Working on the last two features I’ve had to enlist a lot of help from dear old friends who live in New York City. I hope that the diminished/indie pay was made up for with a little break from the NYC lifestyle. (I also try to feed them real well and have a ton of fun..as much as we can while making a film…hopefully…you tell me guys and gals.:-) But, that leads to the topic. Upstate Filmmaking. Do I need to bring in outside help? Does this area hold the potential for a large booming film community? 
The answer to both is…yes. The people I work with are friends whom I’ve worked well with since early in my college days. I couldn’t think of anyone better to help me with these projects; I couldn’t think of a better way to make films than surrounding yourself with family, friends, and trusted collaborators. That being said, I’m excited for what is in store for the area’s filmmaking community.
From the Hudson River Valley to the Canadian border, films are getting made, and made well. Our base of professionals is growing, and now with the accessibility of digital tools, our budgets are getting smaller, and better stories more obtainable. It’s also extremely easier to make films in this area. For a place where constant film shoots aren’t the norm, it’s much easier to involve the community…just look at Mike Feurstein’s Escape series. What a great opportunity for Mike to make a series and for the community to be involved in something other than the normal Capital Region fare.
Last year the Times Union got into the spirit and asked local filmmakers to participate by making a piece about one of their favorite things in the area. I thought it was a great idea and immediately had a place in mind. I enlisted a local friend and Steadi-Cam operator, Kurt Warner, and took a page from my own life. My family has been working in some capacity for the New York State Museum for almost 20+ years…it’s almost like a second home to me. I tried to capture a typical family moment for the Yosts. I still like it to this day. Unfortunately it was a bit long to be in competition…and Mike won…as he should of. The Jacks spot was great…and I also have many fond memories of the place myself…think water ski jumping. But…Mike…I would have given you a run for your money bud.;-)
John
Museum from John W. Yost on Vimeo.
