to learn about the advantages of filming in Albany
BY CAROLINE AURIGEMMA
Contributing Writer
The city of Albany has appeared in a number of films – a fact that surprised most of the students who attended a presentation by the City’s Film Commissioner.
The presentation was titled “When You Want More Than Lip Service,” given by Debby Goedeke, Albany Film Commissioner, Wednesday night in Hearst room 119. It brought to life the process and expenses for production companies looking to shoot in Albany County.
Productions like “SALT,” “The Other Guys,” “As You Are,” and television shows like HBO’s “Muhammad Ali” documentary, James Franco’s “The Pretenders,” and an upcoming show “Big Dog” all feature Albany. The Times Union Center is a site that gets considered often in Albany and was home to a scene in the popular movie “The Challenger.”
Economic benefits of shooting films in Albany, the process of connecting with location managers, and the interesting scenarios that come from hosting such large scale production were all topics featured in the presentation.
A small group of three students and Professor Karen McGrath sat in attendance. All listened intently to Goedeke’s presentation, and were in awe of the various stories she shared of conversations with crew members and producers of large productions.
I learned much more about the financial and pre-production aspects of filming,” said Samuel Lund, a junior communications major at the college who attended the presentation.
Goedeke calls herself a “busy bee who just seems to put all of the parts together.” She works for the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau running social media accounts and communicating with location managers for major films. Being a liaison for location managers and representatives to the Capitol region has given Goedeke many interesting and influential contacts. She works directly with the county executive’s office and the city police department.
Often, location managers contact Goedeke looking for her suggestions for locations to film in Albany County. Immediately she sends photos and information that she believes will help narrow down their search. Goedeke stresses the immediacy of responding to location managers and production companies, as producers do not want to waste time or money.
The importance of continuing Albany’s reputation with its various filming locations is that it benefits the city itself. Locations in the Capitol region mimic NYC and Brooklyn, yet Albany is also home to rural areas just outside of the city. According to Goedeke, these more rural locations are a perfect selling point, as producers can think to film more in Albany County and the city will continue to make a revenue.
Goedeke shared in the presentation that approximately 60 percent of a film’s budget goes to shooting. The production of “SALT” was used during the presentation as a case study. An estimated $2.5 million was spent in the production of the film, from purchasing over 1,800 nights in hotels, and with such an enormous crew, Albany benefited greatly from the action of visitors. Albany was also granted a special early premiere of “SALT,” thanks to an email sent from Goedeke to the vice president of Sony Pictures. As it happens, the VP was a graduate of Shaker high school, whose father was living in Albany at the time.
Professor McGrath remarked that it seemed that luck was on Goedeke’s side, and Goedeke said “I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason.”
Social media is a major part of the Bureau’s promotion of such films. Goedeke recalls a recent time when a film company contacted her to set up a casting call for the next day. Goedeke posted information on social media, and there was a great attendance for the call.
“Social media is just the quickest way,” said Goedeke.
Professor McGrath invited Goedeke to speak with hopes that students interested in film, don’t always have to be in large markets like NYC or LA to be successful.
“We also thought that hearing about the role of a film commissioner in a film-friendly state and county would encourage students to learn more about the industry and their potential roles in that industry,” said McGrath
Goedeke concluded her presentation with the projection of a signed photograph of Robert Redford, that was sent to her as well as an array of Belgian chocolates, as a personal thank-you for all of her hard work.
“It’s gratifying that you’ve been able to make it all happen,” said Goedeke.
