Blogs
A Joint Report of the DGA, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE and Teamsters’ Committees for COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
This document represents a path for employers to provide a safer workplace for cast and crew members in a pre-vaccine COVID-19 world. Taking action based upon these guidelines is an essential and necessary element of any such return to work.
The feature film SHIRLEY will be released on June 5 via NEON (Parasite). The production is directed by Josephine Decker from a screenplay by Sarah Gubbins, based on the book by Susan Scarf Merrell.
"Shirley Jackson was a wildly unorthodox human and storyteller," stated director Josephine Decker, who received a special jury award at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival for Auteur Filmmaking. "Encountering her work was like finding a map towards becoming the kind of artist I would like to be. Daring. Intimate. Structured yet dreamlike."
Renowned horror writer Shirley Jackson is on the precipice of writing her masterpiece when the arrival of newlyweds upends her meticulous routine and heightens tensions in her already tempestuous relationship with her philandering husband. The middle-aged couple, prone to ruthless barbs and copious afternoon cocktails, begins to toy mercilessly with the naïve young couple at their door.
For a full list of local partners streaming the film, visit https://neonrated.com/virtual-cinema. The film will also be available on Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, FandangoNow, Vudu, DIRECTV, DISH and longtime NEON partner Hulu. A special screening is scheduled for June 4 at 8:45pm at Overlook Drive-In, a family-owned 750-car DRIVE-IN located at 126 Degarmo Road,(Between Routes 44 & 55), Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.
The film features actors Elizabeth Moss (The French Dispatch, The Handmaid’s Tale), Odessa Young (The Stand, Assassination Nation), Michael Stuhlbarg (A Serious Man, The Shape of Water), and Logan Lerman (Indignation, Fury). Indie powerhouse Killer Films and the Los Angeles Media Fund produced. Producer credits include Christine Vachon, David Hinojosa, Sue Naegle, Sarah Gubbins, Jeffrey Soros, Simon Horsman, and Elisabeth Moss. Executive Producers credited include Martin Scorsese, Allison Rose Carter, Lisa Tager, and Cher Hawrysh.
Production on SHIRLEY took place during the summer of 2018, and included ten scouting days, twenty four production days at ten locations, including the Captain Joseph Allen Home in Catskill, the Delaware & Ulster Railroad in Arkville, Sam's Point in Cragsmoor, the Mohican Trading Post in Leeds, the Reed General Store in Coxsackie, the Unification Theological Seminary in Barrytown, Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, and Woodstock Film Studios. The Film Center in Woodstock was rented for production design. A thousand room nights were rented at local lodging establishments. More than 250 extras were hired and thirty local crew members, including Amy Hutchings Casting and Timothy Bruno.
"Working in the Hudson Valley affords both an incredible variety of locations and many knowledgable crew members,” commented co-producer and production supervisor Jon Read. “It's always worth our while." Other regional projects Read has worked on, includeThe Mountain, Diane, A Vigilante, and Francine.
"It was an amazing experience watching the hair, makeup and wardrobe departments transform the background actors from 2018 into college girls from 1948," remembers Hutchings. "The challenge was finding girls with no piercings, tattoos, or hair with highlights -- indeed, styles have changed. Every detail was meticulous. The outcome was phenomenal. Period films are such fun."
“It was a pleasure working with a great art department team to create period sets and props for Shirley’s intimate world,” said construction coordinator Timothy Bruno. “We have a lot of very talented crew members in the region and for Shirley, we got to work out of The Film Center and Woodstock Film Studios, which made work super convenient.”
Other recent distribution highlights that feature films and TV shows produced in the Hudson Valley, include SWALLOW (March 6 via IFC Films), THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA (HBO), UPLOAD (May 1 via Amazon Prime), BILLIONS (May 3 via Showtime), DRIVEWAYS (May 7 via Film Rise), and I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE (May 10 via HBO). Release dates for THE UNDOING (HBO) and A QUIET PLACE 2 (Paramount) were postponed from spring to fall 2020.
Since 2000, the Hudson Valley Film Commission has worked on over 500 FILM & TV productions to refer and help secure local crew, cast, locations, vendors, post production facilities, and more! The results have created thousands of jobs, education & training opportunities, regional promotion & marketing, and over $250 million in regional economic development.
SELECT Hudson Valley productions include:
To stream regional films, visit hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/streamfest
Werewolves Within • Things Heard and Seen • Billions • Monsterland • Audrey • The Plot Against America • Silent Retreat • Black Bear • Lapsis • Foxhole • The Undoing • I Know This Much Is True • Save Yourselves • I’m Thinking of Ending Things • Scare Me • Can You Keep a Secret? • Panic • High Maintenance • Driveways • Shirley • The Dead Don't Die • Avengers: Endgame • The Irishman • The Climb* • Swallow • Skin • The Mountain • A Quiet Place • Fabled • Then Came You • Furlough • A Vigilante • Nancy • Diane • The Miseducation of Cameron Post • La Devotee by Panic at the Disco! • It Comes at Night • Super Dark Times • The Seagull • HAPPYish • The Ticket • Growing Up Smith • Cold in July • Katie Fforde Films • True Story • The Sisterhood of Night • The Better Angels • We Are What We Are • The Bourne Legacy • Frances Ha • Our Idiot Brother • First Winter • The Last Keepers • Francine • Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding • Martha Marcy May Marlene • Higher Ground • Rocksteady • Bitter Feast • Stake Land • Man on Wire • Taking Woodstock • American Gangster • Michael Clayton • The Human Footprint • The Night Listener • Stephanie Daley • War of the Worlds • Down to the Bone • Personal Velocity
In October of 2018, production offices were opened on IBM Road in Poughkeepsie for HBO’s I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE. Based on the bestselling novel by Wally Lamb, written and directed by Derek Cianfrance, this limited six-part limited drama series stars Mark Ruffalo as identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey in a family saga that follows their parallel lives in an epic story of betrayal, sacrifice and forgiveness. The series, set in the fictional town of Three Rivers, Connecticut, shows Dominick and Thomas at different stages in their lives, beginning in their present in the early 1990s with both brothers approaching middle-age, filled in with Dominick’s flashbacks to their young adulthood and childhood. The series also features Melissa Leo, Juliette Lewis, Kahthryn Hahn, Rosie O'Donnell, and Archie Panjabi.
