THE DREAM SHIP

In May, German director Helmut Metzger was back to helm his 11th movie, Das Traumschiff  (The Dream Ship) in the Mid Hudson Valley.

“Hello, here's Helmut, director of Dreamboat. This is my 11th movie here in the Hudson Valley. No I can only say and emphasize this is a great time to be here today in Kingson, which is a wonderful village, a wonderful city. I was in Poughkeepsie. I was in Millbrook. I was in New Paltz, in Rhinebeck, in Rhinecliff. I really love the Hudson Valley. Thank you very much.

Joining Metzger was a team of about 50 accomplished cast and crew members from Germany and America. Das Traumschiff is in its 41st year of production. Every episode features a cruise to a different spectacular location aboard a German luxury liner. There are usually several storylines, mostly of the romantic kind, involving the passengers and sometimes the crew of every cruise. There is always a feel-good factor and usually a happy ending for all. Hudson Valley scenes featured German actors Barbara Wussow, Daniel Morgenroth and Adnan Maral. 

Locations that have been featured over the past 41 years, include Argentina, Australia, Bali, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Cook Islands, Curaçao, Disney World, Dominican Republic, Dubai, The Galápagos Islands, Grenada, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Namibia, New Orleans, Norway, Oman, Samoa, South Africa, Seychelle Islands, Singapore, St. Lucia, Tasmania, Tahiti, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vancouver and others.  The Hudson Valley can now be added to this illustrious list.

The Hudson Valley Film Commission started working with Polyphon Film and the amazing production supervisor Mona Lessnick, back in December of 2023, when location scouting began in the Mid Hudson Valley. 

"As a traveling producer for the past 13 years, this was my 25th episode for Das Traumschiff," said Lessnick. "I have rarely experienced such lovely support from so many people in a region; whether it be the supportive film commission, private location owners, local businesses, local crew, local police officers, town clerks, mayors - you name it. I only had lovely encouraging and supportive contact with everyone! What a pleasure and joy it was filming in the eautiful Hudson Valley!“

At the wrap party (held at Brickmen), Lessnick called the Hudson Valley Film Commission "the Wikipedia of the Mid Hudson Valley.” We’re grateful for the kind words and the wonderful rapport that was created with the entire team.

Line producer Manuel Schröder, service producer Paul Van Wormer and several other key team members were also involved with the lead team with many others traveling to the region in for the May production. Many of the crew members for Das Traumschiff, previously worked in the region while filming the ZDF TV series Katie Fforde, from 2009-2014. Many local crew members also worked during that period including Rachaell Dama, Erica Pearce, and Jeremiah Wenutu, to name just a few.

“Shortly after interning with the Hudson Valley Film Commission in 2012, they recommended me to Paul Van Wormer and the Katie Fforde production team,” remember Wenutu. “They would go on to hire me for my first professional job out of film school. It was amazing to jump into production so early in my career and get that valuable experience of working on an actual film with a veteran team.  Some of the friends I made that summer are still dear friends of mine and it’s safe to say that I wouldn’t be where I am today, with the network I have, if it wasn’t for that first 2012 summer with Katie Fforde.”

For Das Traumschiff, the film commission recommended several new local crew members including electrician Rob Fattorini and recent SUNY New Paltz graduate, Gabby Gagliano. 

“I was honored to have been a part of such an amazing production,” said Gagliano. “The idea that the places I know are going to be seen by people in another country feels surreal. The cast and crew of Das Traumschiff are some of the nicest people I have ever met. This was my first official gig working on a professional set and every single person was so eager to answer all of my questions and teach me how things are done. They would always include me in conversations where they were mostly speaking German. The first AC, Kris Lerch, was my personal translator as well as designated bestie and camera mentor. The production team let me help out with responsibilities in every department so I could get a better understanding of how things flow on set. I couldn’t have asked for a better first set experience.”

"It is absolutely critical for students to have professional, on-the-job experience when entering the workforce,” said Gregory Bray, PhD, who chairs the Digital Media and Journalism Department at SUNY New Paltz. "It's really what all the training in the classroom is for--being ready to work on a professional set, in a professional environment. It's equally important for students to take advantage of every opportunity presented--and having the Hudson Valley Film Commission in our backyard over the past 25 years has been an enormous asset.  The professors and students at SUNY New Paltz are grateful for the opportunities HVFC brings to our area." 

Other HVFC recommendations included picture cars that were provided by Owen Clarke, a Tour Boat and more. Other local crew members included Lekker Catering and Amy Hutchings Casting.

