CREEPFEST PART II • CREEPY CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Beck Underwood and Glass Eye Pix are back with their second CREEPY CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL - an advent calendar featuring some macabre holiday-inspired shorts. The original 2008 fest included directors Mary Harron (American Psycho), Sara Driver (Permanent Vacation), Jim Mickle (Hap and Leonard), and Ti West (House of the Devil).

“We invited some of the alumni and a lot of new faces as well,” said CREEPY CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL founder Beck Underwood. “I was quite touched when Mickey Keating replied to the invite with ‘I’ve been waiting to get this email since the first Creepy Christmas.’ When people agreed to participate we reached into our scruffy Santa hat and then pulled a card with a holiday-themed word. These words, like ‘gingerbread,’ ‘mistletoe,’ ‘Santa Claus,’ ‘elf,’ etc. became their prompt.”

Several of the 2018 shorts feature mid Hudson Valley filmmakers and locations:

Cast and crew of PRESENCE

Cast and crew of PRESENCE

  • Beck Underwood holed herself up in her barn/studio for most of the summer and brought some wicked critters to life for CRAFTY.

  • Glass Eye Pix founder Larry Fessenden, known for his horror features, scooped up some of his monster models and Tippi Hedren at the farm, to create WILD RIDE.

  • Fessenden also appears opposite Santa Claus in Joe Maggio’s PRESENCE. The film offers Holiday Catharsis, and was filmed in the same upstate house he used for his feature film, BITTER FEAST (2010).

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  • Over the river and through the fields in Claverack, NY., Christine Pfister created a spooky cast of characters for GHOUL LOG, which kicked off the festival on December 1. Her word was Yule Log.

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  • Joy + Noelle (HUMAN KIND OF) have also contributed. Their word was elf. In their short TWO LATE ELVES, two elves procrastinate making toys. Will they miss their Christmas Eve deadline? Only time will tell.



View the complete advent calendar at CREEPY CHRISTMAS

CREEPFEST PART I • THE SHIVERING TRUTH

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A lot of Hudson Valley based animators seem to be putting out some pretty dark work these days, including Catskill based Lisa Thomas, the co-executive producer behind Adult Swims’s Comedy-Horror Anthology THE SHIVERING TRUTH, which premieres December 9. Adult Swim is the adult-oriented nighttime programming block of the American children's cable network Cartoon Network.

“Christmas is the perfect time to be dark,” explains Thomas. “I mean, Tim Burton made a whole industry out of Nightmare Before Christmas!”

THE SHIVERING TRUTH series was created and written by Vernon Chatman (of Wonder Showzen and South Park fame) who now can also call the Hudson Valley home when not traveling between NYC and Los Angeles. The series features an impressive voice cast including Maria Bamford, Kevin Breznahan, Rachel Butera, Michael Cera, Vernon Chatman, David Cross, Andy Daly, Janeane Garofalo, Jon Glaser, Jonah Hill, Bobby Kelly, Conner O’Malley, Trey Parker, Jordan Peele, Zack Pearlman, Martha Plimpton, John Reynolds, Nicole Rodenburg, Peter Serafinowicz, Miriam Tolan and Julio Torres.

To view the first full episode of THE SHIVERING TRUTH, CLICK HERE

AFTER PARTY AVAILABLE ON iTUNES

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Amos Posner’s AFTER PARTY, which was filmed entirely in Saugerties, NY (not NYC) is now available on iTunes.

The film stars Rachel Nichols, Laura Dreyfuss, Sean Kleier and Steve Guttenberg. The production marked a return to the Hudson Valley region by Canadian based producer Michael Goodin (Monolith Pictures).

This was the fifth film that I've produced in the Hudson Valley,” wrote Michael Goodin. “My company has been incredibly grateful for the support of the Hudson Valley Film Commission and they have been a big part of the reason we continue to produce films in the area. The local community support we have received has been exceptional. Without this tremendous amount of cooperation and collaboration, producing independent features of this high quality caliber would be nearly impossible.”

Other films from Goodin include MESKADA (with Rachel Nichols and Norman Reedus), A DIFFERENT SUN, AMY MAKES THREE, and BEYOND THE NIGHT.

AFTER PARTY was filmed primarily at the former Odd Fellows Temple on Main Street. The Saugerties Performing Arts Factory was used as the certified soundstage. Over 50 local actors appeared as dayplayers and background. Local crew members and vendors, including Hudson Valley Casting, supported the production.

