FILMMAKER FRIDAY

At the Hudson Valley Film Commission, we’re never surprised to see the names of colleagues we’ve worked closely with, attached to large international projects. 

Photographer, the new National Geographic TV docuseries that just premiered on Disney and Hulu, is a perfect example. The series follows world-renowned photographers as they embark on visually stunning adventures where every frame tells an inspiring and evocative story.

Brent Kunkle, who worked extensively in the Mid-Hudson Valley, ended up as a producer across all six episodes of Photographer. He is credited as co-executive producer for the series. Pre-production involved the casting process with more than 40 photographers around the world. Production included filming in Romania, Jordan, The Netherlands, The Bahamas and the American West. Post-production included helping to shepherd the edits to delivery. 

As a field producer, Brent worked on episode 1, Win or Die featuring Paul Nicklen and Christina Mittermeier; episode 2, Hidden Wonders featuring Arnand Varma; episode 5 featuring Krystle Wright, and episode 6 featuring Muhammed Muheisen. 

We reached out for more specifics.
“I got involved in Photographer through a director/showrunner named Pagan Harleman,” Kunkle answered. “I was a producer for her on two seasons of Matt Heineman's Showtime series The Trade in 2017 and 2019. Fast forward a few years and Pagan was brought on as a showrunner for Jimmy Chin and Chai Vasarhelyi's company Little Monster Films (Wildlife, The Rescue, Free Solo, Incorruptible, A Normal Life). As a Nat Geo photographer, Jimmy was always hearing amazing field stories from his photographer peers. He and Chai wanted to create a verite driven series honoring how those visual storytellers see the world.”

See trailer below for Photographer

Brents last project in the Hudson Valley was as a producer and UPM for Adrian Garcia Bogliano's werewolf drama Late Phases (a/k/a Night of the LoneWolf) starring Ethan Embry, Nick Damici and Tina Louise from Gilligan’s Island. The Glass Eye Pix film focused on a secluded retirement community that is plagued by mysterious and deadly attacks until a grizzled war veteran moves in, rallies the residents, and discovers a beast is behind the killings.

When producers Brent Kunkle and Larry Fessenden reached out for help finding a retirement community, the film commission worked behind the scenes to see if the Gardens of Rhinebeck would be available. Laurent Rejto from the film commission arranged a meeting with David Silver from the Kirchhoff Company, which was re-developing the complex. "He went out of his way to help," remembers Rejto. "He offered dozens of units and even said that they could smash walls and windows.” The producers were stunned by his willingness to help. “That townhouse complex was an absolute triumph!!,” Brent recalls. “I miss the Glass Eye days for sure and working in Hudson Valley but I’ve really found my footing in the doc world. Turns out that Late Phases was my last hurrah in the scripted world.“

Nick D’Amici, Brent Kunkle, David Silver, Laurent Rejto and Adrian Garcia Bogliano on location in Rhinebeck

Bitter Feast director Joe Maggio sets the scene with director of photography Mike McDonough and producer Brent Kunkle.

Previous to Late Phases, Brent worked on a series of "pulp" thrillers with Glass Eye Pix/Dark Sky Films, including Joe Maggio's Bitter Feast, (starring James LeGros and Joshua Leonard) and Jim Mickle's Stake Land, (starring Nick Damici, Connor Paolo and Kelly McGillis). As a co-producer Kunkle’s Hudson Valley credits also include J.T. Petty’s Blood Red Earth and the Blondie video, Mother, which was filmed at Kingston Studios. 

Sending best wishes to Brent for his future endeavors as a verité driven documentary producer. As a film commission, we also hope to somehow woo him back to the region for a future project.

As we start our 25TH YEAR,
please consider supporting our continued efforts at www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/support

HUDSON VALLEY AT SXSW

SXSW kicked off in Austin on March 8 with 4 productions that were filmed (in part or whole) in the Hudson Valley. and one that had post production work done in the region.

FALLOUT

On March 8 from 12-6pm @ the Hotel San Jose and Mar 9 from 10am–6pm @ Austin Motel, Prime Video presented an exclusive SXSW special event for the Original Series that premieres on Prime Video on April 12.

Based on one of the greatest video game series of all time, Fallout star Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Walton Goggins and tohers in a story of haves and have-nots in a world in which there’s almost nothing left to have. 200 years after the apocalypse, the gentle denizens of luxury fallout shelters are forced to return to the irradiated hellscape their ancestors left behind — and are shocked to discover an incredibly complex, gleefully weird and highly violent universe waiting for them.

The Hudson Valley Film Commission worked closely with more than four location scouts to provide information for several primary locations that were used.

“You are, without a doubt, the hardest working film rep in New York State, if not the country, and we are always grateful and humbled by your endless efforts.” –Chris Arena, IBT 817, Location Manager for FALLOUT (Amazon Studios)

"Thank you for your ongoing help regarding locations and logistics. Specific dates and times are still being finalized and details worked out. Thanks again as always.” –R. Richard Hobbs, IBT 817, Location Scout

Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/0kQ8i2FpRDk?si=S3c6O6IU6wWyZRO8

FAMILY

On location in Rhinebeck with Family

Benjamin Finkel's Family was filmed primarily in Rhinebeck, and at Woodstock Film Studios (now Cobalt Stages) in July and August of 2022. The film features Ruth Wilson (The Woman in the Wall, The Affair), Ben Chaplin, Cameron Dawson Gray (credited as Lucinda Lee Dawson Gray), and Allan Corduner.

11-year-old Johanna’s world is falling apart. She’s just moved across the country for her father Harry’s medical treatment, and as her father declines and her mother Naomi is consumed with caring for him, Johanna feels horribly alone. In desperation, she makes a call out into the universe for a good spirit to save her family. But as the long summer days wear on, and a series of increasingly disturbing events rips through her home, she begins to fear that something else has come instead — a terrifying presence from some dark corner of the universe that has latched on to her family and is now eating them from the inside.

"One of the things I enjoy most about working in the Hudson Valley is the crew,” said line producer, UPM John D. Hay. “I have worked with some of the same folks on multiple projects and they are some of the most caring and hard working crew members I have ever worked with."

