While a number of big Hollywood productions have filmed in Worcester over the last 10 years, there’s been a steep drop-off since 2023, as a perfect storm of labor strife, shifting economics, and an increase in overseas productions have slowed local big-name projects to a trickle.
But Padin has shown you don’t need the backing of the biggest names in entertainment to make a creative splash. In June, he made the ambitious move to open HollyWoo Studio, a space on the border of Worcester and Leicester containing podcast studios, for editing and production workspace, and a larger studio suitable for film and photography work.
The studio is designed to give local creators a place to shine. Adopting the model, “Shoot cameras, not guns,” the space is home to classrooms, which aim to serve as incubator space for local high school students who are interested in being the next generation of filmmakers, photographers, and podcasters.
Not just a studio owner, Padin is a creator; He released a two-part documentary series entitled “We the North,” capturing behind-the-scenes moments as Worcester North High School’s 2023-2024 boy’s basketball team won a Division 1 state championship, the first for any Worcester-based public school.Â
Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the manufacturing and real estate industries.Â