AFTER PARTY is available for rental or purchase on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/US/movie/id1430064394

Synopsis: Lana, a socially conscious photo artist arrives at the beautiful loft apartment of Charlie, her friend and a notorious art gallery owner. Tonight is Charlie’s most important opening and the after party will be here, at her apartment. Charlie’s parties are the things of New York legend. Among Charlie’s guests: Gavin, Charlie’s ambitious actor boyfriend and Julia, Gavin’s flirtatious friend, Dennis, Charlie’s nervous business partner, Amesh, a self-conscious would-be playboy and Vida, one of Charlie’s newest artists are among the arrivals. Also among the arrivals is Hollis, Charlie’s upstairs neighbor who has come to ask Charlie to keep the noise down. Meanwhile, Charlie discovers the truth about her business: Her all important opening has been a disaster and her business is failing. The party is coming to an end. As Charlie becomes distraught, she obsesses over her guests and begins to see her own party as the punch-line to a cruel joke.

PRELIMINARY FILM PRODUCTION DATA shows robust 2018 Economic Development for Region

On location in the Town of Ulster at Tech City Soundstages with CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET?

On location in the Town of Ulster at Tech City Soundstages with CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET?

The HUDSON VALLEY FILM COMMISSION has collected data from 14 out of 27 projects it worked with, and supported during fiscal year 2018. 

As of 11/29/2018 Preliminary totals include:

• Over $26,788,000 in DIRECT REGIONAL SPENDING

• 22,511+ rooms rented at local lodging establishments

• 294+ production days 

• 175+ scouting days tallied 

• 151+ locations used 

• 378+ local crew members hired 

• 1,750+ local actors and extras hired 

Since 2010, the Hudson Valley Film Commission has tracked data from 180 projects and tallied:

• $112-million in DIRECT REGIONAL SPENDING 

• 92,916 rooms were rented at local lodging establishments

• 3946+ production days 

• 1698+ scouting days 

• 1466+ locations used

• 2360+ local crew jobs 

Most of these projects would not have happened were it not for the Hudson Valley Film Commission and their long standing industry relationships, credibility and know how. The film commission makes great efforts to refer LOCAL vendors, crew members, actors and locations with the aim of creating jobs and continued sustainable economic development. 

Additional data will be compiled over the following two months and presented in early 2019.

The Hudson Valley Film Commission helps productions secure local crew, cast,
locations, vendors, post production facilities, and more! Contact us for your next project.

FILM PRODUCTION UPDATE - HAPPY THANKSGIVING

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Happy Thanksgiving to all from the Hudson Valley Film Commission.

Photo: Company 1 Productions

Photo: Company 1 Productions

After a record breaking third quarter, we’re all very thankful for the many productions and hundreds of jobs (and millions spent) that resulted over the past several months from the whirlwind of regional filmmaking including Elyse Duran’s CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET (BCDF Picture), Keith Bearden’s ANTARCTICA and STUDY ABROAD, a Chinese production from EnMaze Pictures that brought more than 50 actors and crew members to the region from Beijing, China.

Other productions included Keith Boynton’s THE SCOTTISH PLAY (Choice Films/Umbra Studios), SHOPLIFTERS OF THE WORLD from director Stephen Kijak and Rebecca Eskreis’ WHAT BREAKS THE ICE. On the TV front, Amazon Studios’ filmed part of the pilot for the upcoming series PANIC in the region.

On the post production side, picture editing has been in full swing on many projects including John Swab’s RUN WITH THE HUNTED, Michael Cristofer’s THE NIGHT CLERK and Robert Stone’s three part documentary mini-series, CHASING THE MOON.

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On the distribution front, it’s been an exciting time for films that were produced in the Hudson Valley. LAST VERMONT CHRISTMAS premiered on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries on November 19. Writer, director Patrick Wang’s two parter, A BREAD FACTORY (For the Sake of Gold & Walk With Me a While), premiered at TSL in Hudson, the Village East Cinema, NYC and the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Los Angeles. The films have received wonderful reviews and were recently honored with two Film Independent Spirit Award Nominations, including the John Cassavetes Award presented to the creative team of a film budgeted at less than $500,000, and Tyne Daly nominated for Best Supporting Female. Grindstone Entertainment Group’s recently acquired Yale Productions’ CRYPTO, which was produced this spring in the Hudson Valley. Directed by John Stalberg, Jr., CRYPTO stars Beau Knapp (Seven Seconds, The Nice Guys), Alexis Bledel (The Handmaid’s Tale, Gilmore Girls), Kurt Russell (The Hateful Eight), Luke Hemsworth (Westworld), Jeremie Harris (Legion) and Vincent Kartheiser (Mad Men).

On the Hollywood blockbuster front, WELCOME TO MARWEN is the second feature directed by the legendary director Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Castaway, Forest Gump) that features an Ulster County Resident.

