About Us
Gigantic Studios was founded in 2006 by Brian Devine as a post-production facility featuring:
• 2 x 7.1 mix theaters calibrated by Dolby®
• 4 x Offline Editorial Suites that can be used for Sound Editorial
• A state of the art Live Room that provides un-paralleled Vocal / ADR recording quality
• Multiple Foley pits, including a full pour of NYC sidewalk concrete, and a substantial prop collection
In 2016 Gigantic Studios grew in size, building:
• A brand new, uniquely designed 16 speaker Dolby Atmos® Mix Stage with 2K DI Color Correction
• A 4K Color Correction suite
Soon after, Gigantic Studios began expansion once more, adding:
• A second Dolby Atmos® Mix Stage
• A Quality Control Suite
Over the past two decades Gigantic Studios has worked on a long list of features, documentaries, and series with Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Showtime, NBC, PBS, Radical Media and many others. All of our stages were designed by Tom Paul, Gigantic Studios' Emmy Award winning re-recording mixer and sound designer.
In the heart of a bustling metropolis, where the blend of creativity and innovation knows no bounds, Brian Devine embarked on a mission to redefine the essence of sound and visual post-production. With a clear vision and a passion for creating a space that catered to the intricate demands of post-production sound mixing, picture finishing services, and more, Devine sought the expertise of Tom Paul, his close friend and a renowned figure in the industry. With Paul's help, he set out to create Gigantic Studios, a name that would soon echo as a beacon of excellence in the industry. What Devine was able to create in partnering with the great artist Tom Paul is a home for all of the other great creative artists, who can now gather to respect the moving image in an art forward style community, built to do so from the ground up. Brian and fellow filmmaker Jonathan Gray regularly host “Salons” together to gather their creative community and champion local artists.
The journey began in 2006, on a foundation of collaboration and mutual respect. Brian Devine, with his ambitious vision and desire to relocate to the Chelsea neighborhood, and Tom Paul, with his technical expertise in audio and design know-how, envisioned a studio that broke free from the traditional confines of sterile, impersonal work environments. They aimed to merge the industrial strength of exposed beams with the warmth of wood floors and paneling, creating a space that was both robust and inviting. The large windows were a key feature, welcoming natural light and bathing the common areas in a glow that sparked creativity and inspiration.
The initial build of Gigantic Studios saw the creation of “Mix Stage A” and “Mix Stage B,” equipped with 32-fader Icon D-Control mix boards, both featuring projectors for an immersive mixing experience. Alongside, six “Edit Suites” were meticulously designed for precision and efficiency, a “Live Vocal Room” that embraced the room-within-a-room style for unparalleled sound quality, and the “Machine Room,” the heart that powered the technical prowess of the studios.
As Gigantic Studios thrived under Brian Devine's leadership, the need for expansion became evident. In 2016, he embarked on a bold venture to partner with Jonathan Gray and claim the entire floor, hoping to transform the space again into a powerhouse of post-production services. The addition of a Dolby Atmos mix stage, “Main Stage,” and a color correction room named “Color Suite” marked a new era for Gigantic Studios. This was the first Dolby Atmos mix stage in New York City.
The “Main Stage” features an Avid S6 console that could vanish into the floor, revealing a space that doubles as a screening room. This stage, also a DaVinci Resolve color room equipped with a Barco DP1200 projector, offers the rare capability to conduct a Dolby Atmos mix and 2K final color correction simultaneously. Under the guidance of Brian Devine and with the design expertise of Tom Paul, the “Main Stage” design to remove the console also purposely doubles to accommodate a standing desk feature, ensuring that the mixer could stand and work in comfort without obstructing any producer's view.
The year 2019 saw the addition of “Quality Control,” a testament to Brian Devine's commitment to excellence and precision. The studio has and continues to perform Quality Control services for high level clients such as Showtime, AMC/IFC Films, NBC, SKY and many other independent productions. Currently, the construction of another Dolby Atmos mix stage adjacent to the “Main Stage” is underway, promising to further expand the studio's capabilities. Additionally "Mix Stage B" now boasts 3 Avid S1 boards linked together but despite Avid no longer offering support for it, Brian has decided to continue maintenance on the Icon D-Control in "Mix Stage A" for the love of this particular console itself.
