Professional Motion Picture Production and Distribution NEWS

(Stratford, CT) An investor group headed by Allen Christopher announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase a former manufacturing plant on Lordship Boulevard in Stratford, CT.

The name of the new studios facility will be Dogstar. The name comes from the brightest star in the sky (also known as Sirius) that frequently served as a metaphor with sailors using it as a reference point as they navigated from troubled waters to new opportunities and adventures.

The 292,000 square foot facility on 18.69 acres will be adapted into a digital media and motion picture production complex that will include 22,000 square feet of office space, 100,000 square feet for support services, an educational component and 12 soundstages ranging in size from 2,500 square feet to 16,800 square feet with 37 foot ceiling heights.

"The tax credits for digital media and motion pictures offered by Connecticut played a major role in bringing this deal together," said Allen Christopher, the Managing Member of DMG Studio Holdings, LLC. "We believe our adaptive re-use in a high growth industry will create thousands of new jobs in Connecticut over the next few years."

The General Manager of Dogstar will be Doug McAward, former chairman of the Connecticut Film and Television Commission for 8 years as well as a veteran producer with strong ties to Connecticut. "Dogstar Studios is perfectly positioned to become the premiere facility for the digital media and motion picture industry here in Connecticut," said McAward. "Over the next few months we will be making numerous announcements regarding our anchor tenants, our key executives and various projects that will be produced here in 2010."

"This is a spectacular project for the Town of Stratford," said Bruce Alessie, Director of Economic Development for Stratford. "In terms of size and scope it is the largest individual project in our town that has come to fruition over the last few years. It is also doing so in a very tight economy. Christopher and his plan are to be commended."

"The town and all of its leaders have been staunch supporters," said Christopher. "We are looking forward to continue working closely with Stratford's Office of Economic Development and the administration to establish Stratford as the go to destination for digital media and motion picture production in the tri-state region."

Bruce Wettenstein, commercial real estate agent representing DMG Studio Holdings, LLC., said, "It is a great facility in an ideal location for the digital media and motion picture industry. Importantly, I believe that this project will have a significant impact in revitalizing the light industrial corridor serving Stratford, Bridgeport and the surrounding towns."

Legal Counsel for DMG Studio Holdings, LLC in the transaction is Edward Marcus, Esq of the Marcus Law Firm of North Branford, CT.



Resources:

Dogstar Studios, www.dogstardmg.com

DMG Studio Holdings, LLC