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THE WALK, which screened at the 2015 Woodstock Film Festival, is based on the Academy Award winning documentary MAN ON WIRE about high wire artist Philippe Petit. Before production, in 2014, actor Joseph Gordon Leavitt visited the region and practiced tightrope walking under the tutelage of Philippe Petit at Tech City in the Town of Ulster.

WELCOME TO MARWEN is based on the award winning documentary MARWENCOL, directed by Jeff Malmberg. The doc was produced in Ulster County in 2009 and screened at the 2010 Woodstock Film Festival, where it received the Best Documentary award. It was the first screening that Mark Hogancamp was able to attend.

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Zemeckis is also executive producer of the NBC TV show MANIFEST, which filmed scenes for its pilot episode at Stewart Airport and more recently produced (11/20) parts of another episode in Suffern, NY.

Stay tuned for additional details and more Hudson Valley FILM NEWS.




CASTING CALL FOR PSA

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Project Info:

F O O T A G E   F I L M S is producing a light-hearted comedic environmental PSA about shopping responsibly for the Holidays for an international NGO.

Production will take place in/around Beacon, NY. Please only apply if local to area.

Shoot Dates:​​ ​11/27 - 11/30. Exact dates TBC. For half or 1 day, see individual breakdowns.

Rate​​: ​​Please see individual roles.

Video Requests: ​​Please see individual roles for character video submissions. Filming on an iPhone is fine, no submissions (other than extras) will be considered without a video audition.

Deadline​​: ​​Tuesday, November 19, 5pm ET.

EMAIL SUBMISSIONS TO: info@footagefilmsinc.com
*include where you’re based and your means of transport.

ROLES INCLUDE

MARIA (F/50s - 60s):

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Warm, motherly. Maria is happy to have her daughter Sandra, back for the holiday season. Please see photo of Sandra for reference of looks.

Rate: ​​$400 for 1 day. Fee inclusive of buyout in perpetuity for all internet & social.

Video Request:​​
Please film yourself with the lines below:

Warm to your daughter:

“What’s wrong? I thought you loved coming home for the holidays?.... Come on, I know that look. Trouble with your new relationship?”

Excited, to your daughter:

“Welcome home! Do you like the decorations?”


ALBERTO (M/50s - 60s):

Alberto is Sandra’s dad (please see attached photo of Sandra for reference). He’s got a surprise up his sleeve for his daughter this holiday season. Quirky yet everyone’s favourite dad in the neighbourhood.

Rate: ​​$300 for 1⁄2 day. Fee inclusive of buyout in perpetuity for all internet & social. Video

Request:
​​Please film yourself with the line below:

(You’ve just decorated the house with reusable holiday decor as a surprise for your daughter who’s home for the holidays)

“SURPRISE!.....I thought it was time to give it a go””


GUS (M/ 8 - 18 yrs)

The annoying yet cute little brother to Sandra. Gus knows how to pull his charms when he needs to, he loves his older sister and likes teasing her just as much. Please see attached photo of Sandra for reference of looks.

Rate: ​​$400 for 1 day. Fee inclusive of buyout in perpetuity for all internet & social.

Video Request: ​​Please film a short introduction to who you are and a take on the line below.

(Encouraging, to your older sister) “I never liked your ex anyway!”


AMY (F/25 - 35):

Life of the party, Amy is an outgoing individual who accidentally invites Sandra’s ex to the holiday party. She feels sorry about it though! It just didn’t cross her mind.

Rate: ​​$300 for 1⁄2 day. Fee inclusive of buyout in perpetuity for all internet & social. Video Request:​​ Please film yourself with the line below

“I’m so sorry I brought him here! I’ll never do it agai


JEWISH MAN (M/30s - 50s) - Non Speaking Role:

Family orientated man, he’s worked hard to provide for his family.

Rate: ​​$125 for 1⁄2 day. Fee inclusive of buyout in perpetuity for all internet & social.

Video Request: ​​Please film a 1-2 minute video with a quick introduction to you and a favorite holiday story/anecdote of yours. Please film yourself miming lighting the Chanukah Menorah.


JEWISH GIRL (F/12 - 15 yrs)

City chic and down to earth, home for the holidays. Must be able to say 1 line in Hebrew. Rate: ​​$225 for 1⁄2 day. Fee inclusive of buyout in perpetuity for all internet & social.

Video Request:​​ Please film a 1-2 minute video with a quick introduction to you and a favorite holiday story/anecdote of yours. Please end by saying the line “​This holiday season...​​” in English, and any other languages you speak fluently.