As the production office opened, the Hudson Valley Film Commission was contacted by several departments for a variety of referrals including locations, crew, cast and vendors. Pre-production lasted through March of 2019. Over all, there were 130 scouting days tallied, and over 115 production days. The production offices closed in November 2019.
The local economic impact included more than $15-million in direct spending. That includes more than 27,500 rooms rented at local lodging establishments. Data collected by the Hudson Valley Film Commission does not include "multipliers," but indirect spending, which results from shopping, tourism, dining, recreation, new home buyers, new businesses, and services, is an important factor.
“We started making location and crew referrals right away in October of 2018,” recalls Hudson Valley Film Commission director Laurent Rejto. “What made communication super convenient was the fact that several key crew members had transitioned over from the Jim Jarmusch movie THE DEAD DON’T DIE, which had wrapped production in August.”
Casting call at Mid Hudson Civic Center
The Hudson Valley Film Commission sent daily reminders referring industry professionals who lived within a few miles of the production office. More than 50 local crew members and over 1500 local background extras were hired. Work regarding background extras started in March 2019 when the film commission worked with the Rita Powers Casting Group to coordinate an open call at the Mid Hudson (Majed J. Nesheiwat) Civic Center. Over 3,000 people showed up for the casting call. The film commission received more than 1-million hits a day on the social media posting.
"The Hudson Valley Film Commission was amazingly helpful with the production," wrote Rita Powers. "I can say my team could not have done it without their guidance. We needed thousands of extras. Without their assistance in posting, guidance and resources, I’m not sure we could have accomplished this."
Filming took place in four counties including Delaware (Arkville), Dutchess (Fishkill, Millbrook, Pleasant Valley, Poughkeepsie, Red Hook, Wappingers Falls, Wassaic), Orange (New Windsor, Newburgh) and Ulster (Ulster, Esopus, Gardiner, Kingston, New Paltz, Town of Ulster).
$2-million was spent on locations alone. Approximately $750,000 was spent on local and state police, and contractors providing services such as painting, plumbing, electrical, cleaning, paving, engineering, environmental testing, landscaping, remediation, and more.
Select locations that viewers may recognize while watching the six part series that covers seven decades from 1920-1990, includes many private homes, roads, All Sport Health and Fitness, The Bleachery, Delaware and Ulster Railroad, Ellenville Regional Hospital, The Falls Theatre, HealthAlliance Hospital: Mary's Avenue Campus, Lake Minnewaska, Montrepose Cemetery, Rokeby, Route 209, Stewart Airport, Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Umbra Sound Stages, Vassar College, and the Wallkill Valley Railway Trail, which was also used for the 2017 production of A QUIET PLACE.
Rokeby Photo: courtesy of Laurent Rejto
“The location department was amazing,” adds Rejto. “They ended up knowing the region better than anyone, but I’m happy we were able to make some good initial suggestions.”
The Hudson Valley Film Commission helped point us in the right direction countless times,” wrote location manager Steve Grivno. “[They] provided valuable local knowledge and communications between locations and the production to get the ball rolling. The assistance I experienced saved us a lot of time in a business where time is always of the essence.”
“The location department was amazing,” adds Rejto. “They ended up knowing the region better than anyone, but I’m happy we were able to make some good initial suggestions.”
The Hudson Valley Film Commission helped point us in the right direction countless times,” wrote location manager Steve Grivno. “[They] provided valuable local knowledge and communications between locations and the production to get the ball rolling. The assistance I experienced saved us a lot of time in a business where time is always of the essence.”
One specific referral was The Bleachery in Wappingers Falls.
Bleachey Photo: courtesy of Yves Bouzaglo
“It's a home run,” wrote Grivno. “We are renting space from them for production (Set Dec Storage, Scenic shop, Construction, etc.). Also, I think it's pretty much a given that their old building will be our old mill in the 1920s where our Hero's grandfather gets his first job in the USA.”
Other referrals included introductions to town officials including Town of Ulster Supervisor James Quigley who made sure the production would spend as much time and money in the region by making specific locations available including some very dramatic scenes on that were filmed on Route 209. Dutchess Tourism was also instrumental in making things easier across the board.
“Before and during filming, I could hear the word of mouth spreading between location managers and producers in New York City and various networks and studios, celebrating the accommodating and beautiful communities in the Hudson Valley,” added Grivno. “If filming is to seriously grow in the region, which most certainly seems to be the case, resources like the Hudson Valley Film Commission will be crucial for the facilitation of location and crew needs.”
