BYRDCLIFFE FILM WORKSHOP

This five-day film workshop will be taught in the Historic Byrdcliffe Theater from June 6-10, 2022. The workshop is designed as a fun, improvisational, hands-on class in making short films. All levels of filmmaking experience are welcome. For full details and reservations, visit BYRDCLIFFE FILM WORKSHOP

Head instructor Annie Nocenti, and Natalie Chau will oversee the class, which will include the basic elements of screenwriting and directing, using inspirational film screenings, group student improvisations, scene writing, rehearsal, shooting, all in an atmosphere of collaboration and creativity. The classes are designed to be relaxed, engaging, and fun, in order to demystify filmmaking, and embrace beginners. At the end of the five days, students should be capable of making short films in a zero-budget DO-IT-YOURSELF fashion with a small crew, and also understand the process of professional filmmaking. 

Guest speakers will include experienced industry talent who will discuss their craft. (see GUEST BIOS below). Specific guests will speak about different aspects of the business including acting, budgeting, casting, cinematography, directing, editing, and more. 

Read more at BYRDCLIFFE FILM WORKSHOP

PICTURE CARS & EXTRAS

By Cole Armstrong

In the Hudson Valley, background extra work has given many seniors an opportunity to work on regional Film and Television productions. The job of an extra is often overlooked, but actually fundamental to each project, adding production value and a sense of scale. Another visual aspect that is often overlooked, are the picture cars that appear on screen.

We recently reached out to three local background extras to talk about their experience and to find out how they provide more than just their presence on set. 

“I moved here as a six year old in 1956 when my dad got work at IBM,” says Kevin Fouhy. “We moved from South Bend, Indiana into an apartment in Hopewell Junction while we waited for a new home that was being built in Poughkeepsie.”

After retiring from Metro North Railroad in December of 2016, Fouhy began following his passion for cars by buying a classic 1973 Cadillac. It became a catalyst for his newfound career after he saw a Hudson Valley Film Commission post looking for local “period” cars for the HBO mini series I Know This Much is True, starring Mark Ruffalo. He applied and ended up using his Cadillac five times until it was revealed that the narrative would be moving up a decade. “No problem,” thought Fouhy who went out and purchased a 1985 Chevy Cavalier Convertible that they would go on to use for scenes from the 1980s. 

Fouhy and his cars have also appeared in Pinball (Choice Films), Mindy Kaling's HBO Max series The Sex Lives of College Girls, HBO's The White House Plumbers, co-starring Woody Harrelson and Justin Theroux and two Hallmark productions, One December Night,  and A Spectacular Christmas, starring Ann-Margret.

The work made him eligible for SAG-AFTRA membership - the American labor union representing approximately 160,000 film and television actors. Thanks to all the work, Fouhy was quickly able to pay off the initiation fee. 

Fouhy isn’t the only area senior providing an arsenal of antique automobiles. After retiring from civil engineering and land surveying, Wallkill based Steven Terwilliger, began pursuing a passion he had since high school in the 1970s, when he worked as a stagehand on a school production of the musical, Carousel. Terwilliger continued his AV work into college for extra cash, assisting in sound and running lights during school shows and events.

His first work for the local industry was in 2011 for Extreme Makeover Home Edition. He worked alongside hosts Ty Pennington, Paul DiMeo, and Ed Sanders to build a new home for a family that included a little girl with dwarfism. Terwilliger also worked with Chef Robert Irvine on  an episode of Restaurant Impossible, shooting scenes with the D9 crew where Irvine remodeled a restaurant in Port Jervis, New York.

In 2018, Terwilliger was able to provide his pride and joy, a 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Sport, for the making of Mob Town, a gangster movie starring David Arquette, based on a true story. Terwilliger was involved in four scenes in and around the city of Newburgh. 

Staatsburg’s Owen Clarke is another local resident who has provided  period cars to productions, including I Know This Much is True, The White House Plumbers, A Spectacular Christmas, and The Green Veil, featuring Irene Bedard.

“I started collecting cars very early on,” said Clarke, a retired banker. “I always figured that when I retired, I would somehow provide movie cars to films as a hobby. When I heard about the Hudson Valley Film Commission, I sent pictures and descriptions of my cars and how they could contact me. Fortunately, I’ve been asked to participate in several different movies.”

Among the cars owned by Clarke is a Lincoln 41 Continental that he points out was the sister car of the one used in The Godfather scene where Sonny gets shot at the toll booth. Clarke also once owned a 1957 Continental Mark II which was originally owned by actress Doris Day.

In addition to his cars, Clarke has worked several times as an extra. In The Green Veil,' he was cast as an FBI agent in a scene that he found particularly moving. “The FBI agents were seated around a conference table and in the center of the table was a speaker phone from which Dwight D. Eisenhower was talking to us. After he finished, the head agent of the group said we needed to have a toast, so we all toasted with what was probably tea water that looked like scotch. Then we broke into a song rendition of God bless America. Getting to do that gave me a tremendous feeling.”

When Clarke worked as an extra on I Know This Much is True, he was able to get his grandchildren involved. They appeared in the theater scene and the planting and dedication of the tree at the school. “After I took them to wardrobe to get measured, I told them they had just earned about $35 a piece. They were so excited. Then, all the food came out for craft services and I told them they could have anything they wanted, as long as they didn’t get sick.”

With every production, Clarke donates a portion of his earnings to charity. He was previously on the board of Dutchess Outreach which provides food pantry and soup kitchen services in the county. Some of the non profits he has supported include Feed The Children; a non profit organization supplying food and resources to families struggling economically from the pandemic, as well as The Christian Appalachian Children Fund. 