INDIAN BOY (M/8 - 12 yrs) - Non Speaking Role:

Excited for the holidays, trying to help Mom around the house with the decorations. Rate: ​​$125 for 1⁄2 day. Fee inclusive of buyout in perpetuity for all internet & social.

Video Request: ​​Please film a 1-2 minute video with a quick introduction to you and a favorite holiday story/anecdote of yours.


INDIAN MOM (F/40-50)

Happy go lucky, free spirit. Ideal to be able to speak 1 line in fluent Hindi.

Rate: ​​$225 for 1⁄2 day. Fee inclusive of buyout in perpetuity for all internet & social.

Video Request:​​ Please film a 1-2 minute video with a quick introduction to you and a favourite holiday story/anecdote of yours. Please end by saying the line “​Celebrate a new relationship...​​” in English, and then in Hindi.


CHINESE MAN (M/40s - 80s)

He keeps up with the news and what’s going on with the world. Always trying to do what’s best. Ideal to be able to speak 1 line in fluent Mandarin.

Rate: ​​$225 for 1⁄2 day. Fee inclusive of buyout in perpetuity for all internet & social.

Video Request:​​ Please film a 1-2 minute video with a quick introduction to you and a favourite holiday story/anecdote of yours. Please end by saying the line “​A relationship that lasts from this day to the next​​” in English and then in Mandarin.


CHINESE BOY (M/10 - 12 yrs) - Non Speaking Role:

He’s not too fussed about the holidays, he’s just home because it’s tradition. He’d really rather be out with his friends, but at least he’s looked after at home.

Rate: ​​$125 for 1⁄2 day. Fee inclusive of buyout in perpetuity for all internet & social.

Video Request:​​ Please film a 1-2 minute video with a quick introduction to you and a favorite holiday story/anecdote of yours.


Extras to be cast by photos only:

EXTRAS - Party Scene ( F & M 20s-30s) x 6 EXTRAS - Mall Scene (F & M - All ages) x 5 Rate: ​​$75 for 1⁄2 day

3RD QUARTER BREAKS PRODUCTION RECORDS IN HUDSON VALLEY

The 3rd quarter of 2018 proved to be the busiest in the Hudson Valley Film Commission's nineteen year history. Productions worked in the region hiring hundreds of local actors and crew members. Vendors also enjoyed the uptick, with over ten thousand rooms rented at local hotels and other establishments. Certified stages also enjoyed the bounty of work, with productions making use of the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, Tech City in the Town of Ulster, Umbra of Newburgh, and Woodstock Film Studios. Revenue for the quarter will top $15-million.

Laurent Rejto with director Jim Jarmusch

Laurent Rejto with director Jim Jarmusch

Set build for Enclosure at Woodstock Film Studios

Set build for Enclosure at Woodstock Film Studios

Lunch time for Shirley at Vassar

Lunch time for Shirley at Vassar

Productions offered a variety of projects from the art piece, Enclosure, the documentary Quill and the Man, the TV series High Maintenance, short films, and feature films, including Appalachin, The Climb, Driveways, Shirley, and The Dead Don’t Die.

“Following up on the success of the 2017 production of A Quiet Place has been a daunting task,” said Laurent Rejto, Director of the Hudson Valley Film Commission. “That all changed when we got a call from Carter Logan and Josh Astrachan, the producers of Jim Jarmusch’s The Dead Don’t Die. They were anxious to produce the entire film here and willing to hire as many local crew members as possible.”

The production featured many stars from the film and music world, including Selena Gomez, Adam Driver, Bill Murray, Chloe Sevigny, Steve Buscemi, Tilda Swinton, Danny Glover, Tom Waits, Iggy Pop and over 450 background extras.

"Shooting our film in the Hudson Valley was a truly wonderful experience,” Joshua Astrachan and Carter Logan wrote. “The cities and towns welcomed us with open arms, the people were kind and generous, and our local crew of remarkably talented artists and professionals were simply incredible. The Hudson Valley Film Commission was a fantastic resource, standing by for assistance every step of the way.  We are so grateful for the support!"

In addition to recommending local crew and vendors, the film commission suggested many of the locations that were used. We were delighted to work with location manager Jeff Brown (The OA, Master of None), who gave us this glowing review: “You made The Dead Don’t Die, as far as I’m concerned.”

The last quarter of the year is off to a great start with four productions starting up, including the Amazon Studios’ pilot Panic, BCDF Pictures’ Can You Keep a Secret, and the Chinese production Study Abroad. Many other projects are in development and looking forward to working and hiring in the region.

