Wildflower Studios in New York

Turntable Triumph: Powering the World’s First Vertical Film Studio

In 2024, New York’s media landscape was redefined by the opening of Wildflower Studios in Queens’ Astoria neighborhood. Backed by legendary actor Robert De Niro and designed by the world-renowned Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), this $1 billion facility is the world’s first vertically oriented film studio. To solve the complex logistical challenge of moving heavy production equipment across a multi-story urban footprint, Shenyang Weizhong Revolving Machinery Co., Ltd. engineered a massive 80-foot truck turntable as the facility's technical heart.

The 775,000-square-foot complex, which recently won the prestigious Mipim Award for architectural innovation, features 11 soundstages across two floors. Our turntable—boasting a staggering 125,000 lbs (56.7-ton) load capacity—serves as a groundbreaking logistical asset. By allowing semi-trucks and heavy equipment to rotate 360 degrees within a confined space, the system drastically reduces turnaround times and streamlines pre-to-post-production workflows.

This project is a testament to Weizhong’s ability to integrate heavy-duty industrial engineering into high-concept sustainable architecture. The turntable enables Wildflower Studios to maintain its Brutalist, angled concrete design without sacrificing the practical needs of modern filmmaking. As media-related office leasing in NYC continues to surge, this facility sets a global standard for urban industrial efficiency.

As the sole U.S. winner at the Mipim conference among global honorees, Wildflower Studios proves that with the right motion technology, even the most challenging vertical spaces can become centers of creativity. Weizhong remains the definitive partner for architects and developers looking to reimagine the future of urban production and logistics.

Vertical Studio Logistics FAQ

Q: Why is a turntable essential for "vertical" studio design?

A: Traditional studios require massive sprawling lots for truck maneuvering. In a vertical setup like Wildflower, space is at a premium. A Weizhong 80-foot turntable allows 53-foot semi-trailers to rotate in place, enabling loading docks to be stacked and integrated into the building's core, saving thousands of square feet of urban land.

Q: Can the turntable handle extreme point loads from heavy cinematography cranes?

A: Yes. With a 125,000 lbs (56.7-ton) capacity, our system is engineered not just for balanced truck loads, but for the concentrated point loads of specialized production equipment like Techno-cranes and mobile lighting rigs, ensuring zero deck deflection during rotation.

Q: How does this system contribute to high-efficiency film production?

A: By facilitating a 360-degree rotation in under 2 minutes, logistics teams can move equipment in and out of the 11 soundstages with rapid precision. This eliminates "logistical bottlenecks," allowing film crews to spend more time shooting and less time navigating tight urban delivery zones.

Q: Does the system meet NYC's stringent building and safety codes?

A: Absolutely. Our heavy-duty turntables for the NYC market are engineered to exceed local safety standards, featuring multi-redundant braking systems, integrated safety sensors, and UL-certified electrical components to ensure reliable operation in high-occupancy media hubs.