HUDSON VALLEY FILM & TV PRODUCTION ON PACE TO BREAK RECORDS
As 2nd Quarter Work Heats Up
“Poker Face” filming in Beacon
The Hudson Valley Film Commission worked with more than 21 productions during the 2nd quarter of 2022. A select list of current projects includes A Paracosm, Family, Hondo, Lost on a Mountain in Maine, Poker Face and an Untitled Prison Movie that recently filmed at the decommissioned Downstate Correctional Facility in Fishkill.
On the release front, Thursday, July 28 marked the premiere of HBO’s Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, which filmed in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene and Ulster, where they were based at Upriver Studios.
“It’s been an exceptional year to date,” says Hudson Valley Film Commission Executive Director Laurent Rejto. “We’ve been working with Amazon Studios, HBO, Peacock, Showtime, and it’s also very reassuring that many independent film productions have returned to the region, as well as commercials. We are on pace to break the records set in 2021.”
“Lost on a Mountain in Main,” filming in
Uptown Kingston
Smaller Indies have always been the backbone and fabric of the regional industry and have been a constant proving ground for creating local economic and training opportunities.
When a small film production works in a town or neighborhood or a decommissioned building (like Downstate Correctional), they are spending money and employing local industry members including location managers and scouts, casting directors, actors, grips, electricians, hair stylists, makeup artists, stunt coordinators, art directors, scenics, set medics, carpenters, drivers, caterers, office staff, production assistants, etc.. These employees are neighbors who live and raise their families in the area. They volunteer for local fire departments and other community minded organizations. These local employees (whether producers or production assistants) make ends meet by working long hours to pay their rent or mortgage, pay school, property and sales taxes, and basically provide for their families. It’s important to contextualize that these productions are not some sort of “Hollywood” invasion as many assume - they are “Hudson Valley Productions!”
On location with The Gilded Age in 2021.
In addition to productions in the Hudson Valley Region, many trained professionals from the area are now being hired to work in different areas, including New Jersey, where Amy Hutchings Casting worked on The Kill Room, starring Woodstock’s Uma Thurman, and Samuel L. Jackson. Work in the Capital Region also relied on many Hudson Valley locals. Mother’s Milk, starring Hilary Swank, worked with Hudson Valley Casting to cast day players and background. In August, many Hudson Valley industry members will return to work on HBO’s The Gilded Age.
The HUDSON VALLEY FILM COMMISSION is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that has engaged, supported and promoted hundreds of regional Film & TV productions since 2000. As part of its mission, the Film Commission refers to locations, local crew, cast, vendors, qualified production facilities, post production houses and more. As a result, thousands of jobs have been created and more than $350 million in regional economic development. To analyze the impact of regional production, the Film Commission collects and studies data from production sources to show how jobs and direct spending benefits sustainable local economic development.
TOTALS THROUGH THE 2ND QUARTER OF 2022 INCLUDE:
Direct Local Spending: $38,550,000
Room Nights at Local Lodging Establishments: 29,170
Scouting Days: 356
Production Days: 217
Locations: 111
Crew Jobs Created: 561
Cast Jobs for Actors & Background Extra: 1,682+
On May 21, the Hudson Valley Film Commission was honored to receive the Spirit of the Aerodrome Award, which is presented in recognition of outstanding groups or individuals who have aided the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in its mission to preserve early aviation history for future generations to understand, appreciate and enjoy.
The Film Commission was super grateful for the amazing poster design by Robert Altemus. Based in Dutchess County, Robert Altemus is recipient of over a hundred and fifty national design and illustration awards. He has created illustrations for the New York Times, Newsweek, CBS, NBC, and various Film, TV and Broadway projects For more info about their Graphic Design, Illustration, Typography & Lettering services, visit https://altemuscreative.com
The Hudson Valley Film Commission also proudlyreceived a Certificate of Appreciation from Senator Sue Serino, 41st Senate District.
In addition, the Film Commission received a few great acknowledgments:
“You are, without a doubt, the hardest working film rep in New York State, if not the country, and we are always grateful and humbled by your endless efforts.” – Chris Arena, Location Manager, for Hondo (Amazon Studios)
“Amazingly helpful. Thank you.” – Dave Dorn, Locations, Lost on a Mountain in Maine "HVFC was unbelievably helpful! I was so grateful, what an amazing resource! Thank you! ...You truly have gone above and beyond." – Cynthia Martinez, producer, Camp4Collective
“Our production had a great experience shooting in the Hudson Valley. As always, Hudson Valley Film Commissioner Laurent Rejto provided invaluable advice and assistance. Very much looking forward to my next shoot in the Hudson valley.” – Paul Van Wormer, producer, Hallmark Movie Channel Commercial
"HVFC was fantastic in every way... crew recommendations, postings, vendor recommendations, picture car referrals and general guidance and support." –Erica Joseph Hunter, New Me Films
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