As projects premiere, keep an eye out for Kevin, Steven, Owen and their magnificent picture cars. For up to date information about film premieres, visit www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/streamfest

If you’re interested in being a part of an upcoming Film & or TV production, check out daily posts on the Hudson Valley Film Commission’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hudsonvalleyfilmcommission
If you own a picture car that you would like considered for Film & TV projects, send a photo with year, make and model to filmcommission@me.com.

Several new productions are ongoing in the region with several new ones starting up, including the Peacock series, Poker Face which recently posted for background extras through the Hudson Valley Film Commission. 

Grant Wilfley Casting Inc. is seeking Hudson Valley locals to work as background actors in the Peacock series Poker Face, created by Rian Johnson and starring Natasha Lyonne. Filming is based in the Newburgh, Fishkill area. To submit your information for consideration, visit www.tinyurl.com/pokerfacecasting

LIFE & BETH & MASTER

2022 in the Mid Hudson Valley has started off with several productions, including large projects from HBO Max, Hallmark, and Peacock. That means continued jobs for local cast, crew and vendors, and economic development for the region. In addition, the Film Commission has already engaged with 15 other impending projects including indie films, studio features and more TV productions.

In addition, the Film Commission expects continued work on at least four TV shows that filmed in 2021, which have gotten the green light for second seasons – a first for the region. Those shows include The Gilded Age (HBO), Invasion (Apple TV+), Severance (Apple TV+), and Mindy Kaling’s The Sex Lives of College Girls (HBO Max).

We look forward to supporting those projects with recommendations for locations, crew, cast, vendors, qualified production facilities, post houses, and more, and we look forward to promoting the end result, as we have done with 11 projects during the first quarter on 2022. See prior blog.

That said, two particularly big projects are premiering on Friday, March 18.

The first project is the Hulu TV series LIFE & BETH, which was created by and stars Amy Schumer, who by the way, will also be co-hosting the Academy Awards on March 27.

The second project is the feature film MASTER, starring Regina Hall, who by the way, will be co-hosting the Academy Awards on March 27.

It’s an interesting coincidence that 2 of the 3 co-hosts for the 94th Academy Awards spent a considerable amount of time working in Dutchess and Putnam Counties during 2021.

LIFE & BETH

In 2019, the Film Commission was contacted by the location manager for a project that was initially called Love & Beth. They were looking for working wineries in the region and other locations. 

Due to the Covid outbreak, production was postponed from fall 2020 to summer of 2021. In addition to locations, crew and vendor referrals were made, and the Film Commission worked closely with Roman Candle Casting to enlist more than 250 local background extras. Filming took place in Red Hook, Staatsburg and Putnam Valley.

The storyline follows Beth (Schumer), who after an unexpected incident starts having flashbacks to her teen self and learns how she became who she is and who she wants to become. The series also features Michael Cera, Susannah Flood, Violet Young, Kevin Kane, Yamaneika Saunders, Laura Benanti, Larry Owens, Michael Rapaport, Rosebud Walker, LaVar Walker and many Hudson Valley background extras. 

The series premieres on Hulu. Watch the trailer below.

MASTER

In June of 2019, the Film Commission was contacted by the producers who we had previously worked with on several projects, including JimJarmusch’s film The Dead Don’t Die.

We were asked to recommend potential schools. We have over 15 thousand photos and generally create custom galleries for potential projects. The producers of Master selected Vassar College. Once we knew the project was committed to the region, we made recommendations for crew members. Generally, we start by providing names of regional members of Motion Picture Studio Mechanics Local 52 and other industry union members. There are hundreds of trained professionals living throughout the region with many others traveling to work in the area.

Filming took place in early 2020 but was shut down due to Covid. Production returned to finish in early 2021. Producer Josh Astrachan wrote the following: “We were the first business most hotels in the area had seen for some time. It's worth reminding people that films are intrepid and have resources. We bring work and labor when many others can't. That crew of 100+ was also spending per diem on location, and I know that I am not the only crew member to have fallen in love with Poughkeepsie's Rossi Rosticceria.” 

The synopsis follows three women who strive to find their place at a prestigious New England university that may disguise something sinister.

Master, which was directed by Mariama Diallo, features Regina Hall, Zoe Renee and Amber Gray. It world premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and recently screened at SXSW in Austin. The movie opens in theaters (including NCG in Kingston) and on Amazon Prime. The trailer was recently released and can be watched below.

For up to date listings about local films and where they can be seen, visit our STREAMFEST PAGE at www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/streamfest


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 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 $310 million in regional economic development.

Please consider supporting our continued efforts with a tax-deductible contribution at https://tinyurl.com/hvfcsupport














HUDSON VALLEY PREMIERES

The first two months of 2022 have been peppered with premieres for many of the Film & TV projects that were produced (at least in part) in the mid Hudson Valley. These productions, which feature local cast, crew and vendors, made 2021 a breakthrough year for regional Film & TV production, with record numbers for direct spending, hotel room rentals, jobs, and more. This was a very welcome bounce back from the 2020 shutdown and the difficulties created by the Covid-19 Pandemic.

In 2021, the Hudson Valley Film Commission collected the following data:

  • Estimated local spending: $58-million*

  • Room Nights Rented: 42,686

  • Scouting Days Tallied: 374

  • Production Days Tallied: 471*

  • Number of Locations Used: 264

  • Local crew hired: 631*

  • Local ‘featured’ actors hired: 72*

  • Local background extras hired: 4,048

    • *asterisk indicate record number

Data collected by the Hudson Valley Film Commission doesn’t include "multipliers" or indirect spending. That revenue, which results from dining out, recreation, shopping, tourism, new businesses, indirect jobs, distribution, royalties, and new home buyers, should be taken into consideration.  