Crew included many local industry members including John Hay as line producer and UPM. Other local crew members included Richard Auth (key grip), Jimmy Bayreuther (G&E), Michele Bayreuther (set Medic), Oren Davids (add't one set dresser), Al Delia (company grip), Rob Fattoroni (best boy grip), Jeffrey Francis (construction grip), Eugene Hitt (sfx coordinator) Mike “Spicy” Hunold (gaffer), Dashiell Hunold ((p.a.)) Amy Hutchings (background casting), Jim Glorioso (health & safety), Sean Hawk (construction manager), Bill Hevesssy (G&E), Simon Lawless (unit p.a.), Matthew Nadler (p.a.),Erica Pearce (makeup), Brian Powers (leadperson), Tashav Powers (on set dresser), Leah Reingewirtz (location manager), Doria Riker (makeup), Vic Radulov (catering), Daniel Rohn (production supervisor), Michael Sofokles (still photography), Brian Stevens (set medic), Anthony Stracquadanio (G&E), Shauna Terruso (company grip), Alisa Traskunov (script supervisor), Crawford Watson (company grip), Charlie Wylie (company grip), Alan Wolfe (1st A.C.).

For screening times, see https://schedule.sxsw.com/2024/films/2196598

SING SING

In 2022, the Hudson Valley Film Commission recommended many locations, including Downstate Correctional, for Greg Kwedar's Sing Sing, starring Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, Paul Raci, Sean San José, and Sharon Washington. HVFC also recommended crew members, vendors and worked with Rita Powers Casting to find background actors from the region to portray inmates and guards.

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

"You made filming in the Hudson Valley a pleasure. The vast resources you shared, your community connections and insights, and your troubleshooting were invaluable. Thank you for welcoming us and being a steady support throughout our entire production. We look forward to more filming in the Hudson Valley in the future!” –Karin Young Shiel, Co-Producer, Sing Sing (August 2022)

Watch trailer at https://youtu.be/j3dXc6P3zH8

WE CAN BE HEROES

As the father of two kids who participated with the Wayfinder Experience from its inception, I’m looking forward to seeing WE CAN BE HEROES by directors Carina Mia Wong and Alex Simmons. The documentary celebrates the fleeting, but profoundly formative moments that make up the most intense years of adolescence, with a little help from foam swords.

Sometimes, finding your tribe requires a bit of magic. For attendees of a live action role-playing (LARP) camp in upstate New York, the deeply accepting environment has given neurodivergent, queer, and self-proclaimed "nerdy" teenagers the space for self-discovery that they have never found anywhere else. As the campers immerse themselves in this imaginative world, they discover inner strength, heal from traumas, and emerge as heroes, both in the fantasy realm and in real life.

WE CAN BE HEROES was awarded a Special Jury Prize.for Documentary Feature.

Click to read the Hollywood Reporter review

POST PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHT

THE BLACK SEA

Sound Design for THE BLACK SEA was handled by Bearsville’s Coll Anderson of C.A Sound (Barbie, Dr. Death, The Jinx, Black Swan…)

Inspired by Derrick B. Harden’s travels to Bulgaria, THE BLACK SEA is the transformative journey of a man who finds unexpected connections in a small coastal Eastern European town even as he finds himself to be the only black person around. 

Khalid, a charismatic big dreamer from Brooklyn, with no follow-thru gets stuck in a small town on the Black Sea after chasing an opportunity for money that goes wrong. Being the only black guy in the town, he quickly becomes the center of the town’s attention. His New York City street bop is all he has to survive. In his pursuit to get home he finds connection in a way he never expected with a local woman. Together they make their small dreams big.

As we start our 25TH YEAR,
please consider supporting our continued efforts at www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/support

CERA in HV

For #thowbackthursday, we’re focusing on Michael Cera who recently gave a great shoutout for the Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck while on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallen.

Cera was promoting his latest TV show, LIFE & BETH: Season 2, which was filmed in parts of Rhinebeck and Staatsburg in 2023.

Season 2 follows Beth (Schumer) and John (Michael Cera) as their relationship grows more serious. Per the official synopsis, “Beth begins to examine the possibilities of marriage and having a family as she and John seek answers for their communication problems.” 

In addition to some new faces including Margaret Cho, Jennifer Coolidge, Colin Quinn, Tim Meadows and Amy Sedaris, returning cast members include Susannah Flood and Violet Young.

Local actors were hired by Roman Candle Casting for several farming scenes in and around Staatsburg. Filming also took place in Rhinebeck, New Orleans and NYC.

Season two of LIFE & BETH was released on Hulu with all 10 episodes available on Feb. 16

Cera is no stranger to the region. He has worked on several other productions in the region including:

LIFE & BETH season 1, which filmed in Dutchess and Putnam County in 2021.

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. 

In 2021, Cera also co-starred in THE ADULTS, which was directed and written by Dustin Guy Defa. The indie narrative world premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in February 2023.

The film was produced over 23 production days in November and December of 2021 at 17 locations throughout the mid Hudson Valley region. Specific towns included Beacon, Fishkill, Maybrook, Millbrook, Newburgh, New Windsor, and Saugerties. The production team included 11 local crew members, 3 actors and 92 background extras.

In 2013, Cera was part of HITS. The film was the directorial debut of comedian David Cross. It world premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January of 2014.

The plot follows a Municipal worker (Matt Waslh) who’s life changes completely when videos of his rants about potholes at City Hall go viral on YouTube. Cera played Bennie. Other featured actors included Amy Sedaris, Wyatt Cenac, Jason Ritter, Russ Tamblyn, and hundreds of area locals. Many of the scenes included a lot of hysterical improvising.

LOCAL INDIE FILMS FIND DISTRIBUTION

It's been a great few weeks for Indie films & TV shows that have filmed in the Mid Hudson Valley over the past few years. Three distribution deals were announced and "Life & Beth; Season 2," starring Amy Schumer and Michael Cera premieres on Hulu on February 2.

As part of our mission, the Hudson Valley FIlm Commission follows projects from pre-production through distribution. Each point along the way has an economic impact for the production team and the region, including local vendors, crew members and cast members. One film in particular, Between the Temples, has local connections through local producers and the director.

We're always hoping for a breakthrough hit that will result in blessings for many. Sometimes it just takes time. As we recently pointed out in another blog, 2011 featured the film Frances Ha, which was written by Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig – who also co-starred with Adam Driver. Much of the film took place at Vassar College where Baumbach attended. Thirteen years later, Baumbach and Gerwig are nominated for the most recent screenplay for the megahit, Barbie.

