The sad news is that current labor issues have stopped a lot of the productions that were filming in the region. This has led to serious unemployment issues for thousands of local crew members, actors and vendors (including equipment houses, qualified production facilities, hotels, restaurants…) We’re hoping that AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) will somehow, quickly come to terms with the WGA (Writers Guild of America) and SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artist).
In the meantime, we're still working with some small non-union films, music videos, industrials and other productions, with the hope that local industry members can get some much needed work. We're also looking forward to working with union productions that will be granted waivers via SAG-AFTRA.
In terms of film releases, we’re taking a look back at movies that filmed in the region during the summer of 2022:
BLACKOUT, which was written and directed by Larry Fessenden, recently world premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival.The story follows a painter who, convinced he is a werewolf, creates chaos in a small town at each full moon. The cast features Alex Hurt, Addison Timlin, Motell Gyn Foster, Joseph Castillo-Midyett, John Speredakos, Michael Buscemi, Joe Swanberg, Barbara Crampton, James Le Gros, Kevin Corrigan and Marshall Bell. Many local actors were involved as well, including Steve Heller of Fabulous Furniture. Regional locations included Byrdcliffe Arts Colony, Snyder’s Tavern, Woodstock Building Supply and many more. Chris Ingvordsen produced in conjunction with Larry Fessenden and James Felix McKenney. Yellow Veil Pictures is distributing.
Alex Hurt in Blackout
THE GOOD MOTHER (a/k/a Mother’s Milk), is set to be released by Vertical on September 1. Written and directed by Albany’s Miles Joris-Peyrafitte, the film features two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank (Boys Don’t Cry, Million Dollar Baby). She stars opposite Olivia Cooke (House of the Dragon) and Jack Reynor (Midsommar). The story follows a journalist who, after the murder of her estranged son, forms an unlikely alliance with his pregnant girlfriend to track down those responsible for his death. Together, they confront a world of drugs and corruption. The feature film was produced in the Capital Region, but hired a lot of Hudson Valley crew and cast members through Heidi K. Eklund, CSA.
On location with The Good Mother
LOST ON A MOUNTAIN IN MAINE is still in post production. The feature film, which is based on the book by the same name, tells the inspiring story of a 12-year-old boy, who, separated from his family by a fast moving storm, must fight to stay alive during his nine-day adventure lost in the backwoods of Maine. Directed by Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger, and features Paul Sparks, Luke David Blumm and Caitlin FitzGerald. Background casting was handled by Amy Hutchings Casting and Heidi K. Eklund, CSA. Filming took place in July and August in Elka Park, Gardiner, High Falls, Kingston, New Paltz, Phoenicia, Rosendale, Saugerties, and Stone Ridge.
On location with Lost on a Mountain in Maine
SING SING, which filmed in July and August of 2022 at Downstate Correctional in Fishkill, and other locations in Beacon and Warwick, just announced that it will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Based on a real-life rehabilitation program, the story follows a theatre troupe that finds escape from the realities of incarceration through the creativity of putting on a play. Sing Sing was directed by Greg Kwedar and stars Colman Domingo (Euphoria), Sharon Washington (Joker, Michael Clayton). Cast members also included formerly incarcerated actors and many local background extras. Rita Powers casting handled background. For more info, visit www.tiff.net/events/sing-sing
Colman Domingo in Sing Sing
THEATER CAMP, which filmed in June of 2022 opened in theaters on July 18. For dates and times, click here. Directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman, the story follows eccentric staff members of an upstate New York theater camp who must band together when their beloved founder falls into a coma. Production took place primarily in Warwick and Newburgh. The cast features Ben Platt, Molly Gordon, Jimmy Tatro, Amy Sedaris and many local background extras who were hired through HBG Casting.
On location with Theater Camp
STAY TUNED –– we’ll feature 2022 TV productions in an upcoming blog.