A short recap of recent premieres includes (listed by release date):

MASTER (Amazon Studios), directed by Mariama Diallo, features Regina Hall who will be co-hosting the Oscars. The film premiered to great reviews at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2022. It will also screen at SXSW in Austin then premiere on Amazon Prime on March 18, 2022. Vassar College was selected to double for the fictional Ancaster College. Production took place on campus in March of 2020, but stopped due to the Covid 19 pandemic outbreak. Filming continued at Vassar College in January 2021. Regina Hall will be co-hosting the 2022 Oscars.

THE GILDED AGE (HBO), created by Julian Fellowes (DOWNTON ABBEY) premieres on January 24, 2022. Production work on Season One took place in Troy, NY but featured many Hudson Valley  cast, crew and vendors, who were hired for the monumental project which is set in 1882.  Season Two production is slated to begin this summer and location scouting has started.

Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/wKj1cMz3yfI

STAY AWAKE, directed by Jamie Sisley, and starring Chrissy Metz (THIS IS US), Wyatt Oleff and Fin Argus, world premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 12, 2022 where it was honored with the Cinema Vision 14plus award.

Filming took place primarily in Saugerties and Kingston. 

A FAIRY TALE AFTER ALL (Vertical Entertainment), directed by Eric Peter Carlson included scenes produced in Poughkeepsie and at Wings Castle in Millbrook.

Filming took place in November of 2019 and 2021.

The film was released in select theaters and V.O.D on February 18, 2022.

Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/brZ5Xuvb1U4

SEVERANCE (Apple TV+), directed by Ben Stiller features SUNY New Paltz alumni John Turturro, as well as Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, and Cristopher Walken. Filming took place at the Phoenicia Diner, the Kingston Rondout and Main Street in Beacon.

The first two episodes were released on Apple TV+ on February 18, 2022. Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/WJYlG5I4rOk

TED K (NEON), directed by Bard College alumni Tony Stone filmed scenes in Columbia County and in Albany featuring many local background actors, and crew. Released in select theaters and V.O.D on 2/18/2022.

Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/eAyS2OoLznI

THE ENDGAME (NBC Universal), directed by Justin Lin (best known for THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS franchise, premieres on NBC and PeacockTV on February 21, 2022. Local production featured an amazing car stunt, which was filmed in Putnam Valley at Glynwood Farms.

Watch the trailer at https://www.tinyurl.com/endgameonnbc

If you’re in Washington D.C. on March 4, check out the DC Independent Film Festival world premiere of LIVING IN DELUSIONVILLE, a documentary by Hudson Valley filmmaker Constant van Hoeven.

From humble Midwestern beginnings, processing the commercial imagery of pop culture into a darker, funnier universe that he calls Delusionville, legendary art Ron English has pranked and pummeled his way into prominence, influencing generations of artists and laying the groundwork for the explosion of Street Art. The screening will be followed by a Q&A Constant van Hoeven and Ron English, who also hails from the Hudson Valley.
For tickets and additional info, visit www.tinyurl.com/delusionvilleindc

LINOLEUM, directed by Colin West, will world premiere on March 12, 2022 at SXSW in Austin, as part of the Narrative Feature Competition. Filming primarily took place in the Town of Ulster, Kingston, and Saugerties in October and November of 2019. The cast features Jim Gaffigan, Rhea Seehorn, Katelyn Nacon, Gabriel Rush, Amy Hargreaves, West Duchovny, Michael Ian Black, Tony Shalhoub, Elisabeth Henry (local), Roger Hendricks Simon and many local extras.

LIFE & BETH (Hulu), which was created by Amy Schumer, will premiere on March 18, 2022. The series, which filmed in the Dutchess and Putnam County towns of Milan, Putnam Valley, Red Hook, and Staatsburgh, co-stars Michael Cera, Susannah Flood, Violet Young, Kevin Kane, Yamaneika Saunders, Laura Benanti, Larry Owens, Michael Rapaport, Rosebud Walker, LaVar Walker and many Hudson Valley background extras. Amy Schumer will also be co-hosting the 2022 Oscars.

Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/Dfz11eEOif0

THE INSTITUTE  is a Thriller/ SciFi/ Horror genre film that tells the story of a couple desperate to have a child that begins treatment at a renowned doctor's secluded facility. The couple becomes suspicious when the medical regimen brings on psychological side effects and try to learn the truth about The Institute.

Filming took place primarily in Ulster County. Distribution will be available across streaming platforms on March 22, 2022 courtesy of Gravitas Ventures.

Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/VzlCc68RuiY

There are plenty more premieres coming down the road. For more info about upcoming premieres, visit www.tinyurl.com/hvfcstreamfest

Film & TV, with its ripple effect of prep, production, post, and distribution, has created regional opportunities in an industry that generates billions of dollars in annual economic activity. As production crews come to the region, they create mutually beneficial relationships and require broad support and involvement from local businesses and residents. 

2022 is off to a fast start with several Film & TV productions already in the works and about half a dozen projects in consideration. We are also buoyed by the news that several TV projects that filmed in the region in 2021 have been renewed for second seasons. Those projects include THE GILDED AGE (HBO), INVASION (Apple TV+), SEVERANCE (Apple TV+), and Mindy Kaling’s THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS (HBO MAX). We’re looking forward to continued economic development and local jobs.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Best wishes to everyone for a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season.

Throwback Thursday to that time Santa worked as a grip on the set of The Undoing back in 2019.

Please consider a tax deductible donation of any size at https://tinyurl.com/hvfcsupport

YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION will help us sustain our free online directory, social media presence, lobbying efforts, and continue our mission to refer locations, local crew, cast, vendors, lodging, qualified production facilities, post production facilities, and more!

