Film and Media Production
Lights, Camera, Berkshires!
Whether you require 225 acres of pristine Appalachian woodland, a single charming historic cabin, or the world’s most advanced digital black box, Jacob’s Pillow offers a cinematic versatility that remains one of the Northeast’s best-kept secrets.
From week-long feature film principal photography to agile one-day commercial shoots, our campus provides a "living lab" environment where heritage architecture meets pioneering technology.
The Locations: From 1790 to 2026
Jacob’s Pillow is a National Historic Landmark, offering a visual timeline that can sub for a variety of periods and moods.
- The Doris Duke Theatre: Our crown jewel. A 2025 architectural masterpiece designed for full green screen integration and spatial audio capture. Ideal for sci-fi, music videos, and high-tech brand films.
- Historic Theaters and Barns: Authentic textures, weathered wood, and the storied "Pillow" atmosphere for period pieces or intimate documentaries.
- The Grounds: 225 acres of diverse topography, including rolling hills, dense forest, and hidden pathways perfect for drone cinematography.
Production Specs and Logistics
We understand the rigors of filming in the Berkshires. We provide the infrastructure so you can focus on what's in frame.
- Connectivity: High-bandwidth, low-latency Wi-Fi; essential for DIT uploads and remote directing.
- Power: Robust electrical distribution in the Doris Duke; localized power in historic zones.
- Sound: Controlled environments; remote location ensures minimal traffic and flight path interference.
- Load-in: Accessible entry points for heavy gear; additional studio space available for temporary storage.
- Basecamp: Ample parking for grip trucks and trailers; onsite garbage/recycling Dumpsters.
Evaluating the Creative and Legal
Operating a production in a rural yet sophisticated environment requires a partner who speaks "film."
- Permitting and Legal: Proof of insurance is required for all productions.
- Facility Security: 24/7 site monitoring to protect your equipment and talent.
- Craft Services: Dedicated areas for catering with access to basic kitchen amenities (refrigerator, counters, and sinks) in the Duke Green Room.
Unique Production Opportunities
- Production Design: Leverage our existing aesthetic or build from scratch in our flexible studio spaces.
- Yearly Contracts: For studios or content houses seeking a recurring East Coast base, we offer annual location contracts providing priority booking and bundled rates.
- The "Undiscovered" Edge: Be among the first to capture the Doris Duke’s new "Living Lab" aesthetic before it becomes a standard industry backdrop.
Strategic Advantage: The Yearly Contract
If your production house or agency plans on returning to the Berkshires for multiple seasonal campaigns, we recommend discussing a Yearly Production Residency.
- Benefits Include: Locked-in Rates: Protect your budget against seasonal fluctuations.
- Priority Booking: First right of refusal for "undiscovered" locations on the property.
- Gear Storage: Potential for long-term storage of production design elements between shoots.
Ready for Your Scout?
The Berkshires offer a unique light and atmosphere that can't be replicated on a backlot. Jacob’s Pillow combines that natural beauty with the technical precision of a world-class soundstage.
Location Scout Checklist: Jacob’s Pillow
- Creative & Aesthetic Assessment
Historical vs. Modern: Does the scene require the 18th-century "Pillow" textures or the 2025 Doris Duke glass-and-wood aesthetic?
The "Porous" Factor: For the Doris Duke Theatre, will the massive sliding doors be open to the landscape or closed for a controlled "black box" environment?
Natural Light Tracking: Note Golden Hour windows over the 225-acre ridge.
Drone Readiness: Identify clear launch/land zones (Ample open fields available). - Technical & Power Infrastructure
Power Drop: Identify 3-phase power locations in the Doris Duke vs. localized outlets in historic barns.
DIT & Data: Verify Wi-Fi signal strength in remote woods/cabin locations for real-time proxies/uploads.
Acoustics: Check for ambient nature sounds (cicadas, wind) vs. internal HVAC "Silent Mode" capabilities.
Green Screen Rigging: Measure clearance for temporary green screen installs in the Duke’s high-grid ceiling. - Logistical & "B-Roll" Support
Load-in/Load-out: Confirm ramp access for heavy grip/electric carts.
Storage: Identify which secondary studio will serve as the "lock-up" for gear during multi-day shoots.
Basecamp: Designate parking zones for honeywagons, catering trucks, and talent trailers.
Craft Services: Confirm fridge and counter space in the Green Room for craftie setup. - Legal & Safety (The "Paperwork" Phase)
Insurance and Permitting: Dependent on Production
On-Site Lodging
Staying at Jacob's Pillow is part of the experience. After your celebration or production wraps, retreat to one of our charming on-campus lodgings—rustic, historic, and warmly inviting.
Go beyond the ordinary.
Contact us to discuss the many ways to enhance your hosted experience. Ask about a total buy out!
For information on available dates, pricing and packages, or to schedule a site visit, email us at [email protected].
Learn more on our FAQ and policies page.