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.