On June 13, 2024, LOST ON A MOUNTAIN IN MAINE premiered at the Maine International Film Festival in Waterville where one of the producers, Ryan Cook, grew up. During the summer of 2022, the Mid Hudson Valley had the honor of doubling for Maine, thanks to its similar landscape, trained professional crews and easy access to talent including hundreds of background extras.
The movie and the book of the same name, follows a 12 year old kid who gets separated from his family while hiking Mount Katahdin in 1939. Lost in the wilderness, he crosses nearly 100 miles over 8 days while his family desperately mounts an effort to find him.
As a child, Ryan Cook was inspired after reading the book and meeting the visiting author and subject, Donn Fendler. The book basically became mandatory reading for fourth grade Mainers. Years later, Cook would become close friends with Fendler, prior to his passing in 2016.
Andrew Kightlinger & Luke David Blumm
The feature production that developed over the span of years eventually brought on other producers, including Sylvester Stallone and Balboa Productions. Director Andrew Kightlinger was hired, and the cast was headed up with actors Paul Sparks (The Bikeriders, Boardwalk Empire, Sparrow’s Dance), Caitlin FitzGerald (Inventing Anna, The Trial of the Chicago 7) and Luke David Blumm as young Donn Fendler.
As a unit production manager, Ryan Cook worked with production supervisor Feffei Ling and executive producer, UPM Stephanie Blackwood to hire trained local professionals as department heads and many other key crew positions. A few local hires included art director Jaf Farkas, set designer Jesika Farkas, construction coordinator Sean Hawk, costume designer Amit Gajwani, key grip Greg Meola, special FX supervisor Johann Kunz, script supervisor Chuck Girard, set medic Brian Stevens, and local casting director Heidi Eklund. Amy Hutchings helped with background casting.
"You guys were great to work with,” wrote Blackwood. “We got a lot of great recs for crew members. Thank you so much for all your help on this project.”
In addition to crew recommendations, the Hudson Valley Film Commission posted for background actors and picture cars. Twigs Terwilliger stepped up with his beautiful 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Sport. Mike Fowler also came through with some great vehicles as did the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome.
Ryan Cook, who has family in the Tannersville area, reached out early to introduce us to location scout Dave Dorn. Top on our list of recommendations were the Mohonk Preserve, a private property in Rosendale, miscellaneous cabins, and qualified production facilities including SPAF in Saugerties, which was eventually used. “Amazingly helpful,” wrote Dorn. Thanks again for a great Spring & Summer shoot. I look forward to filming in the Hudson Valley again soon.”
Hudson Valley based Assistant location manager Jamie Vermilye (IBT Local 817) handled many of the permitting issues. Filming eventually took place in July and August in Elka Park, Gardiner, High Falls, Kingston, New Paltz, Phoenicia, Rosendale, Saugerties, and Stone Ridge.
Blue Fox Entertainment is handling distribution and plans are in place to release the film nationally in early November. Stay tuned for news about a special local screening that the Hudson Valley Film Commission hopes to host.
The Hudson Valley Film Commission is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that works to engage, support and promote regional Film & TV productions. In 2024, the Film Commission celebrate its 25th year, and continues to recommend thousands of locations, local crew members, actors, background extras, qualified production facilities, post production houses and in the Mid Hudson Valley.
The Hudson Valley Film Commission is supported in part by our founding supporter, The Wood Dock Foundation.
Dutchess Tourism, which brings tourism dollars to area businesses by marketing and promoting the assets of Dutchess County to the nation and the world.
Putnam Tourism, which promotes a small but mighty treasure trove of crystal lakes, beautiful hiking trails, historic sites, art and cultural experiences and quaint restaurants and shops.
Markertek.com – An industry leader in audio and video, Markertek carries a full complement of camera accessories, lighting gear, cables, expendables and more for all levels of film production.
To support the continued efforts of the Hudson Valley Film Commission with a tax-deductible contribution, please visit https://tinyurl.com/hvfcsupport