a stone's throw from NYC, and so much more reasonably priced than any place we could find near Gotham. The space is beautiful with many amenities and the service and assistance is terrific. Thanks for an amazing experience. Can't wait for the next gig!"
• Rafael Diaz / Greystone Music Group
"Our production had a great experience at Zen Space! Glenn and his team were very helpful and attentive to our needs which made for an efficient shoot. We loved the space and we're ecstatic about the footage from the day. Thank you Zen Space team for all your hard work!"
•Rachel Greenwald, Producer / Propagate Content
"Zen Space was the perfect place for our shoot. The client really enjoyed the open floor plan and it gave us the flexibility to have multiple sets shooting simultaneously. The amenities at the studio are superb and Glenn was very accommodating. The cherry on top was having Glenn's dog, Milo, around. He kept us all very happy!"
•Ehren Jaleel-Wenrich, Creative Director / Art Director
"When I walked in I was really impressed with how spacious & bright the space was. It seemed like it had everything you could possibly want in a studio. Vast, bright & beautiful. We had a great shoot. I highly recommend it!"
•Kat Irlin / Fashion & Lifestyle Photographer
"We shot for two full days at Zen Space. The shoot was a little last-minute but Glenn was very helpful and accommodating. Zen Space is a great location with lots of creative possibilities! We would absolutely shoot there again!"
•Ethan Risvik / Photographer/Director
"We had a fantastic experience working at Zen Space for a film shoot. The space was perfect for our needs and Glenn was quick to respond, flexible, and accommodating. He was also cognizant of COVID guidelines and took all safety precautions. Thank you Glenn!"
•Laura Stoddard / Producer, Portal-A
"Shot two times for Access Health at this amazing space! It's so versatile you can set up different scenarios. Plenty of room for everything and everyone! Can't wait to come back!"
•Amy Robinson / Producer, BrandStar Communications
"My team had a great experience at the space and it was great working with you! We were super happy with our interview and will be sure to reach back out for this and other productions should we be in need of a space in the area!"
•Samantha Bloom / Producer, Motto Pictures
"Zen Space was a lifesaver for our project! It's a huge space with lots of great, natural light and many exterior industrial locations onsite. I've never seen a space like that in Brooklyn or Manhattan. It's massive. Glenn was incredibly understanding and accommodating of our needs - a true pro who knows how to assist productions of any size. If you're looking for an interview set-up or a cheaper spot to build a large set, I highly recommend checking out Zen Space!"
•Sam Rider / Producer/Director/DP, Rider Film
"For our particular production, Zen Space was the best place to shoot in after quarantine. The space is extremely large, extremely clean, and Glenn is a pleasure to work with."
•Mariah Duff / Associate Producer, CinemaStreet Pictures
"It was a pleasure working with Glenn and Zen Space for our recent production. He made it all very seamless with the location & logistics of the day, which took a great deal of pressure off. They were very easy to work with, understanding of production and all involved. The location itself is very accommodating for many types of production and needs".
•Clair Grupp / Freelance Executive Producer, StrawberryFrog
"The space was perfect for our needs and had a lot to offer. So much room to play with, in terms of depth and square footage. Location was really close to Manhattan, load in & load out were convenient, and our host made sure we were well taken care of all day. Would absolutely return for future shoots."
•Tara Malone / Producer, Jupiter Entertainment
“I’ve shot at Zen Space and it was a very smooth day. Beautiful location with lots of varied looks. Plenty of space for parking, holding, and staging. As a location manager, this is an ideal space.”
•Joe Cecchini, Location Manager
"The space is great & versatile, and Glenn is an incredibly accommodating host, both while we were at the location shooting and in the weeks leading up when I expressed what we would need for the shoot. He helped me iron everything out and provided any props/set dressing I needed on the fly. What we shot at the space looks fantastic!"
• Taylor Williams, Indie Filmmaker
"Such a great space and ambiance. Owner was splendid, kind and very accommodating. We highly recommend!"
•Lisa Stephenson, Editor-in-Chief
"The space was perfect for what we needed. Glenn and Zen Space welcomed us with a wonderful multi-use space and really was an amazing host for our shoot. Would recommend his space (and already have) to anyone in need of a great space for all shoots. Thanks!"
•Collin Fioriglio, Producer/Director
"Amazing host, beautiful space, I’d come back. Glenn is very helpful and sees your vision. Thanks for the hospitality!"
• Ryan Harris / Independent recording artist
Follow us on Instagram!
ZEN SPACE
41 Brighton Ave
Passaic, NJ
917. 282. 7360