“Film & TV production offers a way to invest both financially and personally in the creative potential of a burgeoning industry that generates billions of dollars in annual economic activity,” says Rejto. “When production crews come to the region, they require broad support and involvement; from location searches, participation in casting calls and crew referrals, to accounting, transportation, catering and technical support. It’s economic boon for the entire region.”
Since 2000, the Hudson Valley Film Commission has worked on over 500 FILM & TV productions to refer and help secure local crew, cast, locations, vendors, post production facilities, and more! The results have created thousands of jobs, education & training opportunities, regional promotion & marketing, and over $250 million in regional economic development.
SELECT Hudson Valley productions include:
To stream regional films, visit hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/streamfest
Werewolves Within • Things Heard and Seen • Billions • Monsterland • Audrey • The Plot Against America • Silent Retreat • Black Bear • Lapsis • Foxhole • The Undoing • I Know This Much Is True • Save Yourselves • I’m Thinking of Ending Things • Scare Me • Can You Keep a Secret? • Panic • High Maintenance • Driveways • Shirley • The Dead Don't Die • Avengers: Endgame • The Irishman • The Climb* • Swallow • Skin • The Mountain • A Quiet Place • Fabled • Then Came You • Furlough • A Vigilante • Nancy • Diane • The Miseducation of Cameron Post • La Devotee by Panic at the Disco! • It Comes at Night • Super Dark Times • The Seagull • HAPPYish • The Ticket • Growing Up Smith • Cold in July • Katie Fforde Films • True Story • The Sisterhood of Night • The Better Angels • We Are What We Are • The Bourne Legacy • Frances Ha • Our Idiot Brother • First Winter • The Last Keepers • Francine • Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding • Martha Marcy May Marlene • Higher Ground • Rocksteady • Bitter Feast • Stake Land • Man on Wire • Taking Woodstock • American Gangster • Michael Clayton • The Human Footprint • The Night Listener • Stephanie Daley • War of the Worlds • Down to the Bone • Personal Velocity
DRIVEWAYS, directed by Andrew Ahn, will be released by Film Rise Releasing on May 7. on several streaming pltforms including iTunes and Amazon Prime
A special virtual screening took place on May 6 at 7pm. A Q&A followed with director Andrew Ahn, actors Hong Chau, Christine Ebersole, and Lucas Jaye, and writers Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen.
Other upcoming film and TV premieres featuring Hudson Valley film production, includes Amazon Prime’s Upload, HBO’s I Know This Much is True, The Undoing, and I’m Thinking of Ending Things from Netflix.
Driveways was produced by Nicolas Bertelsen (The Speed of Life), Joe Pirro (Furlough), Celine Rattray (Skin, Bernie, The Kids Are All Right), and James Schamus (Taking Woodstock, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Brokeback Mountain). Jamie Buckner worked as line producer. The film features Hong Chau, Lucas Jaye, Christine Ebersole, Jerry Adler, and the versatile stage and screen actor Brian Dennehy, who passed away on April 16, 2020.
Dennehy who has appeared in several other Hudson Valley production including The Seagull and Crypto has received praise for his role in Driveways. The Hollywood Reporter wrote: “Dennehy has had a long career in television, film and theater. He created one of the most memorable interpretations of Willy Loman in an award-winning stage production of Death of a Salesman. But movie audiences have had to settle for seeing him in occasional, small supporting parts in recent films. Driveways rights that omission by giving Dennehy a juicy role that he plays to the hilt without ever overplaying. He has a final monologue, in which he expresses a lifetime of regrets, that is a breathtaking piece of film acting.”
Nominated for 2 Film Independent Spirit Awards, this heartwarming drama follows single mom Kathy (Chau) as she travels with her shy eight-year-old son Cody (Jaye) to her late sister’s house in upstate New York to clean and sell it. As Kathy discovers how little she knew about her sister, Cody develops an unlikely friendship with Del (Dennehy), the Korean War vet and widower who lives next door. Over the course of the summer and with Del’s encouragement, Cody develops the courage to come out of his shell and, along with his mother, finds a new place to call home.
“Production on Driveways took place in July and August of 2018 in Dutchess and Ulster Counties,” recalls Laurent Rejto from the Hudson Valley Film Commission. “The film commission made a lot of referrals for lodging, crew, casting directors and vendors. Over fourteen locations were featured from Hyde Park (Hyde Park RollerMagic), Kingston, New Paltz, Pleasant Valley (Miller Hardware), Poughkeepsie (Mid-Hudson Civic Center), and Rosendale (My Town Market Place).”
Joe Pirro, Laurent Rejto, Andrew Ahn
“The people and the businesses of the Hudson Valley were integral to our success filming Driveways ” says producer Joe Pirro. “The Hudson Valley Film Commission went to great lengths to connect us to these wonderful people and places both before and during our shoot. It was a joy filming in Dutchess and Ulster counties, and we hope to return again soon.“
Director Andrew Ahn adds that “We could not have made Driveways without the support of the Hudson Valley community. Our production found the talent and resources to not only make a beautiful film, but also to have a beautiful experience, collaborating with local cast and crew. I think back to my time in the Hudson Valley with an intense nostalgia for the generous people and the beautiful landscape.“
Since 2000, the Hudson Valley Film Commission has worked on over 500 FILM & TV productions to refer and help secure local crew, cast, locations, vendors, post production facilities, and more! The results have created thousands of jobs, education & training opportunities, regional promotion & marketing, and over $250 million in regional economic development.
