It's been a great few weeks for Indie films & TV shows that have filmed in the Mid Hudson Valley over the past few years. Three distribution deals were announced and "Life & Beth; Season 2," starring Amy Schumer and Michael Cera premieres on Hulu on February 2.
As part of our mission, the Hudson Valley FIlm Commission follows projects from pre-production through distribution. Each point along the way has an economic impact for the production team and the region, including local vendors, crew members and cast members. One film in particular, Between the Temples, has local connections through local producers and the director.
We're always hoping for a breakthrough hit that will result in blessings for many. Sometimes it just takes time. As we recently pointed out in another blog, 2011 featured the film Frances Ha, which was written by Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig – who also co-starred with Adam Driver. Much of the film took place at Vassar College where Baumbach attended. Thirteen years later, Baumbach and Gerwig are nominated for the most recent screenplay for the megahit, Barbie.
The three indie features that recently announced distribution are listed below in alphabetic order.
BETWEEN THE TEMPLES
Schwartzman and Kane in Between the Temples
Sony Pictures Classics acquired worldwide rights to Nathan Silver’s Between The Temples starring Jason Schwartzman and Carol Kane, following its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, and ahead of its upcoming international debut at the Berlinale.
The screwball comedy was inspired by Hudson Valley resident Cindy Silver (Nathan’s mom) who decided to plan for her bat mitzvah in her mid-60s. Carol Kane plays the elderly bat mitzvah student who forges an unlikely bond with a depressed cantor, portrayed by Jason Schwartzman.
Filming took place in spring of 2023 in Red Hook, Woodstock and Kingston, at locations including Le Canard Enchainé, Congregation Emanuel, Early Terribe, Immaculate Conception Church, Red Hook Gold Club, River Radiology, Tubby’s and a day at Kingston Studios. Co-producer Danny April wrote; "Thank you so much for your help on Between the Temples. You really came through on so many occasions and it was a true pleasure collaborating with you.”
GOOD ONE
Metrograph Pictures has acquired North American rights to Good One, one of the breakouts of the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The indie film had its world premiere in the U.S. Narrative Competition section.
On location at Minnewaska with Diana Irvine
and actor James LeGros
Directed by India Donaldson’s, Good One, stars Lily Collias, James Le Gros, and Danny McCarthy. The narrative follows a weekend backpacking trip in the Catskills during which 17-year-old Sam (Collias) contends with the competing egos of her father and his oldest friend.
Filming took place in the Mid Hudson Valley in June of 2023 primarily in Kerhonkson, New Paltz, and Samsonville.
Producer Diana Irvine wrote; "It was so nice to connect in-person, thanks again for all your support during our shoot in June. Reflecting back, we were incredibly lucky to accomplish what we did during such a wild, uncertain time in our industry.”
Le Gros has worked in the Hudson Valley quite a few times, specifically with Glass Eye Pix on productions including Blackout, Foxhole, Stray Bullets, and Bitter Feast.
LOST ON A MOUNTAIN IN MAINE
Andrew Kightlinger and Luke David Blumm
Lost on a Mountain in Maine, which filmed in the Mid Hudson Valley in July and August of 2022, was recently picked up for distribution by Blue Fox Entertainment.
The story is based on Donn Fendler’s true story as a 12-year old boy who got lost in the Katahdin wilderness of Maine in 1939. The book was required reading in Maine classrooms for generations. Fendler gave talks in schools until his death in 2016 at age 90.
The movie was directed by Andrew Kightlinger and written by Luke Paradise. It was produced by Sylvester Stallone’s Balboa Productions. The film stars Paul Sparks (House of Cards, Boardwalk Empire), Caitlin Fitzgerald (Succession, Masters of Sex, The Trial of the Chicago 7) and Luke David Blumm (Where the Crawdads Sing, The King of Staten Island) as Donn Fendler . Hundreds of Hudson Valley background actors were hired through Hudson Valley Casting and Amy Hutchings Casting.
The Hudson Valley Film Commission was involved early on and recommended many locations, picture cars, vendors, and crew members. The Film Commission also helped with casting. Executive Producer Stephanie Blackwood, wrote: “Thank you so much for all your help on this project. You guys were great to work with.” Location scout Dave Dorn wrote, “Amazingly helpful. Thanks again for a great Spring & Summer shoot. I look forward to filming in the Hudson Valley again soon.”
LIFE & BETH
Amy Schumer‘s "Life & Beth" returned to the Mid Hudson Valley in April to film parts of season 2. The Hulu series had previously filmed parts of of the first season in Red Hook and Staatsburg back in 2021.
Season 2 follows Beth (Schumer) and John (Michael Cera) as their relationship grows more serious. Per the official synopsis, “Beth begins to examine the possibilities of marriage and having a family as she and John seek answers for their communication problems.”
In addition to some new faces including Margaret Cho, Jennifer Coolidge, Colin Quinn, Tim Meadows and Amy Sedaris, returning cast members include Susannah Flood and Violet Young.
Local actors were hired by Roman Candle Casting for several farming scenes in and around Staatsburg. Filming also took place in New Orleans and NYC.
Season two of Life & Beth will be released on Hulu with all 10 episodes available on Feb. 16
