Hudson Valley Film and Television Industry Event
A Hudson Valley Film and Television Industry Mixer, a forum for members of the film community to collaborate and discuss ways to increase the number of local film and television productions, drew approximately 125 attendees—including filmmakers, crew, talent, vendors and other stakeholders—to Kingston earlier this month. The May 5 event, co-sponsored by the Ulster County Film Office, the Producers Guild of America (PGA), Stockade Works and the Hudson River Maritime Museum, featured a roundtable with producers, a panel discussion on production in the Hudson Valley and a networking reception.
The Hudson Valley has long been one of the most active and sought-after locations in New York State. Last year, 70 projects that filmed in the region and participated in the New York State Film Tax Credit Program, generated more than $1.3 billion in local economic activity and created 65,000+ hires. From the recent box office hit A Quiet Place (shot in Dutchess, Ulster and Herkimer counties) to Sundance winners The Miseducation of Cameron Post and Nancy, productions come to the region for the range of scenic locations and proximity to New York City. The strong increase in production has also been supported by the 40 percent New York State tax credit on qualified labor now available in most of the region (30 percent on all other below-the-line costs).
“Attending the Hudson Valley Film and Television Mixer was my wake-up call to shoot a film in the Hudson Valley,” said producer Declan Baldwin, CEO and Founding Partner of Big Indie Pictures, who said he was inspired by the event. “The light bulb went off as I gathered in that room, full to the brim with all the talent one would need to craft almost any production.”
The event’s Producers Roundtable offered a unique opportunity for attendees to meet and talk directly with industry veterans for advice and conversation. Four tables were set up for discussion groups, each led by an experienced producer: William Horburg (The Talented Mr. Ripley); Alison Beckett (The Nutcracker & The Four Realms); Janet Grillo (Jack of Hearts); and Julie Goldman (Life, Animated). All four have worked in the Hudson Valley and were able to address questions specific to the region’s strengths. At the 30-minute mark, the four leaders rotated among the tables so attendees were able to interact with more than one mentor. Attendees ranged from experienced producers to first-time screenwriters looking for advice on getting started in the Hudson Valley.
Before the panel got started, Ulster County Executive Michael P. Hein gave introductory remarks emphasizing the county’s commitment to building on the momentum brought by the state’s tax credits to continue industry growth in the region. The panel discussion featured: Meira Blaustein, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Woodstock Film Festival; Mary Stuart Masterson, actress/producer and Founder/Board President of Stockade Works in Kingston; producer Jonathan Burkhart (Higher Ground, Peace, Love & Misunderstanding); and casting director Amy Hutchings of Amy Hutchings Casting. The panel was moderated by Beth Davenport, Co-Founder/Executive Director of Stockade Works.
The mixer’s not the only local event that has supported film industry growth in the area. The Ulster County Department of Economic Development had organized three previous events to introduce filmmakers to resources and programs, including the Ulster County Film Finance program, designed to support area productions.