DeWITT, N.Y. — SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) announced that Huayu Xu will manage and promote the Central New York Hub for Emerging Nano Industries, also known as the CNY Film Hub.
SUNY Poly in a news release described Xu as a “film industry veteran with international experience and strong ties to Syracuse.”
As studio manager, Xu is responsible for the marketing and promotion of the Film Hub, along with overseeing its day-to-day operations.
Xu will begin his new post at the CNY Film Hub on Aug. 1, the school said.
He will work closely with the Onondaga County Film Commission, the New York State Film Commission, and the Syracuse International Film Festival to recruit movie productions to the region, SUNY Poly said.
The Film Hub is the home venue for the annual Syracuse International Film Festival, according to the release.
Xu has an “extensive” track record of film and television production and studio management in the U.S. and China, SUNY Poly said.
His work has been honored or nominated with numerous awards including the “Best Cinematography” prize at the 9th annual Syracuse International Film Festival, the school added.
“Huayu Xu’s creative and business expertise coupled with his drive and motivation made him the clear choice and we are honored to welcome him back to New York and to the SUNY Poly team,” Alain Kaloyeros, president and CEO of SUNY Poly, said in the school’s release.
Xu earned a master’s degree in fine arts, majoring in film making, from Syracuse University. He also holds an MBA degree from Murray State University and a bachelor’s degree in stage management from Hofstra.
He has taught film and television production at the college level, including Syracuse University.
Most recently, Xu was the managing director of China Radio, Film & Television Programs Exchanging Center, a “major” Chinese production studio, according to SUNY Poly.
Motion pictures utilizing the CNY Film Hub so far include “American Dresser” starring Tom Berenger and Keith David; and “Pottersville” starring Ron Perlman and Michael Shannon.
Additional films are “finalizing” production arrangements and will be announced “shortly,” the school said.
Each production generates “hundreds” of local jobs and injects “millions” of dollars into the local economy including hotels, restaurants, caterers and local vendors, SUNY Poly contends.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com