SELECT Hudson Valley productions include:
To stream regional films, visit hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/streamfest
Werewolves Within • Things Heard and Seen • Billions • Monsterland • Audrey • The Plot Against America • Silent Retreat • Black Bear • Lapsis • Foxhole • The Undoing • I Know This Much Is True • Save Yourselves • I’m Thinking of Ending Things • Scare Me • Can You Keep a Secret? • Panic • High Maintenance • Driveways • Shirley • The Dead Don't Die • Avengers: Endgame • The Irishman • The Climb* • Swallow • Skin • The Mountain • A Quiet Place • Fabled • Then Came You • Furlough • A Vigilante • Nancy • Diane • The Miseducation of Cameron Post • La Devotee by Panic at the Disco! • It Comes at Night • Super Dark Times • The Seagull • HAPPYish • The Ticket • Growing Up Smith • Cold in July • Katie Fforde Films • True Story • The Sisterhood of Night • The Better Angels • We Are What We Are • The Bourne Legacy • Frances Ha • Our Idiot Brother • First Winter • The Last Keepers • Francine • Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding • Martha Marcy May Marlene • Higher Ground • Rocksteady • Bitter Feast • Stake Land • Man on Wire • Taking Woodstock • American Gangster • Michael Clayton • The Human Footprint • The Night Listener • Stephanie Daley • War of the Worlds • Down to the Bone • Personal Velocity
Amazon Prime will be releasing the series UPLOAD on May 1. The ten part series was filmed in part at the Mohonk Mountain House in November 2017.
The science fiction comedy satire web television series was created by Greg Daniels (The Office) and stars Robbie Amell and Andy Allo.
In October 2017, location managers for the project reached to to the film commission regarding scenes for the “afterlife.” The film commission also referred several local crew members for what was essentially production on background plates.
“The Mohonk Mountain House is a national treasure, so it’s not surprising that productions want to film there.” says Laurent Rejto from the film commission. “It’s as idyllic and picturesque on the screen as it is in real life. Even though the series uses a lot post production special effects, the movie magic with a venue like that all derives for the location.”
In 2033, people can be "uploaded" into virtual reality hotels run by 6 tech firms. Cash-strapped Nora lives in Brooklyn and works customer service for the luxurious "Lakeview" digital afterlife. When L.A. party-boy/coder Nathans self driving car crashes, hiss high maintenance girlfriend uploads him permanently into Nora's virtual reality world.
The trailer includes several clips of the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz. The Victorian Castle Resort is nestled in the Hudson Valley and surrounded by 40000 acres of forest and wildlife. It was founded by the Smiley Family in 1869, and has been featured in several films and TV shows. Alan Parker’s The Road to Wellville, starring Anthony Hopkins and Matthew Broderick was primarily filmed there in 1993. The location was also featured in Season 5 of Showtime’s Billions. Production took place in December of 2019. The location was also featured in the British television series Long Way Round, which documented the 19,000-mile motorcycle journey of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman from London to New York City.
Since 2000, the Hudson Valley Film Commission has worked on over 500 FILM & TV productions to refer and help secure local crew, cast, locations, vendors, post production facilities, and more! The results have created thousands of jobs, education & training opportunities, regional promotion & marketing, and over $250 million in regional economic development.
SELECT Hudson Valley productions include:
*Asterisk indicates 5 films that premiered at 2020 Sundance Film Festival
Werewolves Within • Things Heard and Seen • Billions • Monsterland • Audrey • The Plot Against America • Silent Retreat • Black Bear* • Lapsis • Foxhole • The Undoing • I Know This Much Is True • Save Yourselves* • I’m Thinking of Ending Things • Scare Me* • Can You Keep a Secret? • Panic • High Maintenance • Shirley* • The Dead Don't Die • Avengers: Endgame • The Irishman • The Climb* • Swallow • Skin • The Mountain • A Quiet Place • Fabled • Then Came You • Furlough • A Vigilante • Nancy • Diane • The Miseducation of Cameron Post • La Devotee by Panic at the Disco! • It Comes at Night • Super Dark Times • The Seagull • HAPPYish • The Ticket • Growing Up Smith • Cold in July • Katie Fforde Films • True Story • The Sisterhood of Night • The Better Angels • We Are What We Are • The Bourne Legacy • Frances Ha • Our Idiot Brother • First Winter • The Last Keepers • Francine • Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding • Martha Marcy May Marlene • Higher Ground • Rocksteady • Bitter Feast • Stake Land • Man on Wire • Taking Woodstock • American Gangster • Michael Clayton • The Human Footprint • The Night Listener • Stephanie Daley • War of the Worlds • Down to the Bone • Personal Velocity
The Hudson Valley Film Commission is reporting that first quarter totals for 2020 were off to a fast start before production was halted due to Covid-19 outbreak safety measures.
Over $9-million was spent on over 70 days of production with 85 local crew members and over 100 local actors & extras hired. Over 5000 room nights were rented at local lodging establishments.
Productions included DIARIES OF AN EXCHANGE STUDENT (Diários de Intercâmbio), directed by Bruno Garotti and Anita Barbosa; WEREWOLVES WITHIN, directed by Josh Ruben, and Keith Boynton’s THE WINTER HOUSE from Choice Films. Totals do not include data from several days of filming that took place on reshoots for HBO’s I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE and work in Fishkill and Wappingers Falls for the sci-fi series “RAY JAMES,” inspired by HG Wells The War Of The Worlds. Several smaller films rounded out the first quarter, as well as post-production work, which continues largely undeterred by the pandemic.