The three indie features that recently announced distribution are listed below in alphabetic order.

BETWEEN THE TEMPLES

Schwartzman and Kane in Between the Temples

Sony Pictures Classics acquired worldwide rights to Nathan Silver’s Between The Temples starring Jason Schwartzman and Carol Kane, following its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, and ahead of its upcoming international debut at the Berlinale.

The screwball comedy was inspired by Hudson Valley resident Cindy Silver (Nathan’s mom) who decided to plan for her bat mitzvah in her mid-60s. Carol Kane plays the elderly bat mitzvah student who forges an unlikely bond with a depressed cantor, portrayed by Jason Schwartzman.

Filming took place in spring of 2023 in Red Hook, Woodstock and Kingston, at locations including Le Canard Enchainé, Congregation Emanuel, Early Terribe, Immaculate Conception Church, Red Hook Gold Club, River Radiology, Tubby’s and a day at Kingston Studios. Co-producer Danny April wrote; "Thank you so much for your help on Between the Temples. You really came through on so many occasions and it was a true pleasure collaborating with you.”

GOOD ONE

Metrograph Pictures has acquired North American rights to Good One, one of the breakouts of the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The indie film had its world premiere in the U.S. Narrative Competition section.

On location at Minnewaska with Diana Irvine
and actor James LeGros

Directed by India Donaldson’s, Good One, stars Lily Collias, James Le Gros, and Danny McCarthy. The narrative follows a weekend backpacking trip in the Catskills during which 17-year-old Sam (Collias) contends with the competing egos of her father and his oldest friend. 

Filming took place in the Mid Hudson Valley in June of 2023 primarily in Kerhonkson, New Paltz, and Samsonville.

Producer Diana Irvine wrote; "It was so nice to connect in-person, thanks again for all your support during our shoot in June. Reflecting back, we were incredibly lucky to accomplish what we did during such a wild, uncertain time in our industry.”

Le Gros has worked in the Hudson Valley quite a few times, specifically with Glass Eye Pix on productions including Blackout, Foxhole, Stray Bullets, and Bitter Feast.

LOST ON A MOUNTAIN IN MAINE

Andrew Kightlinger and Luke David Blumm

Lost on a Mountain in Maine, which filmed in the Mid Hudson Valley in July and August of 2022, was recently picked up for distribution by Blue Fox Entertainment. 

The story is based on Donn Fendler’s true story as a 12-year old boy who got lost in the Katahdin wilderness of Maine in 1939. The book was required reading in Maine classrooms for generations. Fendler gave talks in schools until his death in 2016 at age 90.

The movie was directed by Andrew Kightlinger and written by Luke Paradise. It was produced by Sylvester Stallone’s Balboa Productions. The film stars Paul Sparks (House of Cards, Boardwalk Empire), Caitlin Fitzgerald (Succession, Masters of Sex, The Trial of the Chicago 7) and Luke David Blumm (Where the Crawdads Sing, The King of Staten Island) as Donn Fendler . Hundreds of Hudson Valley background actors were hired through Hudson Valley Casting and Amy Hutchings Casting.

The Hudson Valley Film Commission was involved early on and recommended many locations, picture cars, vendors, and crew members. The Film Commission also helped with casting. Executive Producer Stephanie Blackwood, wrote: “Thank you so much for all your help on this project. You guys were great to work with.” Location scout Dave Dorn wrote, “Amazingly helpful. Thanks again for a great Spring & Summer shoot. I look forward to filming in the Hudson Valley again soon.”

LIFE & BETH

Amy Schumer‘s "Life & Beth" returned to the Mid Hudson Valley in April to film parts of season 2. The Hulu series had previously filmed parts of of the first season in Red Hook and Staatsburg back in 2021.

Season 2 follows Beth (Schumer) and John (Michael Cera) as their relationship grows more serious. Per the official synopsis, “Beth begins to examine the possibilities of marriage and having a family as she and John seek answers for their communication problems.” 

In addition to some new faces including Margaret Cho, Jennifer Coolidge, Colin Quinn, Tim Meadows and Amy Sedaris, returning cast members include Susannah Flood and Violet Young.

Local actors were hired by Roman Candle Casting for several farming scenes in and around Staatsburg. Filming also took place in New Orleans and NYC.

Season two of Life & Beth will be released on Hulu with all 10 episodes available on Feb. 16

MID HUDSON VALLEY STREAMER RECAP

As the first month of 2024 comes to an end, the Hudson Valley Film Commission eagerly anticipates celebrating its 25th Anniversary by continuing its commitment to creating economic development opportunities by attracting, supporting and promoting regional Film & TV production to the mid-Hudson Valley region. 

Several productions have already committed to filming in the region during 2024, so we’re hoping that increased opportunities will exist for regional locations, local crew members, actors, background extras, qualified production facilities, post production industry members, and more. 

We’re also looking forward to premieres of several TV streamers that took place in the region despite the challenges created by the prolonged labor disputes against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) by the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild. Here’s a short rundowns of several productions to keep an eye out for.

LIFE & BETH – Season 2

Amy Schumer‘s "Life & Beth" returned to the Mid Hudson Valley in April to film parts of season 2. The Hulu series had previously filmed parts of of the first season in Red Hook and Staatsburg back in 2021.

Season 2 follows Beth (Schumer) and John (Michael Cera) as their relationship grows more serious. Per the official synopsis, “Beth begins to examine the possibilities of marriage and having a family as she and John seek answers for their communication problems.” 

In addition to some new faces including Margaret Cho, Jennifer Coolidge, Colin Quinn, Tim Meadows and Amy Sedaris, returning cast members include Susannah Flood and Violet Young.

Local actors were hired by Roman Candle Casting for several farming scenes in and around Staatsburg. Filming also took place in New Orleans and NYC.

Season two of “Life & Beth” will be released on Hulu with all 10 episodes available on Feb. 16

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS: SUMMER SCHOOL

After an extended work stoppage due to the labor disputes, the season 2 reboot of the MAX original series "Pretty Little Liars: Summer School" finished up production in Mid December. This was less than ideal considering the fact that many "summer" locations had previously been filmed, but it gave the crew a chance to show off their movie magic. 

Set in the fictional town of Millwood, the series focuses on Imogen Adams (Bailee Madison) and her friends as they deal with the threat of a stalker that accuses them of something their mothers were involved in.

