three years. After learning the ins and outs of running a studio, she partnered with a friend who owns a sound-proofing company and opened Factory Studios. GUM Studios has been a labor of love for White, who had to completely renovate the rooms on the mezzanine floor to make them inviting for her clients. She’s had to renovate the bathrooms and floors, among other projects. She also recently purchased and installed a green screen. “It was literally me upstairs renovating bathrooms, trying to make the rooms nice for the clients,” White said. “I figured out how to lay down flooring. I’ve tarred a roof. I’ve fixed plumbing. I will do it all if I have to.” The space used to be home to a trophy manufacturer, a warehouse for clothing company Zara and production site for the television show “Ugly Betty.” Though White was looking to move to Williamsburg or Greenpoint, she said Long Island City was on her radar and she’s glad she made the move. “I love it here,” she said. “It’s really easy to get to here and everyone is so friendly.” White has even enlisted the help of local high-schoolers at the Academy for Careers in Television and Film, which is located across the street. Interns help with set dressing, fixing equipment and marketing. The studio’s hours are sporadic and depend on clients’ needs. White provides her space to production companies and also provides any lighting equipment they may need from their sister company, Yeti NY. The services GUM Studios provide are similar to that of a hotel or restaurant, White said. “I still consider this business a hospitality business,” she said. “People come here and you have to give them what they need and what they expect and do it quickly.” White has big plans for the future including purchasing a building or several to create a high-end sound stage. She is also in the process of building up a production company with her work partner and filmmaker Assal Ghawami. She recalls being the poorest she’s ever been during her first two years living in New York City when she would scrape up quarters to buy a slice of pizza for dinner and a can of food for her cat. “I don’t come from a rich family,” White said. “I did this all on my own. Here I am, just a girl from the south who came to New York with no clue what she’s going to do, and 11 years later I’ve got a film studio. So, if that’s not the American Dream,” she said, laughing. GUM Studios located at 2-15 Borden Ave. is a level one qualified production facility. To inquire about rates, email [email protected] or call 718-350- 8694. Feature Photos courtesy of GUM Studios
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