G&E crew members at Woodstock FIlm Studios for WEREWOLVES WITHIN
Work on the Brazilian film, DIARIES OF AN EXCHANGE STUDENT (Diários de Intercâmbio) took place in February. The comedy stars Instagram phenom Larissa Manoela (@larissamanoela) as Barbara, and Thati Lopes as Talia. Their dreams of life abroad are met with obstacles and culture shock. The film commission is grateful to Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Delgado for their help in securing visas, which allowed us to secure the production for the region.
Dutchess County producer Jonathan Burkhart oversaw local production with John Hay overseeing UPM duties. Many locals were hired, including Amy Hutchings Casting, Hudson Valley Casting, AC Brian Barney, Chuck Merrihew, Corey Spears and Poughkeepsie’s Ready To Serve Catering. Rio based executive producer Julio Uchôa, recorded a 1 minute message about what it was like to film in the Hudson Valley region. Watch it online at https://vimeo.com/393579636.
WEREWOLVES WITHIN wrapped on March 9 after a 25-day production schedule. The movie was directed by Woodstock native Josh Ruben. In January 2019, Ruben was in the region filming his directorial debut SCARE ME, which World Premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival along with 4 other other local films. (SEE BLOG). Ruben recorded a short message about how he felt about making movies in the mid-Hudson Valley. Watch it online at https://vimeo.com/395841263
The Hudson Valley Film Commission is very grateful to all the folks at Ubisoft and Vanishing Angle for working so hard to hire as many local crew and vendors as possible. We counted more than 25 local hires including director Josh Ruben, G&E folks including Greg Meola, Anthony Stracquadanio, Kevin Koniewicz, Chris van Houten, Bill Hevessy, Mike Hunold, Chris Washington; art, prop and set dressing folks including John Ashton, Tom Newton, Tashav L Powers and Jesse Hegney; HMU department's Erica Pearce, Doria Riker and Yesim Osman; John Livermore from Stone Pony Catering, Frank Dianda for craft services; Others included actors Anni Krueger, Kat Gonzalez and Willis Williams; scripty Chuck Girard, Jesse Rolfe, Willo Hausman, Daniel Rohn, Eugene Hitt, Corey Spears, Woodstock Film Studios and many others.
In addition to supporting production and tabulating data, the Hudson Valley Film Commission also took part in several networking opportunities including the Dutchess Tourism event at Cinehub, Career Day at Bard College and 2020 BardWorks.
The film commission also kept busy promoting the region through articles and podcasts including Lights... Camera... Catskills! From Kaatscast
Upcoming screenings of regional film and TV productions , including three HBO productions that took place in 2019 (THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA, I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE, and THE UNDOING) are now featured on a new webpage, which was created to make it easier for people to learn how to screen films that have been produced in the region since the Film Commission started work in 2000. For details, visit www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/streamfest
Film and TV Production throughout the state ended in mid March when safety measures were put in place in New York State to combat the Covid-19 Pandemic. Luckily, most productions had wrapped before the mandatory work stoppage. Unfortunately, the stoppage has left thousands of freehand film production contractors without employment. As of April 13, nonessential businesses must stay closed through April 29. For updates, visit www.coronavirus.health.ny.gov
Unfortunately, the stoppage has left thousands of freehand film production contractors without employment. As of mid-April, several productions have expressed interest in starting up production, but nothing will happen until new production paradigms have been created for on-set and location safety. Entertainment Partners, the New York Production Alliance, and several other organizations several other organizations have been providing webinars and related information. Find answers to pressing questions and to get up-to-date news, visit The Production Community
April 6. 2020 • Mid-Hudson Valley, NY
In August of 2019, the Hudson Valley Film Commission started work on the David Simon HBO series THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA, based on the Philip Roth novel. It was the 4th HBO series to film in the region. Over a 5-day period, the production spent over $200,000 on LOCAL locations, venues, vendors, crew, cast members and lodging. 1,397 hotel rooms were rented. Among the many referrals, the film commission recommended very specific locations, and found an excavating company to build a road for the movie. A casting call was done in conjunction with Grant Wilfley Casting.
"Working in the Hudson Valley for THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA was a truly enjoyable experience," said line producer Joe Guest. "It was a beautiful time of year to work upstate and the people, towns and communities were tremendously supportive and friendly. The Hudson Valley Film Commission provided exceptional support from day one. With their support, we found great locations and quality local vendors & crew. Our show was set in the 1940s, which meant greater demands from the local area, and on a tight time frame. We found everything we were looking for locally - 1940’s picture cars, props and period-correct set dressing, facility support, a local contractor who built us a dirt road, a horse wrangler, the list goes on. Everyone went out of their way to ‘make it happen’ for us. A big plus - almost every day we managed to find ourselves at yet another restaurant with wonderful food and drink, and coffee. Overall an excellent experience. We look forward to our next opportunity to work in upstate New York.”
HBO has released the first promo for THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA’s upcoming fourth episode, featuring Morgan Spector’s Herman Levin and Zoe Kazan’s Bess Levin as their son continues to idolize Charles Lindberg under the influence of his aunt Winona Ryder’s Evelyn. Directed by Thomas Schlamme from a script written by co-creator David Simon and Reena Rexrode, the new episode is set to premiere on April 6.