Among the many towns used for the production based out of Umbra of Newburgh, highlights included Beacon, Catskill, Fishkill, Hudson, Hyde Park, Marlboro, Poughkeepsie, Salisbury Mills, Saugerties, and Wallkill. Approximately 75 days of production took place with many local crew members and some background actors hired through Grant Wilfley Casting.

No release date has been announced but your can watch “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin,” on Max.

SEVERANCE – Season 2

The second season of AppleTV+'s science fiction psychological thriller "Severance," created by Dan Erickson and directed by Ben Stiller and Aoife McArdle, got off to a slow start in the region due to their need for snow. Several early scenes relied on production crews shoveling snow onto roads and sidewalks rather than removing snow. By February, a bounty of snow had fallen to make production easier.

The series is based around Lumon Industries, a biotechnology corporation that uses a medical procedure called "severance" to separate the memories of their employees depending spatially on whether they are at work or not. When a severed worker is at work, they are dubbed "innies" and can remember nothing of their lives or the outside world.

Featured actors include Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Patricia Arquette, John Turturo, Michael Chernus, Zach Cherry and Christopher Walken filmed 30+ days in the region during the first two quarters of the year. Specific locations were rented in and around Kingston, Minnewaska State Park and the Dia in Beacon. In addition to regional locations, local crew members and background actors were hired.

No premiere date has been set but season 1 is currently available to stream on AppleTV+.

Several other TV streamers filmed a few days in the region including Amazon Prime’s THE OUTLAWS, starring Christopher Walken. The production worked with Choice Films.

In terms of other streamers that will be premiering in 2024, April will bring the world premier of Amazon Prime’s FALLOUT, which filmed several scenes locally during the third quarter of 2022. The Hudson Valley FIlm Commission worked over a six month period with the location team to find ideal locations in the region.

Based on one of the greatest video game series of all time, “Fallout” star Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Walton Goggins and tohers in a story of haves and have-nots in a world in which there’s almost nothing left to have. 200 years after the apocalypse, the gentle denizens of luxury fallout shelters are forced to return to the irradiated hellscape their ancestors left behind — and are shocked to discover an incredibly complex, gleefully weird and highly violent universe waiting for them.

The series premieres April 12 on Prime Video. Watch the trailer below.

The Hudson Valley Film Commission is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that works to engage, support and promote regional Film & TV productions. As we start our 25th year in 2024, we will continue to recommend thousands of locations, local crew members, actors, background extras, qualified production facilities, post production houses and more. 

Please help us continue our efforts with a tax-deductible contribution at tinyurl.com/hvfcsupport

RECENT LOCAL PRODUCTIONS:
(For a list of local films, see www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/streamfest)
Too Much For One Heart • The Outlaws • Companion • Pretty Little Liars: Summer School • Motherland • After This Death • Floaters • Dead Guy • Kitchen Nightmares • Good One • Bloody Axe Wound • Park Avenue • Life and Beth S2 (Hulu) • Between the Temples • Severance S2 (Apple TV+) • Billions S7 (Showtime) • Neil Gaiman Masterclass • A Killer Romance • New Amsterdam (NBC) • Post Truth • The Sweet East • Blackout • Manifest (Netflix) • Full Circle (HBO) • Figments of Freedom • A Parachosm • Sing Sing • Fallout (Amazon Studios) • Poker Face (Peacock) • Lost on a Mountain in Maine • Family • The Tuba Thieves • Theater Camp • Blue Light • A Holiday Spectacular (Hallmark) • Three Women (Showtime) • The Adults • New Me • Rub • Pinball • The First Lady (Showtime) • One December Night (Hallmark) • Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin • The Endgame (NBC Universal) • Crumb Catcher • Stay Awake • Redemption in Cherry Springs (Hallmark) • Life & Beth (Hulu) • The Sex Lives of College Girls (HBO Max) • White House Plumbers (HBO) • Remote • The Gilded Age (HBO) • Severance (Apple TV+) • The Whale (A24) • Old Man • Master (Amazon Studios) • Adopting Audrey • The Hating Game (BCDF Pictures) • Invasion (Apple TV+) • 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 • Follow Her • Lapsis • Foxhole • The Undoing (HBO) • I Know This Much Is True (HBO)


The Hudson Valley Film Commission is supported in part by:
Dutchess Tourism Inc  brings tourism dollars to area businesses by marketing and promoting the assets of Dutchess County to the nation and the world.

Markertek.com – An industry leader in audio and video, Markertek carries a full complement of camera accessories, lighting gear, cables, expendables and more for all levels of film production.

120dB Films – Since 2004, 120dB Films has helped independent film and TV creators bring their projects to the screen by providing production loans and executive producer services to help filmmakers get their projects financed and finished.

The Wood Dock Foundation, Stewart’s Shops and private support.

MID HUDSON VALLEY OSCAR TIES

We'll look more carefully into the 2024 Oscar nominations to explore other potential Mid Hudson Valley connections, but for now, here's a short list mostly regarding nominated actors that have either lived in, or worked in the Mid Hudson Valley.

While staying completely out of any controversies regarding snubs, we did want to point out that one of the nominees for Best Adapted Screenplay went to a Vassar College alumni.

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach, “Barbie”
*Baumbach received a BA in English from Vassar College in 1991. While at Vassar, he and fellow future filmmaker, Jason Blum, were roommates. Blum later produced Baumbach's first film, ”Kicking and Screaming” in 1995. In 2011, Baumbach directed “Frances Ha” at Vassar. He co-wrote the screenplay with his future wife, Greta Gerwig. Read more in the Vassar Quarterly.

Colman Doming in “Sing Sing.”

BEST ACTOR
Colman Domingo, "Rustin"
*Starred in Greg Kwedar's "Sing Sing." A24 with release in 2024.

Jeffrey Wright, "American Fiction"
*Appeared in Jim Jarmusch's "Broken Flowers."

BEST ACTRESS
Emma Stone, "Poor Things"
*Co-starred in Cary Joji Fukunaga's "Maniac."

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Robert De Niro, "Killers of the Flower Moon"
*Co-starred in Martin Scorcese's "The Irishman," and James Mangold's "Copland."
*Also co-starred in Barry Levinson's "Wag the Dog," which was written by Woodstock's Larry Beinhart

Mark Ruffalo, "Poor Things"
*Starred as twins in Derek Cianfrance's "I Know This Much is True," and Kenneth Lonergan's "You Can Count on Me."