“It was such a joy to work with the German production team again,” said Amy Hutchings.“This is the most organized and considerate crew I've ever worked with. It's been close to 10 years since we worked together on the Katie Fforde shows and they were thrilled to return to our magnificent Hudson Valley. The feedback I received from the extras I cast was nothing short of fabulous. They felt valued and appreciated and were always treated with respect. The producer was so complimentary and felt that the film commission helped far and beyond in helping to find locations, local crew, housing and all things production. Hoping they will return again soon.”

The film commission also worked behind the scenes to help with locations, permits and other matters. Select locations included the Hudson River, the Maritime Museum, an historic local mansion, the Historic Red Hook Diner, the Beekman Arms, the Overlook Drive-In Theater in Lagrangeville, Pugsly's Barbershop, Minnewaska State Park, Rhinebeck streets and more (see photos below).  

The Film Commission signed off with service producer Paul Van Wormer, with whom we had also worked with on the ZDF TV series Katie Fforde. We look forward with hope to future German productions returning to the region.

“My name is Paul Van Wormer. I'm a freelance production manager and producer. I have been working in the Hudson Valley on various film and commercial projects since 2009 and it's an absolutely wonderful place to work and stay. And many thanks to Laurent at the Hudson Valley Film Commission for all his help. He always comes through when we need him and I can't say enough good things about working and filming in the Hudson Valley.”

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

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

APRIL SHOWERS BRING FLOWERS

April was a busy month. Half a dozen Film & TV productions that worked in the Hudson Valley premiered, or are set to premiere, with another half dozen new projects preparing for production in May. The Hudson Valley Film Commission has been busy working on all these impending productions with recommendations for locations, trained crew members (mostly union), actors (SAG-AFTRA, background extras, qualified  production facilities, post production houses and more.
One location manager wrote: Wow! We will have the red carpet ready for you on set! Thank you so much! 

Here’s a short recap. Stay tuned for more news about upcoming releases.

BETWEEN THE TEMPLES

Nathan Silver’s feature film, which world premiered at Sundance, will be screening at the Tribeca Festival on June 13, 14 and 15. The film is distributed by Sony Pictures Classics, which has slated a theatrical release for August 23, 2024.

Filming took place during spring of 2023 in Red Hook, Woodstock and Kingston, at locations including Le Canard Enchainé, Congregation Emanuel, Early Terribe, Immaculate Conception Church, Red Hook Golf Club, River Radiology, Tubby’s and a day at Kingston Studios. 

The Hudson Valley Film Commission helped on many fronts and has worked with director Nathan Silver on other films in the region. Between the Temples 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.” 

The screwball comedy was inspired by Nathan’s mom, Cindy Silver, a Hudson Valley resident 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.

BLACKOUT

Director Larry Fessenden and his company, Glass Eye Pix, have worked on a dozen films in the Hudson Valley. The most recent production, Blackout, was released theatrically by Dark Sky Films on March 13 and was made available for rent on streaming platforms on April 12. The film will also screen at the Tinker Street Cinema on May 17 with special guest, Larry Fessenden. 

Production took place during the fall of 2022 in Woodstock, Olivebridge, Andes, and Kingston. Locations include a few favorite haunts including Woodstock Building Supply and Byrdcliffe Arts Colony. The cast features Alex Hurt, James LeGros, Mike Buscemi, and Kevin Corrigan.

Charley’s secret is he thinks he’s a werewolf. He can’t remember the things he’s done but the papers report random acts of violence taking place at night in this small upstate hamlet. Now the whole town must rally to find out what is tearing it apart: mistrust, fear, or a monster that comes out at night. 

"We always rely on the Hudson Valley Film Commission to guide us towards great resources, locations and production facilities,” producer, director Larry Fessenden has claimed. "What the commission provides is a strong sense of community that begins at pre-production when the always proactive commission head will send out dispatches to rally locations, actors, props, catering, crew members and interns for specific films, regardless of budget size. The efficiency and enthusiasm of HVFC has earned the enduring gratitude of film producers both local and visiting.” 

Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/ZxqeLCAWx7M

FALLOUT

Amazon Prime’s Fallout, premiered on April 10. The hit series written and by Jonathan Nolan (Westworld) stars Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Walton Goggins and others in a story of haves and have-nots in a world in which there’s almost nothing left to have. Also featured in two episodes is Hudson Valley actor, playwright and filmmaker, Michael Cristofer as Elder Cleric Quintus.