Based on the novel by Philip Roth, THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA six-part miniseries imagines an alternate American history told through the eyes of a working-class Jewish family in New Jersey as they watch the political rise of Charles Lindbergh, an aviator-hero and xenophobic populist who becomes president and turns the nation toward fascism.
The series stars Golden Globe winner Winona Ryder (Stranger Things) as Evelyn Finkel, Golden Globe nominee John Turturro (The Night Of) as Rabbi Lionel Bengelsdorf and Emmy nominee Zoe Kazan (The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Olive Kitteridge) as Elizabeth “Bess” Levin. It will also feature Morgan Spector (Homeland) as Herman Levin, Anthony Boyle (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Alvin Levin, Azhy Robertson (Juliet, Naked) as Philip Levin, and newcomer Caleb Malis as Sandy Levin.
THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA is written and executive produced by David Simon and Ed Burns. Joe Roth, Jeffrey Kirschenbaum, Nina K. Noble, Annapurna’s Megan Ellison, Sue Naegle, and Susan Goldberg will also executive produce. Co-executive producers include Dennis Stratton and Philip Roth.
For more information or to watch the series, visit HBO.
As we continue to endure the Corona Virus pandemic, it’s important to heed the warnings. For developing details and information, visit https://www.cdc.gov
The best way to fight this right now is by paying attention to social distancing. Here’s photo that might explain the math. An enlightening short documentary is available for viewing at https://youtu.be/XU9FVqwO4TM
As we observe these important directives, it essential to stay productive and positive. If you can help with deliveries or by helping local establishments, please do what you can. We feel pretty helpless but we’ve compiled a directory of most of the film productions we’ve worked with over the past 20+ years. We’ve also included a few other films. Several were produced before we started our work in 2000 to help film productions secure local crew, cast, locations, vendors, post production facilities, and more.
We look forward to future film productions. Until then, check out the Hudson Valley Stream Fest at www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/streamfest
As we all try to make sense of COVID19 FACTS & related difficulties, it is important to stay informed and to keep a healthy and positive outlook. We recognize that this is a very distressing, confusing and hectic time. Many productions (including several local ones) are postponing start dates for safety reasons. Like many of you, we are trying to figure it out, one day at a time, and trying to stay productive.
Turning the Wittenberg Store in Bearsville into a 1940’s Sinclair Gas Station
It’s a good time to catch up on local films that are streaming online. We will compile and provide a directory in the coming week, but for now, HBO is premiering THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA on Monday evening on March 16.
The series, which was partly filmed in the Hudson Valley, follows a working-class Jewish family in 1940s America, as the they watch the political rise of aviator-hero and xenophobic populist Charles Lindbergh. This six-part re-imagining of history is based on the Philip Roth novel of the same name. The series co stars SUNY New Paltz alumni John Turturro, Wynona Rider
In August, the Hudson Valley Film Commission started work on THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA by producer David Simon (THE WIRE, TREME). Over a 5-day period, the production filmed in four regional counties, spent over $200,000 and rented 1,397 hotel rooms.
"Working in the Hudson Valley for THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA was a truly enjoyable experience. It was a beautiful time of year to work upstate and the people, towns and communities were tremendously supportive and friendly,” said line producer Joe Guest. “The Hudson Valley Film Commission provided exceptional support from day one - with their support, we found great locations and quality local vendors & crew. Our show was set in the 1940s, which meant greater demands from the local area, and on a tight time frame. We found everything we were looking for locally - 1940’s picture cars, props and period-correct set dressing, facility support, a local contractor who built us a dirt road, a horse wrangler, the list goes on. Everyone went out of their way to ‘make it happen’ for us. A big plus - almost every day we managed to find ourselves at yet another restaurant with wonderful food and drink, and coffee. Overall an excellent experience. We look forward to our next opportunity to work in upstate New York.”
For more information about THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA, visit https://www.hbo.com/video/plot-against-america/videos/enter-1940s-america
These precarious days also offer up a good opportunity to be creative. For example, it might be the perfect time to start that screenplay you’ve always wanted to write. Using Final Draft 11, you can brainstorm, visualize, report, tag, collaborate and customize your writing and the software automatically paginates and formats your script to industry standards.
And on a beautiful day like today, it’s a good time to start a vegetable garden and prepping seedlings inside.
Be well and take care of yourselves, and others.
Film & TV production, with its ripple effect of production, distribution and the festival circuit, offers a way to invest both financially and personally in the creative potential of a burgeoning industry that generates billions of dollars in annual economic activity. The Hudson Valley Film Commission continues to provide broad support. Please support our continued efforts with a tax-deductible contribution at www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/support
Three Hudson Valley feature films recently wrapped up production, including WEREWOLVES WITHIN. Director Josh Ruben urged everyone to film in the region.
“Let’s all make movies here.” Click to watch video.
The Hudson Valley Film Commission is very grateful to all the folks at Ubisoft and Vanishing Angle for working so hard to hire as many local crew and vendors as possible.