For inquiries with your next film production, email filmcommission@me.com


The Hudson Valley Film Commission works to support productions by helping to secure crew, cast, locations, vendors, post production facilities, and more! Since 2000, the Hudson Valley Film Commission has successfully created sustainable economic development and educational opportunities by attracting, supporting and promoting local film, TV, photography, and new media work. Over 500 productions have worked in the region, spending well over $100-million and creating thousands of jobs, especially in Ulster County, Duchess County, Orange County, as well as Columbia, Delaware, Greene, and Sullivan Counties. 

If you are looking for help with your production, contact us and ADD YOUR TITLE BELOW

Panic • High Maintenance • Appalachin • The Climb • Shirley • The Dead Don't Die • Driveways • Crypto • Christmas Camp • Last Vermont Christmas • Skin • Depraved • Burn • Love Comes After • The Mountain • Upload • A Quiet Place • Fabled • #Like • Big Dogs • Medeski Martin and Wood Doc • The Escape of Prisoner 614 • Maniac • We Only Know So Much • Sara • Do Unto Others • Twelve • The Buried Girl • Green Dolphin • Unintended • Then Came You • The Ranger • After Everything • Furlough • A Vigilante • Nancy • Diane • Ten • The Miseducation of Cameron Post • Beyond the Night • Unwanted • La Devotee by Panic at the Disco! • It Comes at Night • The Strange Ones • Before Mars • One Percent More Humid • Welcome the Stranger • What Children Do • The After Party • Super Dark Times • Love After Love • A Different Sun • The Independents • Little Boxes • King Cobra • The Seagull • Jack Goes Home • Stray Bullets • OCC: American Made • Look Away • Amy Makes Three • My First Christmas • HAPPYish • The Ticket • King Jack • What Happened, Miss Simone? • My First Kiss • The Tuba Thieves • Growing Up Smith • The Inherited • How He Fell in Love • Approaching the Unknown • Azeroth Choppers • I Dream Too Much • Small Miracles • Hits • Cold in July • Katie Fforde Films • Mi America • About Alex • Loitering With Intent • Late Phases • Uncertain Terms • Magic Men • The Fly Room • Jamie Marks Is Dead • True Story • The Sisterhood of Night • The Better Angels • Dovid Meyer • We Are What We Are • Doomsdays • Deep Powder • The Bourne Legacy • Franny • Bottled Up • Frances Ha • Why Stop Now • Happy House • Happy & Bleeding • Brass Teapot • Keep the Lights On • In Our Nature • Marwencol • Harriets Traum • Our Idiot Brother • Rhymes With Banana • Another Kind • First Winter • The Last Keepers • Francine • Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding • Martha Marcy May Marlene • Higher Ground • Return • Rocksteady • Bitter Feast • Stake Land • Man on Wire • Whisper Me a Lullaby • Taking Woodstock • Meskada • Handsome Harry • American Gangster • Michael Clayton • Splinterheads • Against the Current • The Human Footprint • The Cake Eaters • Racing Daylight • The Night Listener • Stephanie Daley • War of the Worlds • Down to the Bone • Personal Velocity

The Hudson Valley Film Commission is supported in part by:

Ulster County IDA:Whether you're interested in relocating, expanding, starting a business or producing your next film, you'll find Ulster County a great place to work and live. Nestled between the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains, Ulster County boasts a strong and diversified economy that encourages collaboration, innovation, and growth. 

Dutchess Tourism Inc(DTI) brings tourism dollars to area businesses by marketing and promoting the assets of Dutchess County to the nation and the world.

Orange County IDA: The Orange County Industrial Development Agency) has assisted numerous companies and not-for-profit organizations with new business and capital expansions. As a direct result of the assistance provided by the IDA, companies have become more competitive by locating or expanding their facilities within Orange County, New York.

JOB POST: Production Assistant (PA) for a Special Effects Company 

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Empire FX is currently looking to hire a PA in Gardiner, NY to work full time or part time. with our special effects company working on a TV series. We do all "natural" special effects, creating wind, snow, fire, bullet, explosions, car crashes etc. 