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Emily Blunt, "Oppenheimer"
*Co-starred in John Krasinky's "A Quiet Place."

Danielle Brooks, "The Color Purple"
Co-starred in Katie Cokinos' "I Dream Too Much."

For links to Hudson Valley Films, see https://www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/streamfest

HUDSON VALLEY AT SUNDANCE

As the Hudson Valley Film Commission celebrates its 25TH Anniversary, we look back at some of the local productions that have world premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, which kicked off its 2024 edition on January 18. 

Jason Schwartzman, Nathan Silver and Carol Kane

Nathan Silver's BETWEEN THE TEMPLES will world premiere on January 19. See details at Sundance. Filming took place in spring of 2023 in Red Hook, Woodstock and Kingston, at locations including Le Canard Enchainé, Congregation Emanuel, Early Terribe, Immaculate Conception Church, Red Hook Gold Club, River Radiology, Tubby’s and a day at Kingston Studios. The screwball comedy was inspired by Hudson Valley resident Cindy Silver (Nathan’s mom) who decided to plan for her bat mitzvah in her mid-60s. Carol Kane plays the elderly bat mitzvah student who forges an unlikely bond with a depressed cantor, portrayed by Jason Schwartzman. We’re sending our best wishes and are excited by the anticipation the film has been receiving. View an interview with main cast members on Vulture.

On location with producer Diana Irvine

Another 2023 film production that took place in the Mid Hudson Valley and world premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival is India Donaldson’s  GOOD ONE, starring Lily Collias, James Le Gros, and Danny McCarthy. The narrative follows a weekend backpacking trip in the Catskills during which 17-year-old Sam (Collias) contends with the competing egos of her father and his oldest friend. Filming took place in June 2023 primarily in Kerhonkson, New Paltz, and Samsonville.

Le Gros has worked in the Hudson Valley quite a few times, specifically with Glass Eye Pix on productions including BLACKOUT, FOXHOLE, STRAY BULLETS, BITTER FEAST.

See indiewire review at www.tinyurl.com/goodoneindiewire

On location with PERSONAL VELOCITY

The SUNDANCE track record for films produced in the Hudson Valley region dates back to the inception of the Hudson Valley Film Commission. One of the first films the Film Commission worked with was Rebecca Miller’s PERSONAL VELOCITY: THREE PORTRAITS. Filming took place in 2001 in Rosendale, Pine Bush and other Hudson Valley locations. The film won the Grand Jury Prize and the Cinematography Award for Ellen Kuras. The InDigEnt Production, was the first “film” shot on a SONY PD-150 to win the prize.

Casting call for DOWN TO THE BONE

Two years later at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, Debra Granik’s DOWN TO THE BONE won the Grand Jury Prize. The Directing Award also went to Granik and a special jury prize went to Vera Farmiga for her performance. Filming primarily took place in Saugerties.

At the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, Hilary Brougher’s STEPHANIE DALEY featuring Amber Tamblyn, Tilda Swinton, Timothy Hutton, Jim Gaffigan and Melissa Leo, was nominated for a Grand Jury Prize and walked away with the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award.

In 2008, James Marsh’s MAN ON WIRE won the World Cinema Jury Prize Documentary Award. The film based on Philippe Petit’s book, “To Reach the Clouds,” was partly filmed in the Mid Hudson Valley where Petit lives part time. In 2009, the film would go on to win the Best Documentary Oscar. 

Also in 2008, FROZEN RIVER, starring local actor Melissa Leo and directed by Courtney Hunt, was awarded the Grand Jury Prize. 

On location with HIGHER GROUND

In 2011, Vera Farmiga’s directorial debut HIGHER GROUND (from BCDF Pictures) world premiered in Sundance to rave reviews. The film which featured Farmiga, Joshua Leonard, John Hawkes, Donna Murphy, Norbert Leo Butz, and Bill Irwin was picked up for distribution by Sony Pictures Classics. 

Also premiering at Sundance in 2011 was Sean Durkin’s American psychological thriller MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE, starring Elizabeth Olsen, John Hawkes, John Hawkes, Sarah Paulson, and Hugh Dancy.

In 2012, the American science fiction comedy-drama Jake Schreier's ROBOT & FRANK, starring Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon, Liv Tyler and Peter Sarsgaard world premiered at Sundance. Filming primarily took place in Dutchess County.

In 2014, Mike Cahill's science fiction romantic drama I ORIGINS, which was filmed in part in the Hudson Valley, received the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize.

2014 also featured to world premiere of Jim Mickle’s COLD IN JULY starring Michael C Hall, Sam Shepard and Don Johnson. This was the 3rd production undertaken in the Hudson Valley by Jim Mickle and producer partner Linda Moran. Filming took place throughout the region including at the historic Col. Oliver Hazard Payne Estate.

Also premiering in 2014 was David Cross’s American comedy drama, HITS.

In 2015, Liz Garbus's documentary WHAT HAPPENED, MISS SIMONE?, opened the festival. Several flashback scenes were produced in Lake Hill. In 2016, the biographical film about American singer Nina Simone would go on to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary.

In 2016, part time Hudson Valley director & producer Roger Ross Williams won the Documentary Directing Award for LIFE, ANIMATED.

Publicity shot from THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST

In 2018, the Grand Jury Prize was once again awarded to a Hudson Valley Film when Desiree Akhavan’s THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST won the top Sundance prize. That same year, Christina Choe’s NANCY was honored with the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award. 

In 2020, 5 films that were produced in the Hudson Valley including:

 

On location at Vassar College with SHIRLEY

  • BLACK BEAR, directed by Lawrence Michael Levine, filmed briefly at what is now Kingston Studios during the summer of 2019. The film features Aubrey Plaza, Christopher Abbott, and Sarah Gadon.

  • THE CLIMB, directed by Michael Covino filmed primarily in Columbia County during the summer of 2018. The cast features Kyle Marvin, Michael Covino, Gayle Rankin, Talia Balsam, George Wendt, and Judith Godrèche.

  • SAVE YOURSELVES, written and directed by Eleanor Wilson and Alex Fischer, filmed in and around Olive Bridge during the summer of 2019.