BRIAN WILSON: LONG PROMISED ROAD

On Wednesday, July 19 at 7pm, the Hudson Valley Film Commission and Tinker Street Cinema will present a special screening of "Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road" at the Tinker Street Cinema, 132 Tinker Street, Woodstock, NY. The screening will feature special guest, Woodstocker, executive producer and Rolling Stone Magazine editor, Jason Fine.

Brian Wilson and Jason Fine

The documentary follows Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, on an intimate journey through his legendary career as he reminisces with Rolling Stone editor and longtime friend, Jason Fine.

Wilson and Fine are featured driving around Los Angeles chatting about triumphs, setbacks, death, disaster, rebirths, and legacy. The documentary also features a new song, "Right Where I Belong," written and performed by Wilson and Jim James (My Morning Jacket), and interviews with Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Nick Jonas, Linda Perry, Jim James, Gustavo Dudamel, and Al Jardine.

"I'd say that it was the music of The Band and Dylan and jazz guys like Don Cherry that drew me to Woodstock many years ago," says Jason Fine. “Long before that, growing up in Southern California, it was The Beach Boys that got me into music in the first place. So it's cool to bring the Brian Wilson movie to Woodstock, connecting the dots of my own musical journey and sharing it with the community I love so much."

Hudson Valley Film Commission executive director Laurent Rejto was following the film and reached out to Jason Fine about a potential hometown screening.

“It was one of those perfect connections,” Rejto recalls. “When I reached out to Andy at Tinker Street about a possible screening, he replied by sending me a photo of himself and his dad hanging out with Brian WIlson and The Beach Boys. He also included a photo of the tattoo on his arm, which simply reads, The Beach Boys.”

As it happens, Andy Braunstein, who runs the Tinker Street Cinema, also grew up a fan of The Beach Boys. He was psyched about the intro and the upcoming screening “There will always be a place for brother Brian in this theater,” Braunstein added. “It’s perfect for our programming which focuses on classic, weird and cult cinema – the way it should be!”

For tickets, or more details, visit Tinker Street Cinema.. All profits go to Tinker Street Cinema..

UPDATE: Due to Omicron, this screening was postponed from December 22, 2021.

Please consider making a tax deductible contribution to support our continued efforts to bring economic development to the region through Film & TV production. For more info, visit hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/support

There are many ways you can support the
HUDSON VALLEY FILM COMMISSION, including:
PAYPAL GIVING
(100% of donation goes HVFC)
https://tinyurl.com/hvfcpaypalgivingfund

FACEBOOK
(100% of donation goes HVFC)
https://tinyurl.com/fbgt21

MASTER HEADING TO SUNDANCE

Master, directed by Mariama Diallo has officially been selected for the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. The plot follows three women who strive to find their place at an elite New England university. As the insidious specter of racism haunts the campus in increasingly supernatural fashion, each fights to survive in this space of privilege. The cast features Regina Hall, Zoe Renee, Talia Ryder, Talia Balsam, Amber Gray. 

The Hudson Valley Film Commission was happy to make location referrals in June of 2019, and was thrilled when Vassar College was selected to double for the fictional Ancaster College. Production took place on campus in March of 2020, but stopped due to the Covid 19 pandemic outbreak. Filming continued at Vassar College in January 2021. 

“The production was one of the first businesses most hotels in the area had seen for some time,” recalls producer Josh Astrachan. "That crew of 100+ also spent per diem on location and I know that I am not the only crew member to have fallen in love with Poughkeepsie's Rossi & Sons Rosticceria."

Master was produced by Animal Kingdom's Joshua Astrachan and Andrea Roa, with Brad Becker-Parton. Regina Hall, Sophia Lin, and Terence Nance executive produced for Amazon Studios. In 2018, Astrachan co-produced Jim Jarmusch’s The Dead Don't Die, in the region. Roa has worked on several films in the Hudson Valley including It Comes at Night, and Against the Current. Animal Kingdom also produced parts of Rachel Rose’s immersive video installation Enclosure at Woodstock FIlm Studios and other mid-Hudson locations.

Master will screen as part of Sundance Film Festival’s U.S. Dramatic Competition, which presents world premieres of fiction feature films. The Dramatic Competition offers Festivalgoers a first look at groundbreaking new voices in American independent film. The Sundance Film Festival will take place January 20-30.

For screening times and additional info, visit https://tinyurl.com/mastersundance

Please consider making a tax deductible contribution to support our continued efforts to bring economic development to the region through Film & TV production. For more info, visit hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/support

There are many ways you can support the
HUDSON VALLEY FILM COMMISSION, including:
PAYPAL GIVING
(100% of donation goes HVFC)
https://tinyurl.com/hvfcpaypalgivingfund

FACEBOOK (100% of donation goes HVFC)
https://tinyurl.com/fbgt21

GIVING TUESDAY

The Hudson Valley FIlm Commission is still struggling to recover from 2020, but grateful that we have had an important impact on the region by working with so many productions that have filmed in the region. 2021 has in fact, been a record breaking year for Film & TV production. To date, we’ve tracked more than $50-million in direct spending. That is a huge benefit for the region, but we need your support to continue. If you’ve already contributed, we thank you. If you haven’t, please consider supporting our efforts at https://tinyurl.com/hvfcsupport

The Film Commission is always working with past, present and future productions.
In the past few weeks, the Hudson Valley Film Commission has:

  • Promoted the release of Mindy Kaling’s “The Sex Lives of College Girls." The Film Commission found the main location (Vassar College) and referred hundreds of cast, crew and vendors. On 12/10, BCDF Pictures’ The Hating Game, premieres.

  • Visited 4 of 6 recent Film & TV productions, including The Adults, New Me, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, Welcome to Fairy Rings. Each project benefited from referrals for locations, crew, casting needs, vendors, promotion, and more.

