Jacqui McDonald | staff writer

On a crisp October night in the South Side of Pittsburgh, the glow of dimmed studio lights and the shutter of cameras filled Pasage Studios. The space brimmed with energy, costumes and people.

“There’s so much talent in this city, and sometimes all that’s missing is access to space, equipment, and a network. That is what we’re trying to build here at Pasage,” said owner Cem Hakverdi.

On Oct. 26, Pasage Studios hosted its Halloween-themed media night. Media nights are new monthly events put on by the studio that are designed to give local artists and performers a spot to showcase their work. People like models, singers and actors can build their portfolios through professional photos, live performances and networking.

At the Halloween event, attendees were able to get professional pictures taken by two photographers, network with other creators and even have access to the recording studio.

The Halloween event finished with musical performances from local bands and musicians who gained experience in front of a crowd and had the opportunity to put their content out.

“The studio provides a very nice testing zone for newer artists and creators,” said co-owner Austin Isaly.

Local Pittsburgh artist Bobby Taylor was the last to take the stage that evening. Growing up with a father who worked as an audio engineer, Taylor said music has always been a part of his life.

He also had the opportunity to play with his band, Hollow North, at the grand opening night of Passage Studios.

Taylor and Isaly instantly hit it off, expressing a similar interest in having a creative space designed to build artists up and find ways for people to make a living doing what they love.

He spoke about how performing at Pasage Studios was very beneficial to him as an artist.

“It’s fun. It’s energetic and the audience receives whatever you give them, good or bad. It is just straight up supportive,” Taylor said.

Taylor emphasized that there was no pressure, just an opportunity to connect with others who share a love for music and creativity.

Pasage began as a clothing brand, but the team quickly noticed a lack of creative content to promote their products. To fill that need, they built a small studio in the basement of Isaly’s house. After realizing the potential for a larger, multimedia studio in Pittsburgh, they began searching for real estate to create an upgraded space. That vision eventually led them to a larger house in the South Side.

One of the attendees, Landon Linderman, said the event was “life changing.”

“It is really inspiring to be here and see all of these creative people do what they love,” he said.

Linderman is an aspiring basketball player who originally came to the studio because he thought professional pictures would be a good look for scouting. He continued to come because of how much he enjoyed it and the community that came with it.

“It’s cool that everyone’s hyping each other up instead of competing. I really enjoy the aspect of community here and how it makes me feel about myself,” Linderman said.

Taylor agreed.

“It is not about the money. It’s like a family for all of us,” Taylor said.

In the future, the founders envision Pasage Studios as more than just a place for media days.

They have already expanded into student clubs and organizations at colleges like Robert Morris University and Carnegie Mellon University.

Hakverdi hopes to bring the Pittsburgh schools together through these clubs, and create more. Plans are also in motion for more performance events, artist showcases and the Carnegie Mellon film club has even begun filming a television series in collaboration with Pasage Studios.

The series is a student led project directed, written and produced by both Pasage Studios and the club. Starring Taylor as a rising musical artist, the production takes a unique approach by filming his live performances, blending real life elements with a fictional script. Taylor said that they will also be working with other bands and expressed his excitement about bringing the project to life.

“Pittsburgh is going to be the new Hollywood. Guaranteed,” Taylor said.

Jacqui McDonald can be reached at mcdonaldj6@duq.edu