  • SCARE ME, directed by Ulster County native Josh Ruben, was produced in January and February of 2019. Ruben followed up in 2020 with production on WEREWOLVES WITHIN.

  • SHIRLEY, directed by Josephine Decker and starring Elisabeth Moss, Michael Stuhlbarg, Odessa Young, and Logan Lerman was filmed during the summer of 2018 in Greene and Ulster Counties and at Vassar College in Dutchess County.

Publicity shot from MASTER, at Vassar College

The 2022 Sundance Film Festival featured the world premiere of Mariama Diallo’s MASTER, which started filming in 2020 in Poughkeepsie. Production shut down due to Covid then restarted in 2021, primarily at Vassar College in Dutchess County. The film featured Regina Hall and Zoe Renee.




On location with THEATER CAMP

THEATER CAMP premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. The film was directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman to celebrate the brilliant and slightly unhinged educators and magical spaces that allow kids to be themselves and find their confidence, nailing the details after experiencing decades of camp life. The film features a winning comedic ensemble cast and boundless creativity.

The film features Amy Sedaris, Jimmy Tatro, Ben Platt and Molly Gordon. Filming took place in June of 2022 in Warwick and at the Newburgh Unity Armory. HBG Casting handled background, and many regional crew members participated.


On location with Alison O’Daniel and Laurent Rejto

THE TUBA THIEVES also premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Alison O’Daniel,  the film fictionalizes real events and lived experiences through a cinematic language that mirrors the experience of being hard of hearing: overlapping narratives, obscured visual framing, and captions that present a third narrative equal to image and sound.

The reenactment of the 1952 premiere of 4’33” was filmed where the premiere actually took place: Maverick Concerts: the oldest continuous summer chamber music festival in America. The Hudson Valley FIlm Commission helped with crew and cast recommendations.

"Hudson Valley film productions boast an impressive history at the Sundance Film Festival," notes Laurent Rejto, Executive Director and Founder of the Hudson Valley Film Commission. "This underscores the creativity inherent in independent films produced within the region and we strongly encourage film productions to leverage the distinctive creative aesthetic embedded in the cultural history of the Hudson Valley."

HAPPY NEW YEAR

BEST WISHES TO ALL FOR A HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

As the Hudson Valley Film Commission embarks on its 25TH ANNIVERSARY in 2024, our commitment remains steadfast. We take pride in the Film & TV productions that have unfolded in the mid Hudson Valley since our inception. Our ongoing efforts continue to focus on welcoming productions to the region, promoting locations, and recommending local crew members, actors, background extras, post-production experts, and qualified production facilities including Cobalt, Kingston Studios, SPAF, Umbra and Upriver.

We’re grateful for the generous support we have received from foundations, government agencies, filmmakers, and private residents. We extend our gratitude to all who have been part of our journey over the years, especially Markertek founder Mark Braunstein, K.L McKenna, the Wood Dock Foundation, Martin & Perry Granoff, 120dB Films and Dutchess Tourism.

Since the year 2000, the Hudson Valley Film Commission has tracked over half a billion dollars' worth of direct local economic development. This financial impact has been further amplified by indirect spending, leading to the establishment of new businesses, and a new labor force, benefiting community members. These milestones underscore the significant role we've played in fostering growth within the region.

As we commemorate this milestone year, we express our gratitude to everyone who has been an integral part of our journey. Together, we eagerly anticipate the continuation of our mission to champion and enhance the vibrant film industry in the Hudson Valley. The Hudson Valley Film Commission, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, including a list of projects from the past 25 years and our online crew directory, visit www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org

TRIVIA: The first film we assisted with was Larry Revene’s "PREY," a unique production centered around two small-town roadkill collectors. Our foray into the film industry took a more established turn with Rebecca Miller’s "PERSONAL VELOCITY: THREE PORTRAITS," featuring Kyra Sedgwick, Parker Posey, and Fairuza Balk, and produced by Lemore Syvan. Filming spanned across Rosendale, Kingston, Pine Bush, and other regional locations, where the Film Commission played a pivotal role in recommending local crew, background extras, and day players.

The project was part of InDigEnt, launched in 1999 by producer Gary Winick, producer Alexis Alexanian, Jonathan Sehring and Caroline Kaplan of IFC Productions, Paul Brennan from Sloss Special Projects, and entertainment lawyer, film sales agent, and manager, John Sloss. InDigEnt aimed to unite screenwriters, directors, and actors to collaborate within the budgetary and technical constraints of digital filmmaking. "PERSONAL VELOCITY" was shot using a SONY PD-150, with Ellen Kuras as the director of photography, and Martina Radwan as camera operator 9see photo). The film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, where it not only secured the Grand Jury Prize but also earned the Excellence in Cinematography Award.

FARGO CONNECTIONS

Those acquainted with the original FARGO movie by the Coen Brothers recognize its distinct Minnesotan setting and dialogue. You betcha the subsequent series adheres to this regional authenticity, firmly rooted in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Despite its distant setting, the original FARGO has unexpected ties to the Hudson Valley, particularly through Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi, John Turturro, William H. Macy, and Joel Coen. Each has spent considerable time in the region, with Turturo even pursuing studies at SUNY New Paltz.

While the fifth season of FARGO, which premiered on FX on November 21, appears to have fewer links to the Hudson Valley, it features the captivating Juno Temple, whose previous engagements in the region include Ramaa Mosley's BRASS TEAPOT (filmed in Poughkeepsie and Fishkill in 2011) and Liz W. Garcia's ONE PERCENT MORE HUMID, which filmed primarily in New Paltz in 2016.

The Hudson Valley Film Commission played a pivotal role in these projects, which allowed us to observe Temple's profound dedication to her craft. Those present at Snug Harbor for the bar scene in ONE PERCENT MORE HUMID can attest to the intensity of her performance. Temple's appearance in FARGO (and TED LASSO) reflects a notable transformation and her undeniable talent continues to radiate onscreen.

In a subjective assessment, FARGO Season 5 has embarked on an impressive journey, leaving this viewer captivated by its suspense and dark humor..

YEAR-END FUNDRAISING

The Hudson Valley Film Commission is initiating its year-end fundraising early with the hopes of making up a gap in revenue that has resulted from increased costs and less contributions, which is largely due to the ongoing labor disputes, which have affected so many.