Responsibilities include:
-Assist with equipment preparation and maintenance.
-Maintain shop organization and cleaning. Putting away all tools and equipment in the correct places once the crew is done with them and cleaning spaces. 
-Pulling equipment for each gag for the shows, check that equipment is in working order
-Running errands, including dropping off equipment to be fixed, occasionally going to NYC to drop off items. 
-Ability to work in a face paced environment
-Very detail oriented, highly organized, and able to plan effectively by setting priorities and meeting deadlines

Qualifications:
-Knowledge about welding, metal work, electric, plumbing, hydraulics, steam work. . ..etc. 
-Knowledge about tools, fittings, and workshops. 
-How to use tools, welder, drill press, saws etc. 
-Strong attention to detail and organizational skills are necessary
-Willing to work long hours including nights, weekends and holidays

Eligibility Requirements
- Interested candidates must submit a resume/CV online to be considered
- Willingness to work long hours and on weekends with short notice
- Must be willing to submit to a background investigation. 
-Must have work authorization to work in the United States
-Must be 18 years or older 

Please send a resume to info@empirefxco.com with a description of why you are interested in this position.Compensation: $750 per week. 7:30am-5:30pm M-Fri

COMMUNITY OUTREACH LIBRARY TOUR

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH LIBRARY TOUR

Hudson Valley Film Commission founder and director, Laurent Rejto, will talk about the regional FILM & TV industry, and answer questions, including:

What kind of crew members do productions hire?
• How can I get work as an actor?
• What kind of vendors do local productions need?
• How can I rent my house as a location?
• How do I get myself or my business involved?

DATES
May 1, 5pm • Marbletown Community Center
May 2, 5pm • Kingston Library
May 3, 5pm • Tivoli Free Library
May 7, 6pm • Saugerties Public Library
May 9, 6pm • Grinnell Public Library
May 16, 6:30pm • Morton Memorial Library

Since 2000, the Hudson Valley Film Commission has been a conduit for preproduction, production and postproduction for film, TV, photography, and new media in the Mid-Hudson Valley and Catskill region. As a 501c3 non profit, the mission of the Hudson Valley Film Commission is to create sustainable economic development and educational opportunities, by attracting, supporting and promoting local film, tv, photography, and new media work.

MORE HUDSON VALLEY FILMS COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU

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On the heels of the box office smash, A QUIET PLACE, which filmed in the Hudson Valley during the fall of 2017, comes Zach Golden’s THE ESCAPE OF PRISONER 614, starring Ron Perlman, Martin Starr, Jake McDorman, and George Sample III.

The feature film, which was also lensed in the fall of 2017 – in Phoenicia, Shandaken, Arkville and Saugerties – was picked up for distribution by Saban Films at the Berlin Film Festival and makes it theatrical premiere in ten cities on APRIL 27, and will also be available on V.O.D.

The ‘action adventure western comedy’ follows two naive, recently-fired Sheriff’s Deputies who decide to go after an escaped prisoner in hopes of getting their jobs back.  But when they discover that the supposed cop-killer they've hunted down is an innocent victim of a racist judicial system, they face a moral dilemma -- return the prisoner and be hailed as heroes, or act on their principles in pursuit of true justice.

The film was directed by Hudson Valley local Zach Golden and included many local cast and crew members. Jordan Yale Levine and Jordan Beckerman of Yale Productions'  produced with Shaun Sanghani of SSS Entertainment.

“Martin and Jake both bring natural comedic gifts and serious dramatic chops to the film,” Golden told Hollywood Reporter. “And George just exudes the charm and empathy needed for our title character. Ron’s the ultimate badass, intimidating tough guy, so he was of course the first guy I thought of for our Sheriff."

"I fell in love with this project the moment I read Zach’s script.” said Ron Perlman. “It’s smart and funny, but it also explores weighty issues regarding race and criminal justice that could not be more timely."

Local crew included Erica Pearce, Rachaell Dama, Richard Auth, Dirt Haehnel, Greg Meola, Anthony Stracquadanio, Brian Barney, Joe James, Liz McDonough, Ryan Mulholland, Mickey Breitenstein, Jaf Farkas. Local cast included Willoughby Pyle, Ralph Cashen, Andy Animal, Wayne Pyle.

See what the actors thought of the Hudson Valley below.

AND IN TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL NEWS, the following films, many of which will debut, were also produced in the Mid-Hudson Valley.

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Kent Jones’ DIANE which was produced in Ulster and Greene Counties in January 2017. Mary Kay Place is a devoted friend and caretaker, particularly to her drug-addicted son. But as those around her begin to drift away in the last quarter of her life, she is left to reckon with past choices and long-dormant memories in this haunting character study. Besides Mary Kay Place, the cast also includes Jake Lacy, Estelle Parsons, Andrea Martin, Deirdre O’Connell, Phyllis Somerville, Glynis O’Connor, and Joyce Van Patten. The production was executive produced by Martin Scorsese.

FABLED is an anthology series that reimagines classic fairy tales through the perspective of its female characters, whose overlapping stories take place in the same small town. Directed by Jennifer Morrison, and executive produced by Evan Jonigkeit , Alex Gayner, Zosia Mamet, the series which was produced in Ulster and Dutchess Counties, stars Zosia Mamet, Trace Lysette, Gugu Mbatha Raw, Paul Wesley, and Norbert Butz.

Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize winner, THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST, directed by Desiree Akhavan is based on the coming-of-age teen novel by Emily M. Danforth, about a girl who is forced into a gay conversion therapy center by her guardians.  The production took place in Ulster and Greene Counties in the fall of 2016.

THE SEAGULL, directed by Michael Mayer and written by Stephen Karam, stars Saoirse Ronan and four-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening. Filmed at Arrow Park Lake and Lodge in Orange County,  THE SEAGULL is the heartbreaking and funny story of friends and lovers, all of whom are in love with the wrong person. The movie is timely in its depiction of the tragic consequences of narcissism, particularly on young dreams and romantic love.

The Hudson Valley Film Commission is a not-for-profit, 501c3 organization that promotes and creates sustainable economic development by supporting and attracting film, video and media production in the Hudson Valley and Catskill counties of Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster. 

ADD YOUR TITLE HERE •Skin • Depraved • Burn • Love Comes Later • Upload • A Quiet Place • Fabled • The Escape of Prisoner 614 • Sara • Norman • The Buried Girl • Twelve • Do Unto Others • Unintended • Green Dolphin •Departures • Furlough • The Ranger • The Bread Factory • Nancy • Diane • Ten • Coin Heist•The Miseducation of Cameron Post•The Awakening•Unwanted • La Devotee by Panic at the Disco!•It Comes at Night • The Strange Ones • Before Mars • One Percent More Humidity • Welcome the Stranger • What Children Do • The After Party • Super Dark Times • Love After Love • A Different Sun • The Independents • Little Boxes • King Cobra •The Seagull • Jack Goes Home•Stray Bullets•OCC:American Made • Look Away • Amy Makes Three • My First Christmas • HAPPYish • The Ticket • King Jack • What Happened, MissSimone? • My FirstKiss • The Tuba Thieves • Growing Up Smith • The Inherited • How He Fell in Love • Approaching the Unknown • Azeroth Choppers • I DreamToo Much • Small Miracles •Hits • Cold in July • Katie Fforde Films • Mi America • About Alex • Loitering With Intent • Late Phases • Uncertain Terms •Magic Men • The Fly Room • Jamie Marks Is Dead •True Story • The Sisterhood of the Night • The Better Angels • Dovid Meyer • We Are What We Are •Doomsdays • Deep Powder • The Bourne Legacy •Franny • Bottled Up • Frances Ha • Why Stop Now • Happy House •Happy & Bleeding • Brass Teapot • Keep the Lights On •In Our Nature • Marwencol • Harriets Traum • Our Idiot Brother • Rhymes With Banana • AnotherKind • First Winter • The Last Keepers • Francine • Peace, Love, &Misunderstanding • Martha Marcy May Marlene • Higher Ground • Return •Rocksteady • Bitter Feast • Stake Land • Man on Wire • Whisper Me aLullaby • Taking Woodstock • Meskada • Handsome Harry • AmericanGangster • Michael Clayton • Splinterheads • Against the Current • The HumanFootprint • The Cake Eaters • Racing Daylight • The Night Listener • Stephanie Daley • War of the Worlds • Down to the Bone • Personal Velocity

 

 

 

 

 

HUDSON VALLEY PRODUCTIONS PROSPER AT FILM FESTIVALS WORLDWIDE

A Quiet Place

Recent Hudson Valley Film Commission productions have proven to be very successful at landing prime screening slots, and awards, at some of the world’s top film festivals, including Sundance, Berlin, SXSW and the upcoming Tribeca FIlm Festival in April.

Sundance Film Festival award winners included NANCY and THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST (READ MORE). The Berlin Film Festival featured the world premiere of Zach Golden’s THE ESCAPE OF PRISONER 614, which was produced in the Hudson Valley in the fall of 2017. Locations included Phoenicia, Saugerties, Shandaken, Pine Hill and Arkville (READ MORE). In March, SXSW highlighted several Hudson Valley films including their opening night film, John Krasinksy’s A QUIET PLACE, co-starring Emily Blunt. The film opens nationwide on April 6 (watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/WR7cc5t7tv8). The film was produced entirely in Dutchess and Ulster Counties during the summer and fall of 2017. Sarah Daggar-Nickson's VIGILANTE, starring Emily Blunt filmed in Newburgh, Kingston, Ulster Park, Saugerties, Beacon and Lake Katrine, and Windham.  THE RANGER, directed by Jenn Wexler was produced in the Hudson Valley in April and May of 2017, and follows teen punks on the run from the cops. Hiding out in the woods, they come up against the local authority – an unhinged park ranger with an axe to grind (READ MORE).