In their endeavors to create the best studio possible - Brian and Tom Paul also became close with Tony Grimani, co-creator of THX, and they enlisted Grimani’s help in their pursuit of building truly the best post-production studio in Manhattan. The front-of-house LCR speakers in the "Main Stage” are hand wound prototype drivers built by Tony Grimani himself. Many mixers work in Gigantic Studios’ "Main Stage" and say it is the best sounding room they have ever heard because of the clarity the room can bring.
The decision by Brian Devine and Jonathan Gray to take over the remaining floor space in 2016, following the departure of other tenants, was a pivotal moment in the studio's evolution. With Tom Paul's creative input in the design process, they have successfully transformed the studio into a beacon of creativity and collaboration. The figure 8 layout, in particular, symbolizes the interconnectedness and fluidity that are at the core of Gigantic Studios' philosophy. This architectural innovation ensures that every individual within the studio is part of a dynamic, interconnected community, where creativity knows no bounds and the potential for innovation is limitless.
Gigantic Studios stands as a testament to the power of visionary leadership and collaborative design. Brian Devine, Tom Paul, and Jonathan Gray have created not just a workspace, but a sanctuary for creative minds. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to fostering a communal atmosphere have culminated in a studio that is much more than the sum of its parts. It is a place where the future of entertainment and creativity is being shaped, one idea at a time.
Brian Devine's approach to establishing Gigantic Studios, in collaboration with Tom Paul, was not just about creating the best facilities for mixing, post-production, and film finishing services. It was about crafting an experience, a place where professionals could feel at home while pushing the boundaries of creativity. The integration of advanced technology with a cozy, inviting atmosphere has set Gigantic Studios apart, making it a coveted destination for industry professionals seeking the best in the field.
The floor's layout, with its seamless integration of various spaces, facilitates a communal atmosphere where creative minds can converge, share ideas, and inspire one another. This spirit of collaboration is embodied in the two shared conference rooms and kitchenette areas, thoughtfully positioned to serve as hubs of interaction and creativity. These areas are not mere functional spaces; they are designed to encourage the exchange of ideas and foster a sense of belonging among the studio's inhabitants.
At the heart of Gigantic Studios lies the expansive main living-room-style common area, strategically adjacent to the main conference room and kitchenette. This space serves as the pulsating core of the studio, where professionals from diverse backgrounds can relax, engage in meaningful conversations, and nurture their creative energies. The design of this area, with its comfortable seating and welcoming ambiance, invites occupants to take a momentary pause from their busy schedules, fostering an environment where inspiration can flourish.
The aesthetic choices made in the renovation pay homage to the building's historical significance while infusing it with a contemporary edge. The exposed glass and metal beams, high ceilings, wood floors, and paneling contribute to a timelessly industrial yet cozy atmosphere. These design elements not only enhance the visual appeal of the space but also reflect the studio's commitment to creating an environment that respects its architectural heritage while catering to the modern needs of its occupants.
Gigantic Studios stands as a monument to the dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence by Brian Devine, and his close collaborators and friends Tom Paul and Jonathan Gray. From its industrial yet cozy design to its state-of-the-art facilities, it encapsulates the essence of innovation and comfort. As Gigantic Studios continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and the endless possibilities that arise when vision and drive crosses with passion and expertise.
Brian Devine has gone back to crafting music, in his new music studio in upstate New York - but still attends "Salon" and oversees Gigantic Studios from afar.
Tom Paul has since moved on as well for himself to be closer to his young son, but you may still see him on a chance evening, exiting “Main Stage” after a mix to have a short chat with you at "Salon" before returning to Red Hook.
For more information about Gigantic Studios and its unparalleled services, please peruse the other pages on our website. Here, you'll find a comprehensive overview of all Gigantic Studios’ capabilities, from mixing and picture post-production to quality control finishing services.. Gigantic Studios is not just a studio; it's a landmark in the world of sound and visual post-production, where excellence and creativity know no bounds. It is so because of the hardworking, dedicated and multi-cultural team that has been studying and learning under great leadership.
Please take the time to read about the rest of our wonderful and fun team on the Team page.