As the TV industry evolves with online streaming platforms, Suffolk-based New Dominion Pictures finds it no longer needs a physical studio location -- nor everything within it.
The television production company at 1000 Film Way is putting all of its building's contents up for sale in an auction.
Dawn Wilfong, creative director of New Dominion Pictures, said the company will continue operations, but all five full-time employees have moved to a remote work model.
"We've been looking to sell the building, honestly, for the last 10 years on and off," Wilfong said. "It's been beneficial to have the studio, but not necessary."
As development increases in Suffolk, so does the interest in the land New Dominion Pictures has occupied since 1999, she said. Wilfong said the company is working separately with a buyer for the property, which includes the 6 acres the building sits on. Wilfong did not share any other details.
New Dominion Pictures, founded in 1989, has produced more than 30 series of factual, reality and scripted drama programming. Its programs appear on major TV networks, including the Discovery Channel, Destination America, The History Channel and National Geographic. The company is best known for its work on "The New Detectives," "The FBI Files" and "A Haunting."
The company is not currently in production on any shows nor has any plans for future productions. It is focusing on distributing 300-plus hours of programming domestically and internationally and partnering with M2 Productions to distribute its catalogs, Wilfong said.
Norfolk-based Auction757 is handling the online auction. It is live now and runs through Tuesday. Auctioneer Tucker Freeman said there are more than 840 lots -- and thousands of items -- listed in the auction.
Sale items up for bid include a Quonset hut storage building; computers; professional camera; audio, visual and lighting equipment; ice machine; folding tables; storage shelves; portable canopy tents; office furniture; antique/vintage furniture; clothing/costumes; set props; and catering supplies.
"It's been an interesting and unique auction to set up with just the sheer amount of items," Freeman said.
He said the auction already has attracted 100 bidders from as far away as New York. He expects the numbers to grow as the bidding draws to a close. Starting at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, they will close one lot every 20 seconds, he said.
The doors will be open to the public for a preview from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday.
As the day draws near to bid farewell to the decades worth of items, Wilfong said New Dominion Pictures has been really happy to be in Hampton Roads for more than 30 years.
"And the plan is to stay in Hampton Roads because there is such a great talent pool here," she said.