2024 will mark our 25th year. Over that period of time, the Film Commission has worked with projects that have created more than $500-million of direct spending, and hundreds of millions in indirect spending.

Your support will help us continue our efforts to
bring projects and recommend REGIONAL:

  • Locations

  • Crew members

  • Actors & Extras

  • Qualified production facilities

  • Post production houses

  • Vendors and much more.

To make a tax-deductible donation or to get additional information,
visit https://www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/support

HUDSON HALLOWEEN HORROR

For Halloween, we've put together a list of horror films that have been produced in the Hudson Valley region. It's evident from the list below that producer, director, actor Larry Fessenden has had a hand in most of the films. See asterisk for more. We've included links for most of the films and will add several new productions shortly since horror film productions are so popular.

Bitter Feast  (2010)
Directed by Joe Maggio
Featuring James LeGros and Joshua Leonard
*Larry Fessenden is credited as a producer and actor

A celebrity chef exacts revenge on a food blogger who torpedoes his career. A celebrity chef exacts revenge on a food blogger who torpedoes his career.

Blackout  (2023)
Directed by Larry Fessenden
Featuring Marshall Bell, Michael Buscemi, Kevin Corrigan, Rigo Garay, Jeremy Holm, James Le Gros, Steve Heller
*Larry Fessenden is credited as a producer and actor

A Fine Arts painter is convinced that he is a werewolf wreaking havoc on a small American town under the full moon.

Crumb Catcher (2023)
Directed by Chris Skotchdopole
Featuring Rigo Garay, Ella Rae Peck, John Speredakos, Lorraine Farris
*Larry Fessenden is credited as a producer and writer (story)

A newlywed couple is held captive in a remote lake house by a maniacally optimistic inventor and his sour wife who are desperate to finance his dream project with a half-baked blackmail plot.

The Dead Don't Die (2019)
Directed by Jim Jarmusch
Featuring Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Chloe Sevigny, Steve Buscemi, Tom Waits Iggy Pop, Danny Glover, Carol Kane, Caleb Landry Jones, RZA, Larry Fessenden, and many more.

The peaceful town of Centerville finds itself battling a zombie horde as the dead start rising from their graves.

A Deadly Legend (2020)
Directed by Pamela Moriarty
Featuring Lori Petty, Corbin Bernsen, Judd Hirsch

A construction crew fights for survival after unearthing a cursed megalith.

Depraved (2019)
Directed and written by Larry Fessenden
Featuring David Call, Joshua Leonard and Alex Breaux
*Larry Fessenden is also credited as a producer and actor

A disillusioned field surgeon suffering from PTSD makes a man out of body parts and brings him to life in a Brooklyn loft.

It Comes at Night (2017)
Directed by Trey Edward Shults
Featuring Joel Edgerton, Christopher Abbott, Carmen Ejogo, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Riley Keough

After a mysterious apocalypse leaves the world with few survivors, two families are forced to share a home in an uneasy alliance to keep the outside evil at bay -- only to learn that the true horror may come from within.

Jack Goes Home (2016)
Directed by Thomas Dekker
Featuring Rory Culkin, Natasha Lyonne

After his father dies in a car crash, a man returns home to care for his injured mother and slowly begins to question his own childhood memories.

Late Phases a/k/a Night of the Lone Wolf (2014)
Directed by Adrián García Bogliano
Featuring Nick Damici, Ethan Embry, Lance Guest
*Larry Fessenden is credited as a producer and actor

A secluded retirement community is plagued by mysterious and deadly attacks until a grizzled war veteran moves in, rallies the residents, and discovers a beast is behind the killings.

New Me (2022)
Directed by Anurag Rudra
Featuring Emma Dumont, Molly Burnett, Audrey Bennett

A young mother, desperate to understand why she struggles to emotionally connect with her baby and husband, returns to her roots where reliving past traumas her memory has blocked allows her to become the artist, mother and lover she's always wanted to be. BUT at a terribly haunting price.

Old Man (2022)
Directed by Lucky McKee
Featuring Stephen Lang and Marc Senter

When a lost hiker stumbles upon an erratic old man living in the woods, he could never have imagined the nightmare that awaits.

The Ranger (2019)
Directed by Jennifer Wexler
Featuring Chloe Levine, Jeremy Holm
*Larry Fessenden is credited as a producer and actor

Teen punks, on the run from the cops and hiding out in the woods, come up against the local authority - an unhinged park ranger with an axe to grind.

Scare Me (2020)
Directed by Josh Ruben
Featuring Josh Ruben, Aya Cash, Chris Redd, Lauren Sick

During a power outage, two strangers tell scary stories. The more Fred and Fanny commit to their tales, the more the stories come to life in their Catskills cabin. The horrors of reality manifest when Fred confronts his ultimate fear.

Slapface (2021)
Directed by Jeremiah Kipp
Featuring August Maturo, Mike Manning, Libe Barer, Dan Hedaya

A boy deals with the loss of his mother by creating a dangerous relationship with a monster rumored to live in the woods.

Stake Land (2010)
Directed by Jim Mickle
Featuring Nick Damici, Connor Paolo, Danielle Harris and Kelly McGillis.
*Larry Fessenden is also credited as a producer and actor

When a pandemic of vampirism strikes, humans find themselves on the run from vicious, feral beasts.

Ten: Murder Island (2017)
Directed by Chris Robert Riegel
Featuring Dylan Arnold, Meg Cashel, Raquel Castro, Rome Flynn

A group of kids travel to an abandoned island for a party only to discover that they are being stalked and hunted down by a dangerous predator.

Trick (2019)
Directed by Patrick Lussier
Starring Jamie Kennedy and Omar Epps.

A slasher film that follow a no-nonsense detective who tries to track down a mass murderer named Trick.

We’re All Going to the World’s Fair (2021)
Directed by Jane Schoenbrun
Featuring Theo Anthony, Anna Cobb, Holly Anne Frink

Alone in her attic bedroom, teenager Casey becomes immersed in an online role-playing horror game, wherein she begins to document the changes that may or may not be happening to her.

We Are What We Are (2013)
Directed by Jim Mickle
Featuring Bill Sage, Julia Garner, Ambyr Childers, Kelly McGillis 
*Larry Fessenden is also credited an actor

The Parkers, reclusive people who cling to ancient customs, find their secret lives threatened when a torrential downpour and the death of the family matriarch forces daughters Iris and Rose to assume special responsibilities.

