In addition to engaging with impending Film & TV productions, and offering support during actual production, the Hudson Valley Film Commission continues to promote locally produced projects once they are released in theaters or online. A list of local projects is available online at Hudson Valley Stream Fest.

Speredakos, Skotchdopole and Rejto in Millerton.

On August 2, the Hudson Valley Film Commission’s Laurent Rejto moderated a Q&A at The Moviehouse in Millerton with director Chris Skotchdopole and actor John Speredakos for the a special screening of CRUMB CATCHER.

“It was a pleasure working on Chris Skotchdopole’s premiere feature film,” recalls Rejto. “We had worked with Chris on over a half a dozen films in the area. His experience both as a director and producer were put to the test, mostly due to the Covid pandemic, but his perseverance paid off.”

Indiewire’s Alison Foreman wrote: “With a distinct POV, strong visual design, and the ability to see his strange slow-burn vision of semi-realistic domestic torture all the way through, Skotchdopole serves up a strong enough debut that he should someday get a shot at making another.”

The film is set at a remote estate where newlyweds Leah (Ella Rae Peck) and Shane (Rigo Garay) celebrate their honeymoon, but a pall hangs over their union. She works for the publisher who will be releasing his debut novel. Barely suppressed tensions over family trauma would be enough kindling for a blowup, but Leah and Shane's marriage is truly tested by the appearance of two weirdos with entrepreneurial zeal and a half-baked blackmail plot. John (John Speredakos) and Rose (Lorraine Farris) show up looking for investors for John's latest invention, a culinary breakthrough called the Crumb Catcher – and they won't take no for an answer.

Production took nineteen days at locations in Dover Plains, Poughkeepsie and Garrison. Fourteen local crew members worked on the film which also hired twenty background actors for the wedding scene. In addition to recommending miscellaneous locations, crew and background, HVFC was thrilled to recommend actor Lorraine Farris for the role of Rose.

As of August 27, CRUMB CATCHER is available for streaming on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

August also brought a lot of excitement regarding the nationwide SONY Pictures Classic release of BETWEEN THE TEMPLES, directed by Nathan Silver. A special screening was arranged at Upstate Films in Rhinebeck for August 19 with daily screenings scheduled beginning on August 23. Paul Sturtz of Upstate Films was thrilled with the sold out preview and the local outpouring, which included dozens of crew members and background actors from the film. "

It was great to see these unconventional Hudson Valley locations from Tubby's music club to Congregation Emanuel used in such a memorable way,” wrote Sturtz. “With Between the Temples, Sing Sing and Good One we are tickled to be showing such a richly idiosyncratic batch of films set in our region."

The screwball comedy was inspired by Hudson Valley resident Cindy Silver (Nathan’s mom) who decided to plan for her bat mitzvah while 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.

The Q&A following the special screening included Nathan Silver, his mom Cindy Silver (a local resident), actor Madeline Weinstein and producer Adam Kersch.

Nathan Silver, Madeline Weinstein, Cindy SIlver, Adam Kersh

Filming for BETWEEN THE TEMPLES 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 Golf Club, River Radiology, Tubby’s and a day at Kingston Studios. HVFC worked primarily with co-producer Danny April, who 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.”

BETWEEN THE TEMPLES has received glowing reviews and is currently screening in more than 570 venues nationwide, courtesy of SONY Picture Classics. For local screenings, visit Upstate Films. The film is currently also showing in Poughkeepsie.

On August 22, with the support of A24, the Hudson Valley Film Commission presented a screening of SING SING with a special follow-up Q&A with Brent Buell, who created the RTA (Rehabilitation Through the Arts) program that the film is based on. Paul Raci (Sound of Metal) stars as Brent along with a cast featuring Colman Domingo (Rustin, The Color Purple), Clarence Maclin, Sean San Jose, Divine G and 52 local background actors. Sharon Washington, also took part in the Q&A. She portrays a parole officer with some very memorable lines. On August 30, Brent Buell will do another Q&A following the 7pm screening of SING SING.

Directed by Greg Kwedar, SING SING focuses on Divine G (Domingo). Imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t commit, he finds purpose by acting in a theatre group with other incarcerated men. When a wary outsider joins the group, the men decide to stage their first original comedy, in this stirring true story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art, starring an unforgettable ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated actors.

Filming for SING SING took place in July and August of 2022. The Hudson Valley Film Commission got involved in May after a phone call from producer Clint Bentley. “The timing was perfect,” recalls HVFC executive director Laurent Rejto. “I had just visited Downstate Correctional in April. It was a maximum-security prison in the Town of Fishkill that had just been decommissioned. Our hope was that we could bring in some films and TV shows that could help create jobs and economic development. The phone call from Clint resulted in a few more visits and confirmation that the indie film would film primarily at Downstate.”

The film commission also helped with several other locations including Beacon High School and the Mid-Orange Correctional Facility, which HVFC had visited and cataloged in 2014 for a Warner Bros. pilot.

In addition to locations, the Film Commission made several crew recommendations and worked with Rita Powers Casting to find background actors who preferably had ‘prison experience.’ As it turned out, many of the background actors that were cast, had been prison guards or inmates.

“It was a unique casting call for sure,” remembers Rejto. “Many of the lead actors also had prison memories that affected their performance greatly. The fact that so many background actors had those same experiences benefited the film greatly. We made sure to invite all those background actors to the special screening. Many of those involved came to the special screening and expressed how the film's message had inspired them.”

The entire production of SING SING will remain inspiring to everyone at the film commission as well. And we’re grateful to the production team for making it a reality. "You made filming in the Hudson Valley a pleasure,” noted co-producer Karin Shiel. “The vast resources you shared, your community connections and insights, and your troubleshooting were invaluable. Thank you for welcoming us and being a steady support throughout our entire production. We look forward to more filming in the Hudson Valley in the future!”

SING SING continues to receive remarkable reviews as it opens slowly across the country. For more information, visit A24.

On September 13, another film that the Hudson Valley Film Commission worked with will premiere at Upstate Films in Rhinebeck.

On location with director India Donaldson

Directed by India Donaldson, 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.”

Actor James 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.

Harper’s Bazaar wrote the following about the film, which is also set to screen at the Story Screen in Hudson, The Moviehouse in Millerton and The Mountain Theater in Hunter; An exquisitely detailed and beautifully performed three-way character study describing the discoveries of youth, and the boundaries of experience that announces the arrival of a wonderful new voice in writer-director India Donaldson.

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, we celebrate our 25th year, and will continue to recommend thousands of locations, local crew members, actors, background extras, qualified production facilities, post production houses and more.

The Hudson Valley Film Commission is supported in part by the following organizations. None of the work listed above would be possible without their support. Please help us continue our efforts with a tax-deductible contribution at https://tinyurl.com/hvfcsupport

Dutchess Tourism – Dutchess Tourism brings tourism dollars to area businesses by marketing and promoting the assets of Dutchess County to the nation and the world.

Putnam Tourism – Putnam is 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.

Founding & continued support is graciously provided by the Wood Dock Foundation.

We’re also very grateful from the generous support of the Blavatnik Family Foundation.

Additional support is provided by Stewart’s Shops, 120dB Films and private donors.