Scan this code or email justin@thebrokengenius.com for more information and to sign up to be a part of Death Death. QR Code Submitted by Death Death, LLC
Death Death map of upcoming movie shoot provided by Death Death, LLC.
By Max Oppen
Tannersville - The Village of Tannersville and the surrounding Town of Hunter are about to take center stage in a heartwarming indie film that promises to captivate audiences with its unique storyline and local charm. The film, which features an all-female-identifying cast and crew, will be shooting in the area from September 4 through the 25th, with an inspiring event taking place on September 8.
The Brooklyn-based production company, Death Death, LLC, will be shooting around the area for 16 days. "We're shooting in and around Tannersville, Hunter, East Jewett, Shandaken, and Phoenicia," said Katrina Kearns, who is in charge of safety operations for the film.
The film is set in Mooseton, Michigan, a fictional town made up by the Director, Marissa Ruben.
A Tale of Sisterhood and Healing
The film tells the poignant and comedic story of two estranged sisters who reunite on Mother's Day to fulfill their late mother's dying wish: to recreate the plot of a beloved 80's classic. This journey of rediscovery and healing explores themes of sisterhood, friendship, grief, and the stories we tell ourselves. The screenplay has garnered attention in several prestigious competitions, including the ScreenCraft Comedy, Nashville Film Festival, and Scriptation Showcase.
Calling All Local Talent
On September 8, the Village of Tannersville will host a unique Mother's Day Parade scene, and the filmmakers are reaching out to the local community for volunteer background actors. The production team is primarily looking for female-identifying individuals and mother-daughter duos to participate in this heartwarming scene. It's an excellent opportunity for locals to experience the magic of filmmaking firsthand and contribute to a meaningful project that supports female-identifying filmmakers. The filmmakers are looking for 100-200 females to participate in the parade.
At a special Village of Tannersville Board Meeting held last week, Ruben said, "Everything comes together at this Mother's Day Parade. There is nowhere on the planet that is better to shoot this parade than in this Town, and we feel fortunate that you all have been so gracious and welcoming."
The scene will be filmed on Main Street, with a portion of the road between Railroad Avenue and South Main Street closed from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Businesses along Main Street are encouraged to set up stands during the parade, as the filmmakers aim to create a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere that benefits the entire community.
However, I've heard through the grapevine that not all businesses are on board, and some feel they will lose a substantial amount of income by having Main Street in the Village shut down on a Sunday.
Village of Tannersville Trustee George Kelly asked Ruben if they could shoot the parade scene on an alternate day (instead of Sunday) so as not to impact local businesses. Kearns, in charge of safety operations for the film, told Kelly they would look into it, but that for them, a weekend day would show how busy Tannersville is and would be more ideal than a weekday.
Deputy Village Mayor David Kashman said, "Historically, a Sunday closure has never been well received by the business community and this Board." Kashman added that he had spoken to two other businesses that were opposed to shutting down Main Street all day.
Ruben and Kearns also attended last week's Town of Hunter Board meeting. Ruben said, "We're just so excited and grateful for everyone having been so welcoming, and we just want to make sure you all are comfortable." Regarding the Main Street closure, Kearns said they would have five-minute shoots and then let traffic flow through.
Supervisor Sean Mahoney said, "If you're not performing a closure within our Town, certainly Sergeant [Robert] Haines should be aware if you were going to be closing 23C, but there's no permit from us [needed]." Kearns replied, "We just wanted to ensure you were aware of what we're doing because it might also impact you."
Mahoney then asked about the Route 214 shoot, which is within Town limits. Kearns said, "There won't necessarily be a road closure that day. We're going to be in our cars the entire time." Kearns said they would be driving with a tow rig that would carry the actor's car so that they wouldn't be driving. "It prevents anything from happening and protects [the actors'] safety," Kearns added. They typically drive 10 miles under the posted speed limit, which could create traffic delays. The car is rigged with camera equipment, making it wider than a standard vehicle. The tow rig is even wider.
The shoot on Route 214 is on Friday, September 6. Kearns said, "It's the last scene of our day, and it's a pretty standard operation. I've done about 20-30 movies with this particular rig. We've never had a problem." They will shoot from 2 or 3 p.m. until approximately 5 p.m. Kearns said they will shoot from both directions on Rt. 214.
The shoot on 23C will last from 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. Kearns said they don't know if there will be a police presence during the shoot.
A Community Effort
The film's production team has been in close contact with Village Clerk Robin Dumont, Town Supervisor Sean Mahoney, and Mayor David Schneider to ensure the filming process runs smoothly and with minimal disruption. The team has coordinated with local authorities to arrange road closures and safety measures, including on-site police presence during the parade scene.
While the September 8 parade scene is the most significant event for local involvement, the film crew will be shooting various scenes throughout Tannersville and Hunter over the next few weeks. The Sunview Motel on Main Street will serve as the base camp for the production, and residents can expect to see production trucks, equipment, and crew members around Town.
Get Involved
If you've ever dreamed of being in a movie or want to support local artists, this is your chance. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Justin at justin@thebrokengenius.com with their name, contact information, and a brief description of themselves. You can also scan a QR code for more details. This volunteer opportunity offers a unique experience to be part of a motion picture while helping to bring a powerful story to life.
Most of Tannersville's community has already welcomed the production team, and this film promises to be a testament to the area's charm and the spirit of its residents. Whether you're participating as a background actor or simply enjoying the spectacle, the upcoming weeks will be an exciting time for the mountaintop as Hollywood comes to the Catskills.
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