The Hudson Valley Film Commission started working with the production in August of 2021. Over the next 9 months, dozens of other locations were considered by the location team. Ultimately, filming took place in July of 2022 at the Widow Jane Mine in Rosendale with cast members, Aaron Moten (Maximus), Micahel Rapaport (Knight Titus), Michael Emerson (Wilzig) and Belgian Malinois, Lana 5 as  CX104. For truck parking and prep work, the Film Commission recommended Ulster County Community College nearby. Several other locations were scouted but the mine ended up being the sole regional location used. The location team still followed up with some kind words and we look forward to working with them on future projects.

“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

Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/V-mugKDQDlg

THE GREEN VEIL

The Green Veil will premiere on the new, free streaming platform, The Network on April 30. Signup to watch at https://www.thenetwork.stream

The Green Veil is a scripted anthology series about oppression in 1950s America. It stars John Leguizamo and was directed by Aram Rappaport, with music by Philip Glass. The series also features Hani Furstenberg (Angelyne), John Ortiz (American Fiction), Irene Bedard (Avatar: The Last Airbender) and Jessica Marza (West Side Story.  Select local actors included Owen Clarke, Sean Cullen, Anni Krueger, Tim Miller, Wayne Pyle and others. Local crew highlights included Heidi K. Eklund  Casting, Amy Hutchings Casting and Jamie Buckner as  production manager.

Featured locations included Red Hook’s Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Kalina Farm, the Historic Village Diner and other locations in Spackenkill, Woodstock, and Bearsville. 

The eight-episode thriller series was filmed in the Mid Hudson Valley during 2020-21. The Hudson Valley Film Commission worked closely with The Boathouse Agency, recommending many regional locations, crew, cast, vendors, picture cars, and more.

"We are forever grateful to the Hudson Valley Film Commission team,” wrote producer Alessia Gatti. They were extremely helpful and knowledgeable with any request we threw at them. From recommending local picture car owners to drivers, locations, catering and more. They are an incredible asset for any production that intends to film in the Hudson Valley." 

We followed up with two local participants to get their thoughts. Owen Clarke provided many antique picture cars and also appears as an actor. Anni Krueger appears as Francine Cox.


“The 1950 Packard was a good match for someone who wanted respect and to be recognized as in the case of Gordon,” recalls actor and picture car owner Owen Clarke. “The 1953 Lincoln Capri Convertible was a good match for someone who wanted to be part of the Country Club Set. The 1940 Ford Businessman Coupe was a good car for undercover FBI and the Model A pickup represented a hard working man that had a lot  of dependability.”

Anni Krueger and John Leguizamo at recent NYC series premiere.


“I had a wonderful time filming in the Hudson Valley with this talented cast and crew,” said Anni Krueger who appears as Francine Cox in 3 episodes. “John Leguizamo was an incredible scene partner, and coupled with the brilliant direction of Aram Rappaport, it made for a very rewarding experience on set.” 

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

THE JINX (Season 2)

On April 21, the docuseries The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (season 2) premiered on HBO. Casting for re-enactments was handled by HBG Casting LLC. Sound editing and mixing for the series, as well as the original 2015 docuseries) was also handled at Ulster County based C.A. Sound. The supervising sound editor and re-recording mixer for seasons 1 & 2 was Coll Anderson. Assistant sound editor Katrina Henson worked on season 2.

The series continues the investigation into Durst’s crimes, revealing hidden material, Durst’s jail calls and interviews with people who had never before come forward. New episodes air every Sunday on HBO.

Other C.A Sound projects over the years are too numerous to mention, but include the following: The Black Sea (SXSW 2024), Dr. Death, Barbie, How to Rig an Election, George & Tammy, Pinball, The Whale, Adopting Audrey, Chasing the Moon, The Florida Project, Black Swan, and The White Countess. 

Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/ShYl5K8Nlq8

Consider the Hudson Valley for POST PRODUCTION.
Take advantage of incredible talent & NYS Post Incentives.

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS: SUMMER SCHOOL

Summer school: 🅰️ fate worse than death? Season 2 of the Max Original series #PLLSummerSchool premieres May 9 on Max.

Based out of Umbra of Newburgh, Pretty Little Liars: Summer School took advantage of all the surrounding counties to capture all the locations they needed for the second season of the reboot. Specific locations included Beacon, Catskill, Claverack, Fishkill, Hyde Park, Hudson, Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, Salisbury Mills, Saugerties, Wallkill and many more places. David Ginsberg repeated his season 1 duties as location manager. The Hudson Valley Film Commission mostly spent time trying to help with locations, background hires and trained crew members from the region. Sadly, Season 2 did not have as many local hires as Original Sin.

Pretty Little Liars: Summer School revolves around five teenage girls who become the target of a mysterious stalker called 🅰️ due to their mothers' dark past. In the second season, the girls have a new struggle to face: summer school, as their grades dipped following the harrowing events of the first season; Original Sin.

Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/l-hFYgfgjvo

RIPLEY

Another April release that benefited greatly from post production in the Hudson Valley is the Netflix mini series, Ripley, which follows a down-on-his-luck grifter (Tom Ripley)  who is hired by a wealthy man to travel to Italy to urge his vagabond son to return home. Tom's acceptance of the job is the first step in a life of deceit, fraud and murder.

Sound effects editing for the series was handled by Ulster County’s Wyatt Sprague whose prior work includes Roma, Rustin, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Little Women, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, The Better Angels, Aviator. The Big Lebowski and much more.

Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/0ri2biYLeaI

Consider the Hudson Valley for POST PRODUCTION.
Take advantage of incredible talent & NYS Post Incentives.

FALLOUT AT WIDOW JANE

The Amazon Prime series Fallout, premiered on April 10. Based on one of the 'greatest video game series of all time,' Fallout stars Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Walton Goggins and others in a story of haves and have-nots in a world in which there’s almost nothing left to have.

The Hudson Valley Film Commission started working with the production in August of 2021.
Over the next 9 months, dozens of other locations were considered by the location team. Ultimately, the Widow Jane Mine in Rosendale was used.

"It’s a favorite location that we’ve recommended many times," said Hudson Valley Film Commission executive director Laurent Rejto. “ Fallout was by far, the largest production to ever film there."

For truck parking and prep work, the Film Commission recommended Ulster Community College nearby. Several other locations were scouted by writer, producer, director Jonathan Nolan (Westworld) but the cave ended being the sole regional location used. The location team still followed up with some kind words and we look forward to working with them on future projects.

“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

"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

“Fallout is one of the biggest productions we’ve ever worked with,”Rejto recalls. “It’s right up there with Avengers: Endgame and War of the Worlds, in terms of mega status. Our ability to attract these kinds of productions to the Hudson Valley region has helped to establish our region as one of the best places to bring films and TV productions. For the coming months, we’re thrilled that several major productions will be filming throughout the region."

Michael Cristofer and Aaron Moten in Fallout

Also featured in Fallout is local actor, playwright and filmmaker., Michael Cristofer who appears as Elder Cleric Quintus.

Watch the trailer for Fallout at <https://youtu.be/V-mugKDQDlg>

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. 

We extend our gratitude to those who have been part of our journey over the years, especially Markertek founder Mark Braunstein, Katharine McKenna, the Wood Dock Foundation, 120dB Films and Dutchess Tourism.

Please help the Hudson Valley Film Commission continue its efforts with a tax-deductible contribution. For details, please visit https://tinyurl.com/hvfcsupport














THE GREEN VEIL TO DEBUT ON NETWORK

As reported by Collider, The Green Veil will help launch the new (and free) streaming platform, The Network. The eight-episode thriller series, which was filmed in the Mid Hudson Valley will premiere on April 30.

The Hudson Valley Film Commission worked closely with The Boathouse Agency during 2020-21, referring many regional crew, cast, vendors, picture cars, and more.

The Green Veil is a scripted anthology series about oppression in 1950s America. It stars John Leguizamo and was directed by Aram Rappaport, with music by Philip Glass. The series also features Hani Furstenberg (Angelyne), John Ortiz (American Fiction), and Irene Bedard (Avatar: The Last Airbender). Select local actors included Owen Clarke, Sean Cullen, Anni Krueger, Tim Miller, Wayne Pyle and many others. Local crew highlights included Heidi K. Eklund Casting, Amy Hutchings Casting and Jamie Buckner as production manager.

Featured locations included Red Hook’s Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Kalina Farm, the Historic Village Diner and other locations in Spackenkill, Woodstock, and Bearsville.

"We are forever grateful to the Hudson Valley Film Commission team, they were extremely helpful and knowledgeable with any request we threw at them. From recommending local picture car owners to drivers, locations, catering and more. They are an incredible asset for any production that intends to film in the Hudson Valley." –Alessia Gatti, producer

Network will be launched on April 30, and will be available on all devices across Apple, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire, and the web. 

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


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 kicks of its 26th year, we continue to show pride about local productions that end up premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. This year’s highlight is OH HI.

On location with Molly Gordon, Sophie Brooks, Logan Lerman

OH HI , directed by Sophie Brooks, features Molly Gordon, follows stars Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman on a romantic weekend that takes a major turn.

Indiewire calls the movie "darkly funny and very wise." Production mostly took part in Germantown during August and September 2024. The film will world premieres at the Eccles Theatre in Park City on January 26.

Click to see all Sundance screening times.

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.