  • Worked with location scouts from Amazon Studios, Showtime, and other production companies, to lock down more work for the region in 2022.

  • Worked with ITV America to find location, vendors and pictured cars for local filming.

  • Worked with a former Kingston-based intern (now a Los Angeles based filmmaker) on an upcoming 2022 production she will direct.

  • Worked with local counties and towns to increase benefits of local production.

  • Confirmed a Showtime production will film in the region.

  • Programmed an upcoming special film screening with special guest (Details TBA).

In order to advance, the Hudson Valley FIlm Commission continues to:

  • React immediately to daily requests for crew, cast, vendors, locations and more.

  • Promote hundreds of trained local professionals through our free online directory

  • Create opportunities for young people in the region to find career opportunities.

  • Create demand for services and hospitality.

  • Invest in local infrastructure through productions, jobs and new businesses.

  • Promote the region to millions of people internationally.

YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION will help us sustain our free online directory, social media presence, referrals for qualified production facilities, post production houses, and more! Most importantly, your contribution will allow us to urge productions to hire local crew, cast members, and vendors.

There are many ways you can give to the Hudson Valley Film Commission, including:

FACEBOOK
https://tinyurl.com/fbgt21
100% of donation goes to our charity. On November 30, Facebook may match funds through Giving Tuesday.

PAYPAL GIVING FUND
https://tinyurl.com/hvfcpaypalgivingfund
100% of donation goes to our charity

For more details and live links, visit https://tinyurl.com/hvfcsupport

Thank You for your consideration

Laurent Rejto, Executive Director
Hudson Valley Film Commission, Inc
A 501c3 non profit organization
Federal Tax ID #85-2021435

THE ENDGAME

Back in July of 2021, the Hudson Valley Film Commission had the pleasure of working with the location team for an untitled NBCUniversal pilot going under the name 'Untitled Nick Wootton/Jake Coburn Project.'

Based on the pilot, the series has recently been picked up by NBC and is now titled 'The Endgame.'

Production was based in Putnam County at Glynwood Farms in Cold Spring. The scene, which featured a complicated car stunt, was in the very capable hands of director Justin Lin, best known for his directorial work on 'Better Luck Tomorrow,' the 'Fast & Furious' franchise from 'The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift' to 'Fast & Furious 6' and 'F9,' and 'Star Trek Beyond.'

Here is the logline for the series provided by NBC:
A pulse-pounding, high-stakes thriller about Elena Federova (Baccarin), a very recently captured international arms dealer and brilliant criminal mastermind who even in captivity orchestrates a number of coordinated bank heists, and Val Turner (Bathe), the principled, relentless and socially outcast FBI agent who will stop at nothing to foil her ambitious plan.

Despite the size and scope of the production, it remains one of the most intimate crews we have ever worked with. We're grateful for the mutual respect and their kind comment regarding our efforts: “Thank you for all your help with our shoot on Cold Spring last week. You turned out to be a real lifesaver on more than one occasion!”

A release date has not been set but, we're looking forward to more regional production and watching 'The Endgame.’

Please consider making a tax deductible contribution to support our continued efforts to bring economic development to the region through Film & TV production. For more info, visit hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/support

There are many ways you can support the
HUDSON VALLEY FILM COMMISSION, including:

PAYPAL GIVING (100% of donation goes HVFC)
https://tinyurl.com/hvfcpaypalgivingfund

FACEBOOK (100% of donation goes HVFC)
https://tinyurl.com/fbgt21

WELCOME TO ESSEX

The first episode of Mindy Kaling's 'The Sex Lives of College Girls' premieres on HBO Max on November 18. The season continues with three new episodes dropping on November 25, followed by another three episodes on December 2, and the final two on December 9.

Episode 1, which is called 'Welcome to Essex,' was directed by David Gordon Green, who is best known for the series 'Red Oaks,' and 'Pineapple Express.' The series features Reneé Rapp, Pauline Chalamet, Alyah Chanelle Scott and and Amrit Kaur.

The New York Times wrote: "anyone hoping for the scripted series version of “Girls Gone Wild” or Playboy’s “Women of the Ivy League” will have to look elsewhere. The show instead treats undergraduate intimacy with the friendly skepticism it deserves. There’s mortification, bewilderment, klutzy desire and sometimes, between rounds of beer pong, the stirrings of self-discovery.

Filming took place over a three week period, primarily on the Vassar College campus, which doubles as Essex College.. The Hudson Valley Film Commission introduced Vassar as the main location (along with several other colleges) back in October of 2020. Vassar was also referred by HVFC and used in 2020 and 2021 for the upcoming series, 'Master,' on Amazon.

As pre production kicked into gear in May, the Film Commission also referred other locations, including a place for building sets. Local crew members and production assistants were also referred, and working under Roman Candle Casting, the Film Commission was able to recruit hundreds of local background actors.

"It was great to see so many local crew members and actors working on set," recalls HVFC executive director Laurent Rejto. "In addition to seasoned pros, I got to see several recent college grads (mostly from Marist) working their first professional gig on a Mindy Kaling production. That's a pretty good indoctrination into the business. It was a challenging production with very long hours, thunder storms coming through and ninety degree weather."

Production wrapped in early July. Hopefully, many others seasons of the show will bring further production and the economic development that results. In addition to location fees, millions were spent on hiring local crew members, vendors, security and thousands of dayplayers. Other direct spending resulted from thousands of hotel room bookings, local construction and a very dedicated staff that was hired to maintain Co-Vid 19 safety protocols. On top of daily testing, all members of the crew and cast were provided with a tracking device, so they could be alerted if anyone in their vicinity tested positive.