Wendigo (2001)
Directed and written by Larry Fessenden
Featuring Patricia Clarkson, Jake Weber, Erik Per Sullivan

Kim, George and their 8-year-old son, Miles, are city dwellers stealing a weekend away at a friend's country farmhouse. But a fluke accident sets off a chain of events that alters their lives forever and conjures up the ferocious spirit of the Wendigo, a Native American myth made manifest in Miles' imagination.

Werewolves Within (2021)
Directed by Josh Ruben
Featuring Sam Richardson, Milana Vayntrub, Michael Chernus, Harvey Guillén

A snowstorm traps town residents together inside the local inn, where newly arrived forest ranger Finn and postal worker Cecily must try to keep the peace and uncover the truth behind a mysterious creature that has begun terrorizing the community.

HUDSON VALLEY FILMS ON HULU, PART 2

Here’s PART 2 of 10 Hudson Valley productions that are currently streaming on Hulu.
Click here to see Part 1 featuring Life and Beth, Linoleum, The Miseducation of Cameron Post, Monsterland, Old Man

In 2010, part of Our Idiot Brother, starring Paul Rudd, was filmed in Cold Spring, Putnam County. The comedy, directed by Jesse Peretz, is centered on an idealist who barges into the lives of his three sisters; Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel and Emily Mortimer.

The film commission worked with location manager Eddy Collins to clear the farmers market scene that starts the movie.

Click to watch Our Idiot Brother

In October 2021, Choice Films Inc. / MPI Original Hudson LLC started production on what has become an indie hit: Pinball: The Man Who Saved The Game.

Based on true events, the film directed by Austin Bragg and Meredith Bragg, centers on the captivating story of Roger Sharpe, a GQ journalist and real-life pinball wizard who, in 1976, helped overturn New York City’s 35-year ban on pinball.

The film stars Mike Faist as a young Roger Sharpe, and Dennis Boutsikaris as the older version. Other featured actors include the charming Crystal Reed, along with many local background actors that were hired through HBG Casting LLC.

In addition to producers Tony Glazer and Summer Crockett Moore, the crew includes many Hudson Valley locals including Sarah Grace Long, Lars Elling Lunde, Carl Welden, Coll Anderson, James Bayreuther, Vincent James Carnevale, Robert Fattorini, Kimberly Sauer, William Biavati, BriAnna Olson, Erica Pearce, Doria Riker, and Corey Spears to name a few.

Filming took place in Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, and Saugerties.

Click to watch Pinball

Swallow is masterfully directed by Carlo Mirabella-Davis (Knife Point). The film features a stunning performance by Haley Bennett as Hunter, a newly pregnat housewife who appears to have it all. She seems content to spend her time tending to an immaculate home and doting on her Ken-doll husband, Richie (Austin Stowell). However, as the pressure to meet her controlling in-laws and husband's rigid expectations mounts, cracks begin to appear in her carefully created facade. Hunter develops a dangerous habit, and a dark secret from her past seeps out in the form of a disorder called pica -- a condition that has her compulsively swallowing inedible, and oftentimes life-threatening, objects.

A provocative and squirm-inducing psychological thriller, Swallow follows one woman's unraveling as she struggles to reclaim independence in the face of an oppressive system by whatever means possible.

Swallow was produced in April and May of 2018 with the primary location in Highland.. Cast and crew stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Poughkeepsie. Location manager Wolfgang Herting has worked on several films in the region as have producers Mollye Asher (Nomadland) and Mynette Louie (Nancy, The Strange Ones, Cold Comes at Night).

Click to watch Swallow

Production on Werewolves Within is seared into the minds of many local cast and crew members due to the fact that filming ended in March of 2020 just a few days before Covid-19 put film and TV production on hold.

Werewolves Within is directed by Woodstock’s very own Josh Ruben. Josh is an award-winning actor, writer, producer and director whose debut feature film  Scare Me  (also filmed in the Hudson Valley) premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Josh's other directing work includes Netflix's Death To 2021, Spotify's The Last Degree Of Kevin Bacon, sketches for The Late Late Show W/ James Corden, episodes of Adam Conover's Adam Ruins Everything, and a myriad of commercials for clients from Geico and Comedy Central to DiGiorno. As one of the founding members of CollegeHumor's "Originals" team, Ruben directed and/or starred in thousands of shorts, amassing views well into the billions. 

Werewolves Within is a mystery comedy horror film directed by Josh Ruben from a screenplay by Mishna Wolff, based on the video game of the same name from Red Storm Entertainment. It stars Sam Richardson, Milana Vayntrub, George Basil, Sarah Burns, Michael Chernus, Catherine Curtin, Wayne Duvall, Harvey Guillén, Rebecca Henderson, Cheyenne Jackson, Michaela Watkins, Glenn Fleshler and Anni Krueger.

After a proposed pipeline creates divisions within the small Vermont town of Beaverfield, and a snowstorm traps its residents together inside the local inn, newly arrived forest ranger Finn (Richardson) and postal worker Cecily (Milana Vayntrub) try to keep the peace and uncover the truth behind a mysterious creature that has begun terrorizing the community.

Locations included the Spillian in Fleischmanns, Phoenicia and Woodstock Film Studios (now Cobalt Stages). Local crew members included Michael Hunold (R.I.P), Greg Meola, Kevin Koniewicz, Anthony Stracquadanio, Chris Washington, Eugene Hitt, Jesse Hegney, John Ashton, Erica Pearce, Doria Riker, Yesim 'Shimmy' Osman, J Tasha Powers, Rachaell Dama, Michelle Elise, Teresa Lee, Chuck Girard, Corey Spears, Willis Williams, Jacqueline Eastzer and many others.

The film world premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. The Film Commission was pleased to host a special screening on June 20, 2021 at the Greenville Drive-In.

Click to watch Werewolves Within

Although it did not film in the Hudson Valley, we’re adding High Heat to the list because it was directed by Hudson Valley director Zach Golden (The Escape of Prisoner 614). Also, background casting was handled by Amy Hutchings Casting and Heidi K. Eklund, CSA.

Starring Don Johnson (Miami Vice, Cold in July) and Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace). Ex-KGB operative turned chef, Ana (Kurylenko), is targeted by the local mafia in a hit on her new restaurant to collect on her husband's (Johnson) debt.

Click to watch High Heat