From Strategy to Reality: Biersdorf Plays Key Role in Bringing Assembly Studios to Atlanta

Dan, how did you get involved in Assembly Studios?

I worked in the corporate strategy group of Universal Production Services. One of my first projects was looking at the options of expanding our studio presence to another geographical production hub. As that project grew, we started talking with Gray Media about managing this new studio facility in Doraville.

Ultimately I played a key role in the construction project management of Assembly Studios through to the launch date.

So, you were involved from the very beginning of the concept of Assembly Studios. What role did you play in the project management?

My role covered everything from the operational stand up - working across the teams to make sure that we were on schedule and all processes, procedures, and financials were accounted for as we built the site. I worked on everything from the overall design to positioning the employee lockers to setting up the internet access. I am very proud of the collaboration we developed with the Gray Media team, the contractors, and numerous Universal Production Services groups to make Assembly a reality.

What projects and other developments are happening at Universal Production Services at Assembly?

We are fortunate to have a great group of internal and 3rd party productions currently at Assembly Studios with plenty more to come. We have Grosse Pointe Garden Society, Cape Fear, The Good Daughter, Murdaugh Murders, and Beyond The Gates from CBS.

What do you enjoy most about your work day-to-day?

I genuinely enjoy working with my staff and production clients who have deep experience in areas who continue to help me grow and learn.

What do filmmakers and their productions find specifically there with Assembly that you hear them rave about or express appreciation for?

I think definitely the well-thought-out design of the overall Studio, everything from the size of the stages to catwalks, the positioning of mills, and the abundance of office space. The Studio was very meticulously designed with high end film and television production in mind.

Why do you believe these elements and attributes are so important for professional productions?

The design all creates a maximum amount of efficiency for productions to create high quality content on time and on budget. Then building on that strong base is our on-lot Universal Set Lighting & Grip, Transportation, Costume, Expendables & Supplies store, and Sign Shops staffed by industry professionals. And we keep adding to our services. We now offer post production dailies services through Global Post Workers, for example.

Any specific production examples that show the benefits of filming at Assembly?

Murdaugh Murders is a great example of a production that planned to film at off-lot locations, but we were able to leverage a number of our locations on-lot saving time and money.

Why is the Dunwoody area of metro Atlanta, very near where you're located at Assembly. Studios, right for professional filmmaking, in terms of locations, studio resources, and other amenities for above and below-the-line filmmakers and crew?

Dunwoody is a quick 10 minutes from Assembly with hotels, great food, and plenty of things to do. Productions look for areas like Dunwoody to house their crews and it is a great resource for the Studio.

What are you looking forward to the rest of this year?

There are quite a few things I am looking forward to for the rest of 2024. I am excited to continue to work with local industry groups to support the community. For example, Assembly hosted the Georgia Entertainment Signature 100 Gala back in December sponsored by Gray Media, Discover Dunwoody, and Universal Production Services. We want to continue to spread the word about our main 19 sound stage facility plus Third Rail Studios, a 3 stage boutique facility with mill and office space adjacent to the main Assembly Lot. Honestly, I am excited to work with productions on the creative use of the Studio Lot. The space is so adaptable.

Is there anything else you'd like to add? Please feel free.

We serve all productions whether they are from NBCUniversal or from other studios and networks with our stage facilities and production services. And our services travel. We have supported productions across the greater Southeast. Give us a call! We are here to help.