Please consider making a tax deductible contribution to support our continued efforts to bring economic development to the region through Film & TV production. For additional information, visit www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/support

There are many ways you can suooirt the
HUDSON VALLEY FILM COMMISSION, including:

PAYPAL GIVING (100% of donation goes HVFC)
https://tinyurl.com/hvfcpaypalgivingfund

FACEBOOK (100% of donation goes HVFC)
https://tinyurl.com/fbgt21

CHECKS can be sent made payable to
Hudson Valley Film Commission, Inc
PO Box 1325, Woodstock, NY 12498

BLUES CLUES & THE MAGIC GARDEN

Two recent productions that involve Hudson Valley filmmakers, recently brought a lot of memories to the forefront. Both projects feature shows that many grew up watching during childhood, or with their children – THE MAGIC GARDEN and BLUES CLUES.

BLUES CLUES & YOU
In July, Rhinebeck based producer Jonathan Burkhart (Great Point Films) got a cold call from a a producer in LA who said someone at Paramount studios had recommended him for the feature film BLUES CLUES & YOU. The project is a revival of the 1996–2006 BLUES CLUES TV series with a new host, Josh Dela Cruz. It was co-developed by original series creators Angela C. Santomeroand Traci Paige Johnson and produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio and 9 Story Media Group's Brown Bag Films.

The Hudson Valley Film Commission asked Jonathan several questions about the upcoming movie.

Jonathan Burkhart

QUESTION: How did you get involved with “Blues Clues.”.

JONATHAN: They wanted a producer who knows film and broadway. In 1996, when the series was initially on, I was producing RENT in New York City. In addition to producing musicals on Broadway, I’ve produced a lot of movies. We talked, and this particular movie for BLUES CLUES, was all about singing and dancing. It’s the first time the characters leave their animated world., so I figured, why not.

Steve Burns, was the original host for the popular children's show "Blue's Clues from 1996 to 2002

QUESTION: Did you watch the show? Was it something you shared with your kids?

JONATHAN: My kids watched BLUES CLUES all the time. I loved the show because it was gentle, slow, and easy going.

QUESTION: How did the recent production work out. Were there any special special mini mysteries that needed solving?

JONATHAN: Producing a singing, dancing feature film on the streets in New York City during covid was difficult. Because the vast majority of filming was outside, rain was an issue once in a while, but once the actors and dancers were in place, the music playing, the cameras rolling, it was great fun.

QUESTION: How was the Hudson Valley involved in the making of BLUES CLUES & YOU?

JONATHAN: Because I live in Rhinebeck and have produced movies in the Hudson Valley for many years, I have local crews here that I favor, like Company 1 Productions. Whenever I produce a movie elsewhere, I tend to bring my people with me. Mind you, it's incredibly busy all of the country and most crews are booked way in advance, so it's catch as catch can. But as the years tick on, I tend to hire the same people. I know who they are, I know how they work, and it helps me sleep at night.

QUESTION: When can we expect to see BLUES CLUES & YOU on the screen,?

JONATHAN: -The release date for Blues Clues & You; Broadway Dreams is set for October 2022 streaming on Paramount+.

QUESTION: What’s next for Jonathan Burkhart?

JONATHAN: I have a live awards show I'm producing in December for SOVAS and I have 8 different feature films that all want to go late winter through to the Summer of 2022. Which one actually solidifies and goes is always a question based on financing and cast availability. The day the phone rings and the person on the other end says "Hey Jonathan, we got the money, open the office, we're going!" then that's my next gig.

THE MAGIC GARDEN
On September 20, production for "Magic Women, Magic Garden," took place in Woodstock, NY with Carole Demas and Paula Janis, the main characters and hosts of a show that aired on WPIX-TV from 1972 through 1984. A ‘magic garden’ was recreated for the documentary by Heidi Sjursen and Jeffrey Abell of Out of the Wood Productions.

The show was popular with millions of children. As characterized by The New York Times, The Magic Garden "was a cheerful, low-budget, inadvertently psychedelic half-hour show in which Ms. Janis and Ms. Demas sat on giant toadstools, spoke to flowers, sang songs and told stories."

The Hudson Valley Film Commission asked Heidi several questions about the documentary.

QUESTION: How did you get involved with THE MAGIC GARDEN.

HEIDI: It was all very kismet really, as much of the production has been. My husband/partner Jeffrey, our friend Rosie, and I went as The Magic Garden for Halloween, a couple of years ago. People freaked over our group costume. A picture of us was snapped and posted on Facebook. Someone tagged Carole, one of the stars of The Magic Garden. I happened to be costumed as her. She messaged me saying many people had dressed up as them over the years, but she was blown away by what we created. That eventually led to the Doc.

QUESTION: How did you develop the idea for the doc?

HEIDI: Carole and I clicked right away. We went from FB, to emailing, to chatting on the phone. We formed a real bond. One day, I got off the phone with her and told Jeffrey about all of the fabulous behind the scenes stories she had told me about The Magic Garden. He responded with one word – “Documentary?” I said, “Hell yes!"
We pitched it to the ladies. They jumped right on board, and we were off and running. Incidentally, when we first met Paula, her response to our costume catalyst was “I knew you were either completely brilliant, or completely insane.”  Now that we’ve become close through the process, she says we're both. 

QUESTION: Did you watch the show? 

HEIDI: I absolutely watched the show, it was my very favorite!! I would get super close to the TV, as if I were diving right into Carole and Paula's dream world with them. Even though we have been close with them for some time now, to have them here in our house, in the very spot where I watched them TV, was pretty surreal. 

It was a really fun, funny, interactive show, which was ahead of its time, but also innocent and gentle.. The ladies were being totally themselves, which is very young at heart. They love kids, and you could definitely feel that. It’s still so special to the people who grew up with it.. The set design and the ladies costumes (their own clothes) were amazing as well. I never realized how much they subconsciously inspired my own aesthetic until we started the film–it’s kind of nuts. Ok, I’ll digress now–yes, I watched the show.