We counted more than 25 local hires including director Josh Ruben, G&E folks including Greg Meola, Anthony Stracquadanio, Kevin Koniewicz, Chris van Houten, Bill Hevessy, Mike Hunold, Chris Washington; art, prop and set dressing folks including John Ashton, Tom Newton, Tashav L Powers and Jesse Hegney; HMU department's Erica Pearce, Doria Riker and Yesim Osman; John Livermore from Stone Pony Catering, Frank Dianda for craft services; Others included actors Anni Krueger, Kat Gonzalez and Willis Williams; scripty Chuck Girard, Jesse Rolfe, Willo Hausman, Daniel Rohn, Eugene Hitt, Corey Spears, Woodstock Film Studios and many others.
Several new film productions are gearing up while many of the 2019 films and TV shows are rolling out distribution including:
THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA (March 16 on HBO)
A QUIET PLACE, PART II (March 19)
I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE (April 27 on HBO)
THE UNDOING (May 10 on HBO)
Click on above links to watch trailers.
Film & TV production, with its ripple effect of production, distribution and the festival circuit, offers a way to invest both financially and personally in the creative potential of a burgeoning industry that generates billions of dollars in annual economic activity. The Hudson Valley Film Commission continues to provide broad support.
Please support our continued efforts with a tax-deductible contribution at www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/support
On location with HBO's THE UNDOING, starring Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant and Donald Sutherland.
In 2019, the Hudson Valley Film Commission worked with over 50 potential productions.
Of the 25 productions that filmed in the Mid-Hudson Valley counties of Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, Greene, Delaware and Columbia, the following data was compiled.
• $46-million+ in DIRECT REGIONAL SPENDING (*2018 was $29.5-million)
• 42,164+ rooms rented at local lodging establishments
• 441+ production days
• 460+ scouting days tallied
• 180+ locations used
• 500+ local crew members hired
• 762+ crew members traveling to region
• 4058+ local actors and extras hired
2019 HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED:
BILLIONS (Showtime)
I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE (HBO)
I’M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS (Netflix)
MONSTERLAND (Hulu)
A QUIET PLACE: PART 2 (Paramount)
SILENT RETREAT (Miramax) (READ BLOG)
THINGS HEARD AND SEEN (Netflix)
THE UNDOING (HBO)
THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA (HBO)
5 regional films also premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival including SHIRLEY, SAVE YOURSELVES, SCARE ME, THE CLIMB and BLACK BEAR. (READ BLOG)
“It was a phenomenal year for film production, especially with HBO’s I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE filming almost every day,” said film commission director Laurent Rejto. “We look forward to more mini-series and TV productions coming to the region so that the many trained professionals in the region can work locally instead of having to travel to NYC or other states. Creating local work has been our goal since 2000."
As a 501c3 non profit, the mission of the Hudson Valley Film Commission is to create work and educational opportunities, by attracting, supporting and promoting local film, tv, photography, and new media work. The results, since 2000, have led to more than $250-million in regional sustainable economic development. To analyze the impact of regional FILM, TV and MEDIA production, the Hudson Valley Film Commission collects film production data to track the LOCAL economic impact of productions. Data includes scouting days, production days, local lodging information, local crew and cast hires, location fees, catering, transportation rentals and more.
Every year, the Hudson Valley Film Commission also refers select local productions to press outlets and film festivals worldwide. 2019 Woodstock Film Festival referrals included:
#LIKE by Sarah Pirozek
CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET (BCDF Pictures)
LAND OF LITTLE RIVERS directed by Aaron Weisblatt
NOT NOT JAZZ featuring Medeski, Martin and Wood
PARIAH DOG directed by Jesse Alk
PERSONAL VELOCITY, directed by Rebecca Miller (*One of the first films the film commission worked with)
THE POLLINATORS, directed by Peter Nelson
RUN WITH THE HUNTED (winner of Audience Award for Best Feature Narrative)
SWALLOW (Winner of Gigantic Pictures Jury Prize for Best Feature Narrative)
The New York Film Tax Credits continue to be the principal factor cited by companies who decide to produce work in the region. Since 2010, according to the New York State Governor's Office of Motion Picture & Television Development, the Film Tax Credit program has received 2,280 applications, representing $28.2 billion in NY spend. Productions invest $4.50 in the NYS economy for every $1 in tax credits issued.
For 2020, the Hudson Valley Film Commission has already worked with over TEN potential production companies to create, support and develop regional economic development.
Four films are already in production including:
The TIER 2 feature film WEREWOLVES WITHIN, which hired over 20 local crew members thanks to film commission referrals.
• DIARIES OF AN EXCHANGE STUDENT, which also hired local cast, crew and vendors. With help from Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Delgado’s offices, the film commission helped get 32 visas for this production traveling from Brazil.
On location with Sam Richardson from WEREWOLVES WITHIN
Film & TV production, with its ripple effect of production, distribution and the festival circuit, offers a way to invest both financially and personally in the creative potential of a burgeoning industry that generates billions of dollars in annual economic activity.
The Hudson Valley Film Commission continues to provide broad support.
