The feature film SKIN, directed by Guy Nattiv, was produced in Kingston, Port Ewen, Saugerties, and the Town of Ulster, from February 24 through March 26, 2018. The Hudson Valley Film Commission was involved in pre production and principal photography, providing support for locations, crew, cast and vendors. SKIN opens at Upstate Films Woodstock on August 2.

Inspired by true events, SKIN chronicles the life of Bryon Widner. After a difficult childhood drives him into the grasps of a white supremacist gang,

Bryon tries to escape to a new life, all the while questioning whether he's capable of undoing—and repenting for—the evil he's done. Actor Jamie Bell (Rocketman, Billy Elliot, Undertow) delivers a visceral, explosive performance. Also featured are Julie Price, Daniel Henshall, Louisa Krause, Mike Colter and Hudson Valley resident Vera Farmiga. Variety calls the film, “a potent drama and powerful, well-acted tale of personal redemption." The short version of the same name won the 2019 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.

“SKIN was a memorable production for many reasons, including the controversial subject matter,” says Hudson Valley Film Commission director Laurent Rejto. “The issues were handled with incredible tact by the production team. Everyone involved, bonded and worked as a family to create a film that is challenging, compelling and electrifying.”

Among others, local crew included Richard Auth, Brian Barney, Tim Bruno, Kevin Callahan, Page Chase, Adrianne Davis, Matt de Bara, Evan Derrickson, Heidi Eklund, Jaf Farkas, Jesika Farkas, Dirt Haehnel, Amy Hutchings, Deana LeBlanc, John Livermore, Alanna Wray McDonald, Greg Meola, Tijen Osman, Julian Rodriguez, Brian Schuley, Dave Shumbris, Anthony Stracquadanio, Deirdre Sullivan, Steven Teitter, Jeremiah Wenutu. Lodging was secured at Best Western Plus Kingston Hotel and Conference Center and catering was provided by Stone Pony Deli Catering.

Producer Trudie Stylern was recently quoted in the New York Times, saying: “We had no budget. Only $2 million. So we filmed upstate. Kingston. In the briefest period — only 23 days. No trailers for anybody. Huddled in our own vehicles. Down and dirty in the trenches. Freezing our butts off because we had to save money."

Casting directors Amy Hutchings and Heidi Eklund worked with director Guy Nattiv and actor/producer Jaime Ray Newman, to cast white supremacists and African American counter demonstrators. The initial casting call was held at the FILM CENTER in Woodstock, where the Film Commission and the Woodstock Film Festival are based.

"It was a very emotional casting session, seeing Guy Nattiv's words come alive,” recalls Amy Hutchings. “Normally gentle, kind actors, became violent skinheads before our eyes, while the passion of some of the African American actors brought me to tears. I knew from the auditions that Guy was going to direct a most amazing film."

Willis Williams, from Rhinebeck, was one of 280 extras used during the feature film production. He was part of the “Charlottesville-type” riot scene between white supremacists and counter demonstrators. The scene was filmed overnight in 20 degree weather, under the Wurtz Bridge in the Kingston Rondout.

“SKIN was the most emotionally charged film I’ve ever been involved with. The scene I was a part of was exhausting and exciting at the same time. I will never forget it.”

Greg Meola of Company 1 Productions provided grip and lighting gear, in addition to serving as key grip for director of photography, Arnaud Potier.

“Most of the film was shot handheld,” Meola said. “Arnaud wanted viewers to feel like they are there–in the action. I was spotting the camera, and Arnaud. We were getting shoved, kicked, and punched. It was like being in a mosh pit in the early 90’s. I loved it.”

As leadman, Jaf Farkas was tasked with many responsibilities including props and set dressing.

"SKIN coalesced around an exceptional cast and crew as well as some very generous community members. It was an intense experience to recreate the environments and situations that these characters endured. From gravel pit “couch surfing” to SWAT raids to recreating a race-riot, our work was fast-paced and exciting. There were many occasions where certain themes and performances had our team bracing for emotional (or physical!) impacts. I’m grateful for the experience."

A24 and DirecTV acquired North American distribution rights to SKIN at the 2018 Toronto Film Festival. In addition to a limited theatrical run, the film will be available for streaming.

For more information about screening dates and times, visit the Upstate Films Woodstock website.

For additional info or photos, contact filmcommission@me.com