QUESTION: How did the recent production work out. Were there any special highlights? 

HEIDI: It’s been a really smooth, low stress production, which I feel is a reflection of who we are working with. Diving deeply into these women's lives, who were such a big part of my childhood has just been amazing.
The highlight was definitely designing, and building a recreation of/homage to the original Magic Garden set. We did a double interview with Carole & Paula back on their swings, surrounded by the original mushrooms, the magic tree, etc… It was like stepping into a time machine, being transported back to your childhood. Parts of the interview on that set drove the crew to tears, which was SO beautiful. 

Heidi, Carole, Paula & Jeff.

QUESTION: Other than yourselves, are there any Hudson Valley ties to “THE MAGIC GARDEN? 

HEIDI: Definitely. It made perfect sense to us to bring them to Woodstock. It was very fitting, ‘The Magic Garden’ goes ‘Back to the Garden’ and all, plus we really wanted to feature the ol' hometown in the film.
The first time we shot them in Woodstock, we produced a double matinee of The Magic Garden Live at The Colony. I knew they had tons of fans here, so capturing the live show, and interactions was a no brainer. 
And WOW did it exceed expectations, the packed audience were mostly adults, and they were all out of their seats singing, and jumping like they were 5 years old again. They came from all over the Hudson Valley. So yes, I have seen the ties they had, and still have to the Hudson Valley, and the whole tri-state area. 
Also, many of our local crew members were absolutely thrilled to be on set, with Carole and Paula. The crew on the recreation set were in hog heaven, us included.

QUESTION: When do you think the doc will be ready? 

HEIDI: We’re projecting mid 2022 for completion. We can’t wait to bring it to the fans, and I can totally see people who didn’t necessarily grow up with the show really digging it, which makes us extra excited to bring it to an even broader audience.

Click below to watch the trailer.

QUESTION: What’s next for Heidi and Jeff, and Out of the Woods?

HEIDI: We've bounced around a few options, and have landed on George David Weiss as our next doc subject. He's one of America’s premiere song writers, having written many of the anthems of our lives, including “What a Wonderful World,” “I Can’t Help Falling in Love,” & beyond. He’s also in the song writers hall of fame, and was the president of the songwriters guild America for 20 years. He lived a juicy life of twists and turns both personally, and in the music biz.

As we reminisce about these past favorites, we can look forward to seeing new developments soon.
STAY TUNED.

The Hudson Valley Film Commission is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that 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 $275 million in regional economic development.

Support our efforts with a tax-deductible contribution at www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/support

SELECT Mid-Hudson Valley productions:
To view full list or to stream regional films, visit www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/streamfest
The First Lady (Showtime) • Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin (HBO) • Untitled Nick Wootton/Jake Coburn Project (NBC Universal) • Pretty Little Liars (HBO) • Stay Awake • Redemption in Cherry Springs (Hallmark) • Crumb Catcher • Life & Beth (Hulu) • The Sex Lives of College Girls (HBO) • The White House Plumbers (HBO) • Remote • The Gilded Age (HBO) • Severance (Apple TV+) • The Whale (A24) • Old Man • Master (Amazon Studios) • Porcupine • The Hating Game (BCDF) • The Green Veil • Linoleum • The Sixth Reel • The Secret Diaries of an Exchange Student • Werewolves Within (Ubisoft/IFC Films) • Things Heard and Seen (Netflix) • Billions (Showtime) • Monsterland (Hulu) • The Plot Against America (HBO) • Silent Retreat (Miramax) • Black Bear • Lapsis • Foxhole • The Undoing (HBO) • I Know This Much Is True (HBO)• Save Yourselves • I’m Thinking of Ending Things (Netflix) • Scare Me • A Quiet Place 2 (Paramount) • Can You Keep a Secret? (BCDF) • Depraved (IFC Films) • Panic (Amazon Prime) • High Maintenance (HBO) • Shirley (Killer Films) • Driveways •  The Dead Don't Die (Focus Features) • Avengers: Endgame (Marvel Studios) • The Irishman (Netflix) • The Climb • Swallow (IFC Films) • Skin • The Mountain • A Quiet Place (Paramount) • Fabled • Then Came You  (BCDF) • Furlough (IFC Films) • A Vigilante • Nancy • Diane (IFC Films) • The Miseducation of Cameron Post • La Devotee by Panic at the Disco! • It Comes at Night • Super Dark Times •  The Seagull • HAPPYish (Showtime) • The Ticket  • King Cobra (IFC Films) • Growing Up Smith • Cold in July (IFC Films) • 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 (BCDF) • Francine • Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding (IFC Films) • Martha Marcy May Marlene • Higher Ground • Rocksteady • Bitter Feast • Stake Land • Man on Wire • Taking Woodstock (Focus Features) • American Gangster (Imagine Entertainment) • Michael Clayton • The Human Footprint (National Geographic) • The Night Listener • Stephanie Daley • War of the Worlds (Dreamworks) • Down to the Bone • Personal Velocity

FILM & TV SPENDING BREAKS RECORD

“White House Plumbers

The third quarter of 2021 included Film & TV economic development from several new productions in the region, including the “Untitled Nick Wootton/Jake Coburn Project” directed by Justin Lin (“Fast & Furious” anthology) for NBC/Universal, “Duet” (Hallmark/Choice Films) and “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” (HBO).

“Magic Garden, Magic Women”

Production also included continued work for major shows like “Life & Beth” (Hulu), and “White House Plumbers” (HBO), as well as local projects including “Magic Garden, Magic Women." Other projects, some of which were filmed elsewhere (“Blue's Clues & You!” “As Sick as They Make Us”) counted on local crew, including producer, casting, grip and other services.

