Kelly Murphy of Assembly Studios: What’s it Like to Run Client and Production Services at a Busy Film and Television Studio?

Q: Tell us about your role as director of client and production services at Universal Production Services, as well as your favorite aspects of the job.

Murphy: My team and I are the bridge between the client that comes on the lot and all of our studio services. We are the first people that welcome them and we’re the last ones to do final walkthroughs before they wrap and head out.

I would say my favorite aspect of the job is that it’s a little bit different every day. We have clients in all different stages of production all the time. I’m experiencing that movie magic unveil every day. It’s very fulfilling to watch a project from beginning, middle, and end and know that we helped make that happen.

Q: Universal Production Services manages Assembly Studios in partnership with Gray Media. How does the media and production company’s presence at Assembly Studios help draw productions to the area?

Murphy: Universal brings more than 100 years of television and film experience to Assembly Studios. We have the leading technology and industry expertise to support our client’s vision. Plus, we have an amazing group of services on-lot ready to help productions, whether they are on-lot at Assembly or filming on-location across the Southeast. Our departments include Set Lighting & Grip, Costume, Transportation, Sign & Fabrication, and even a well-stocked Expendables & Supplies store. Then we have Studio A Café by Sterling Studio Kitchen for a delicious breakfast or lunch and even production catering.

Q: What are some examples of productions Universal Production Services has worked on since making Assembly its Atlanta production hub, and are there any projects you can talk about that are on the horizon?

Murphy: Our debut production was Peacock’s Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist followed by Teacup. This year we’ve hosted Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal and Grosse Pointe Garden Society, along with Beyond the Gates from CBS/Paramount.

Q: Do your clients have any consistent remarks about filming in the surrounding area, and can you share a few of them?

Murphy: Clients are excited to come to a brand-new studio with on-site services, inside the perimeter, close to the airport, with experienced industry professionals to help them. They really enjoy the hotel and restaurant options in the area. We are so grateful for the support of Discover Dunwoody in making the crews feel at home and welcome.

Q: How does your previous national and international experience in film production help make you stronger in your role today?

Murphy: I have been very fortunate to have worked in production for more than 15 years, mainly in Atlanta with various stints around the country. I spent an amazing three months in Busan, South Korea, working on a stunt unit for Black Panther. Having worked across diverse production environments, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the full cadence of production flow—from pre-production planning to on-set execution, and through to post-production. This familiarity with the rhythm of production enables me to anticipate potential challenges and meet critical deadlines effectively, which is essential in a fast-paced industry like ours.

Q: Do you get out and around in the area with Universal Production Services’ clients, or personally, and if so, what spots do you frequent?

Murphy: I absolutely love the sense of community in Dunwoody—it’s such a welcoming and vibrant place to be. The mix of great local restaurants, like the ones in Dunwoody Village, and the shopping options, especially at Perimeter Mall, really make it a convenient and enjoyable place to spend time. It’s also so nice to have access to some beautiful parks, right in the heart of the city. Overall, Dunwoody is a great blend of suburban comfort with a lot of local charm!

Q: What does Universal Production Services in the Atlanta market offer that no other studio does? And what does it do differently that sets apart its services and clients’ experiences filming here in metro Atlanta?

Murphy: Universal Production Services at Assembly offers several unique advantages that set us apart. We have 22 stages, each with adjacent offices and support spaces, providing a streamlined, efficient environment for production. Our stages are equipped with permanent catwalks, which makes rigging for set lighting and grip teams not only easier but more efficient, saving valuable time on-set.

In addition to these features, we offer exceptional production services, including Set Lighting & Grip, Transportation, Costume, and a Sign Shop, all designed to meet the needs of every production. The studio also boasts on-site dining, making it convenient for the entire crew. We provide top-tier post-production dailies services through our Global Post Workers team, ensuring a smooth and quick turnaround.

Our easily accessible location within the greater Atlanta area makes us an ideal choice for any production. We also offer a variety of exterior filming locations, giving productions additional creative flexibility. Above all, our dedicated team is one of the best in the industry, providing unparalleled support to ensure every production is a success.

Q: Give us some interesting insights to close out with.

Murphy: I have a couple insider tips to share:

Universal Production Services Costume has the stunning Legends of the Runway evening gown collection available for rent. These gorgeous couture dresses are from various Project Runway: All Stars

For Set Lighting and Grip needs, we offer a range of various acclaimed brands including NBCUniversal’s Cineo. Cineo’s LED lighting solutions are a game-changer for productions, offering unparalleled energy efficiency and exceptional color accuracy. With their cutting-edge technology, Cineo’s lighting equipment ensures a versatile, high-performance solution that meets the demanding needs of modern film and television production.

Within Assembly Studios is Third Rail Studios, a boutique three-stage facility with offices and support space. Third Rail enables a production to be a self-contained unit, yet be close to all the production services they need.