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5 hours ago

Portland video production company gets new digs

actors on a set PHOTO / COURTESY KNACK FACTORY Actors working on a commercial for Maine Spirits at Bell Street Studio.
By Tina Fischer

The video production company Knack Factory has leased a 3,900-square-foot studio at 83 Bell St. in Portland, having moved from a former space in the Stockhouse Building on Main Street in Westbrook. 

Knack’s president and senior producer Kurt Graser told Mainebiz the move came together because the studio’s previous tenant, High Output, was no longer interested in managing the studio space. The lease was privately negotiated. 

“I felt strongly that someone needed to step in and keep this resource available for Maine’s production community," Graser said. 

“Having a large, professional studio space in Portland is important — if it disappeared, it would’ve been a loss for filmmakers, agencies and production companies across the state," he added. “Taking it on felt like both a natural next step for us and a way to give back to the creative industry here.”

man standing in a production studio
Photo / Courtesy of Knack Factory
Kurt Graser, president of Knack Factory, in a production stage at the Bell Street studio.

In addition to using Bell Street Studio for Knack’s own projects, Graser rents the space to other commercial filmmakers, videographers and photographers.

Flexible space

The facility features flexible staging areas and professional lighting. 

There’s a 40-foot by 45-foot soundstage with a 14-foot grid height, a standard white Cyclorama wall, a 12-foot by 12-foot green screen and blackout curtains. 

The studio has lighting and grip inventory and tables, chairs, garment racks, ladders and other production equipment available for renters. 

A 10-by-10-foot overhead door with drive-in access simplifies load-ins and set builds, and there are dedicated parking and loading zones. 

“We’ve had smaller studios in the past,” Graser said, “but this is a fully functional production space where we can really push the boundaries of what we can create.”

Graser said he didn’t hire a broker for the deal, but worked directly with High Output and the landlord, Morrill Street Associates. 

Projects

When Mainebiz checked in with Graser earlier this week, he and his four-member team were filming a commercial with Maine Spirits and Blaze Partners. 

“We’re also currently working with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Visit Portland, the Maine Mariners, the Maine Celtics, Trellis Health and Lee Auto Mall," he said. “On top of that, we’re producing a television docuseries called ‘Up the Hearts’ about Portland’s new professional soccer team, the Portland Hearts of Pine. It’s currently airing on NESN.”
 

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