The above-mentioned projects, as well as others, drove direct spending for the quarter to $15,025,000. That brings the 2021 total to $48,380,000, which breaks the annual record of $46-million set in 2019. In addition, a dozen projects have either started up or are in consideration for the fourth quarter. 

Third Quarter (July 1 - September 30) totals include:

  • Direct Spending from Film & TV Production: $15,025,000

  • Rooms Booked at local Hotels and Lodging: 15,571+

  • Production Days: 115+

  • Jobs Created For Local Industry Members: 160+

  • Jobs Created For Local Actors & Extras: 1,259+

The above-mentioned data does not include "multipliers," or indirect spending. That revenue, which results from shopping, cultural tourism, dining, recreation, new businesses, indirect jobs, services, royalties and new home buyers, should, however, be taken into consideration. The Film Commission also does not include post production revenue even though we make every effort to recommend local film editors, sound editors, color correction professionals, VFX specialists, mixers and composers.

The Hudson Valley Film Commission continues to:

  • Work with producers to recommend regional crew members. 

  • Work with casting directors to refer regional cast members. 

  • Work to promote local vendors and the region.

  • Work with location managers to refer and find regional locations.

The Hudson Valley FIlm Commission is proud of its continued efforts to support and promote inclusion and diversity. Over the past 21 years, the Hudson Valley Film Commission has provided career and educational opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or transgender status), age (over 40), disability, and genetic information.

The October 8 article in Variety, featuring the Film Commission pointed out local job opportunities. "The good news is that those productions spend enormous amounts of money;” HVFC direc­tor Laurent Rejto says.

Recent local hires, specifically by HBO’s “Pretty Little Liars,” shows a definitive shift in hiring practices to local crew, cast and vendors.

Pretty Little Liars

Untitled Wootton & Coburn Project

“Filming in the Hudson Valley is a great option for any production,” says producer Ashleigh Snead who worked on OLD MAN at Umbra Stages. “ The tax incentive is hard to beat, the Film Commission is super helpful. There is a large variety of locations, great local crew and production resources, and it’s close to NYC for easy access to specialty items. We will be back soon!

The location team for NBC/Universal’s “Untitled Wootton & Coburn Project,” also expressed gratitude. “Thank you for all your help with our shoot in Cold Spring. The Film Commission turned out to be a real lifesaver on more than one occasion!”

As part of its mission, the Hudson Valley Film Commission continues to create work and educational opportunities by attracting, supporting and promoting local film, television, photography, and new media work. The results over the past 21 years have led to more than $300-million in regional sustainable economic development, more than 3,500 crew jobs and 10,000+ jobs for actors, dayplayers and background actors. See Film & TV list below to gauge the kinds of productions the Film Commission has worked with.

SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS
Financial support for the Hudson Valley Film Commission in 2021 came primarily from Dutchess Tourism, Putnam County, Markertek, and the Wood Dock Foundation. Additional support was provided by several foundations and private donors.

In order to continue its efforts, the Hudson Valley Film Commission must find additional support from regional counties, private foundations, companies and donors. Please consider supporting our work.

To make a tax deductible donation, visit www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/support 

For screening info, visit www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/streamfest
The First Lady (SHOWTIME) • Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin (HBO) • Untitled Nick Wootton/Jake Coburn Project (NBC Universal) • Crumb Catcher (Glass Eye Pix) • Stay Awake • Redemption in Cherry Springs (Hallmark) • Life & Beth (Hulu) • The Sex Lives of College Girls (HBO) • The White House Plumbers (HBO) • Remote • The Gilded Age (HBO) • Severance (Apple TV+) • The Whale (A24) • Old Man • Master (Amazon Studios) • Porcupine • The Hating Game (BCDF Pictures) • The Green Veil • Linoleum • The Sixth Reel • The Secret Diaries of an Exchange Student • Werewolves Within (Ubisoft/IFC Films) • Things Heard and Seen (Netflix) • Billions (Showtime) • Monsterland (Hulu) • The Plot Against America (HBO) • Silent Retreat (Miramax) • Black Bear • Lapsis • Foxhole (Glass Eye Pix) • The Undoing (HBO) • I Know This Much Is True (HBO)• Save Yourselves • I’m Thinking of Ending Things (Netflix) • Scare Me • A Quiet Place 2 (Paramount) • Can You Keep a Secret? (BCDF Pictures) • Depraved (IFC Films) • Panic (Amazon Prime) • High Maintenance (HBO) • Shirley (Killer Films) • Driveways • The Dead Don't Die (Focus Features) • Avengers: Endgame (Marvel Studios) • The Irishman (Netflix) • The Climb • Swallow (IFC Films) • Skin • The Mountain • A Quiet Place (Paramount) • Fabled • Then Came You (BCDF Pictures) • Furlough (IFC Films) • A Vigilante • Nancy • Diane (IFC Films) • The Miseducation of Cameron Post • La Devotee by Panic at the Disco! • It Comes at Night • Super Dark Times • The Seagull • HAPPYish (Showtime) • The Ticket • King Cobra (IFC Films) • Growing Up Smith • Cold in July (IFC Films) • 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 (BCDF Pictures) • Francine • Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding (BCDF Pictures) • Martha Marcy May Marlene • Higher Ground (BCDF Pictures) • Rocksteady • Bitter Feast • Stake Land • Man on Wire • Taking Woodstock (Focus Features) • American Gangster (Imagine Entertainment) • Michael Clayton • The Human Footprint (National Geographic) • The Night Listener • Stephanie Daley • War of the Worlds (Dreamworks) • Down to the Bone • Personal Velocity