In April, three local productions that will be featured at the Tribeca Film Festival include FABLED, THE SEAGULL and THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST.

Fabled

FABLED, directed by Jennifer Morrison
The TV project directed by Jennifer Morrison (best known for portraying Emma Swan on the long running ABC series ONCE UPON A TIME), stars Zosia Mamet, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Norbert Leo Butz, Evan Jonigkeit, and Paul Wesley, among others. Episodes for the project were filmed during the fall of 2017, primarily in Kingston and Rhinebeck with production partner Refinery29, a leading global media company focused on young women, that inspires, entertains, and empowers their audiences through optimistic and diverse storytelling, experiences, and points of view. The anthology series reimagines classic fairy tales through the perspective of its female characters, whose overlapping stories take place in the same small town.

FABLED’s Executive Producer John Kite recently posted the following on Instagram about the project: A few years ago Zosia and I were driving to Vermont when we came across a photo of some storybook characters a little bit grown up talking to one another. It sparked the idea of what eventually evolved into FABLED. The idea morphed and changed over time with our producing partners @Refinery29 @gibsonautomatic @whatsthatlookfor @AlexhGayner @AmyEmmerich and has grown into something that will be having its premiere @Tribeca film festival on April 23rd. 

“I realized my first time being on a set that was largely run by women on the film TALLULAH, directed by @SHeder which was led onscreen by @ellenpage and @AllisonBJanney that women create a naturally supportive, efficient and collaborative environment. That film was the first time I personally felt comfortable in front of the camera and I have all of those women involved to thank. Being able to put together the team of women led by @jenmorrisonlive, to tell the stories of FABLED, stories of women finding themselves through their own agency, was more rewarding then I could imagine. 

I’ve always loved being a storyteller because I’ve always felt they make people feel less alone, but what I realize more and more is that it also makes ME feel less alone, in what is a confusing time to be alive. And being connected to all these women and men, that helped us make something we are all proud of, is just as important as the pieces themselves. Thanks to everyone at Refinery29 for seeing what these stories can be. And thanks to all of our new and old friends for keeping us moving towards a more connected society. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AND TICKETS

Two other films that were filmed in the Hudson Valley, which filmed in the Hudson Valley, include THE SEAGULL and THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST

THE SEAGULL, directed by Michael Mayer
*Filmed in the fall of 2016 in Orange County. The Hudson Valley FIlm Commission acted as a fiscal sponsor.

The Seagull

Adapted by Tony Award®-winning playwright Stephen Karam and directed by Tony Award®-winning director Michael Mayer, this exquisite adaptation of Anton Chekhov's classic THE SEAGULL finds a group of friends and family gathered for a seemingly jovial weekend in the countryside. But under the surface, Nina (Saoirse Ronan) pines desperately for Irina's (Annette Benning) partner Boris (Corey Stoll), a celebrated playwright. Meanwhile, Masha (Elisabeth Moss) fights a battle with her own unrequited love.

This layered saga about art, fame, family, and human folly plays out with claustrophobic intensity, as the lives of friends, families, and lovers, all living under the same roof, become entangled. The Seagull’s cast of celebrated performers brings fresh perspective to these beloved, complicated characters. Rich with feeling, this tragicomedy asks timeless questions about how best to live a purposeful life and, more importantly, how to love. (—Mara Webster for Tribeca Film Festival) CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AND TICKETS

THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST, directed by Desiree Akhavan

*Filmed in the fall of 2017 in Ulster and Greene Counties, THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST world premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

miseducation-of-cameron-post.jpg

When teenage Cameron (Chloë Grace Moretz) is caught having sex with another girl on prom night, she is shipped off to God's Promise, a middle-of-nowhere treatment center run by Dr. Lydia Marsh (Jennifer Ehle) and "success story" Reverend Rick (John Gallagher, Jr.). They subject her to dubious gay conversion therapies—but, despite these “treatments,” Cameron eventually forges a community with her fellow teens, quietly defiant Jane Fonda (Sasha Lane) and Adam Red Eagle (Forrest Goodluck). Together, these misfits play at recovery, since their only way out is time.

Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at this year's Sundance Film Festival and based on the acclaimed novel of the same title, The Miseducation of Cameron Post overflows with standout performances and unforgettable characters in a story that is equal parts coming coming-of-age drama and teen hangout movie. —Mara Webster for Tribeca Film Festival. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AND TICKETS 

2018 is off to a quick start with three features currently in production and many more in the works. For more information about filming your next project in the Hudson Valley, visit www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org