For more details, email filmcommission@me.com
Please support our continued efforts with a tax-deductible contribution at www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/support
Hudson Valley Film Commission
www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org
SELECT Hudson Valley productions:
*Five films recently screened at 2020 Sundance Film Festival
Werewolves Within • Diaries of an Exchange Student• Things Heard and Seen • Billions • Monsterland • Audrey • The Plot Against America • Silent Retreat • Black Bear* • Lapsis • Foxhole • The Undoing • I Know This Much Is True • Save Yourselves* • I’m Thinking of Ending Things • Scare Me* • Can You Keep a Secret? • Panic • High Maintenance • Shirley* • The Dead Don't Die • Avengers: Endgame • The Irishman • The Climb* • Swallow • Skin • The Mountain • A Quiet Place • Fabled • Then Came You • Furlough • A Vigilante • Nancy • Diane • The Miseducation of Cameron Post • La Devotee by Panic at the Disco! • It Comes at Night • Super Dark Times • The Seagull • HAPPYish • The Ticket • Growing Up Smith • Cold in July • Katie Fforde Films • True Story • The Sisterhood of Night • The Better Angels • We Are What We Are • The Bourne Legacy • Frances Ha • Our Idiot Brother • First Winter • The Last Keepers • Francine • Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding • Martha Marcy May Marlene • Higher Ground • Rocksteady • Bitter Feast • Stake Land • Man on Wire • Taking Woodstock • American Gangster • Michael Clayton • The Human Footprint • The Night Listener • Stephanie Daley • War of the Worlds • Down to the Bone • Personal Velocity
Erik Peter Carlson had a dream to make a Fairy Tale film. For years, he imagined what his perfect set would look like – where his magical childlike world would come to life. When the opportunity came to life in November 2019, to produce A Fairy Tale After All, there was no better place for Carlson to produce his movie, than the area he grew up in.
"Coming back to make my fourth feature where I once had impossible childhood dreams is truly emotional,” says Carlson. “After working on both coasts, there’s no question that filming in the Hudson Valley, especially at Wing’s Castle, made for the most enjoyable production experience ever.”
Wing’s Castle in Millbrook, New York, was the brain child of artists Peter and Toni Ann Wing. In 1970, the long illustrious love affair of building the castle began. Forty-seven years later, the castle is still under construction. It has become a live in art project.
Wing’s Castle in Millbrook
Filming in the Hudson Valley brings a special charm. The locations, the history, the air, and the people (more than anything) make it magical.
“Local crew members bring more than just themselves to the project, they bring a whole community,” says photographer Chuck Merrihew.
“Chuck knows everyone!” was the running joke on the set of set A Fairy Tale After All. Students and first timers (many from SUNY New Paltz) got hands on experience on what it’s like to be on a film production – set life as they call it. Throughout the filming, they connected with industry professionals, and opened doors for for themselves to more potential film work.
“A Fairy Tale After All was the first film I ever worked on and, as cheesy as it might sound, it was a fairy tale inside and out,” recalls recent SUNY New Paltz graduate Kathryn O’Mara. “Everyone was so nice and worked so hard. I learned an incredible amount about the film industry and can’t wait to learn more.”
Hanna Al-Tarmidhi, another recent SUNY New Paltz graduate, was so glad that her first time on a feature film set turned out to be A Fairy Tale After All. “The cast and crew made me so comfortable,” recalls Hanna. “The sense of camaraderie being one of the best things I took away from this experience. I learned so much from the sheer dedication everyone had towards making this a reality, and it was incredible watching this combined effort and passion turn this story into a reality.”
Photo courtesy of Chuck Merrihew
A Fairy Tale After All wrapped production in early December. Like most regional productions the film benefited greatly from the community. The film business feels accessible in the Hudson Valley. It takes a village to make a film, but in the Hudson Valley, you get the village and then some.
“A carved Indian sculpture stands six foot tall at the top of the staircase in the home I grew up in,” wrote Sage Higgins. “It’s hand carved with many intricate details. It was created by Peter Wing, who is best known for handcrafting Wing’s Castle from his imagination. Growing up with that sculpture, I never imagined I would one day assist on a film production set primarily in Peter’s magical kingdom. Among other duties, feeding the cast and crew through my mom’s granola company, Raspberry Fields Farm, brought the experience full circle.”
The Hudson Valley Film Commission helps productions secure local crew, cast, locations, vendors, post production facilities, and more! Since 2000, the film commission has supported and worked on over 500 productions, helping to create thousands of jobs and over $200 million in regional economic development.
If you are looking for help with your next production (or post production), contact us at filmcommission@me.com
SELECT Hudson Valley productions:Billions • Monsterland • Things Heard and Seen • A Fairy Tale After All • Audrey • The Plot Against America • Silent Retreat • Lapsis • Save Yourselves • Foxhole • The Undoing • I Know This Much Is True • I’m Thinking of Ending Things • Scare Me • Can You Keep a Secret? • Panic • High Maintenance • Shirley • The Dead Don't Die • Swallow • Avengers: Endgame • The Climb • The Irishman • Skin • The Mountain • A Quiet Place • Fabled • Then Came You • Furlough • A Vigilante • Nancy • Diane • The Miseducation of Cameron Post • It Comes at Night • Super Dark Times • The Seagull • HAPPYish • The Ticket • Growing Up Smith • Cold in July • Katie Fforde Films • True Story • The Sisterhood of Night • The Better Angels • We Are What We Are • The Bourne Legacy • Frances Ha • Our Idiot Brother • First Winter • The Last Keepers • Francine • Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding • Martha Marcy May Marlene • Higher Ground • Rocksteady • Bitter Feast • Stake Land • Man on Wire • Taking Woodstock • American Gangster • Michael Clayton • The Human Footprint • The Night Listener • Stephanie Daley • War of the Worlds • Down to the Bone • Personal Velocity
Please support our continued efforts with a tax-deductible contribution at www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/support
