“The True Adventure of Wolfboy” tells the story of a boy with a rare condition condition which causes him grow hair all over his entire body and his journey to self acceptance while searching for his mother who left him at an early age.
A chance to see the “True Adventures of Wolfboy” at the on big screen at the North Park Theatre starts this Friday at the following days and times:
Fri 11/13: (2:00), (4:30), 7:00, 9:30
Sat 11/14: (2:00), (4:30), 7:00, 9:30
Sun 11/15: (11:30am), (2:00), (4:30), 7:00, 9:30
Mon 11/16: (2:00), (4:30), 7:00, 9:30
Tue 11/17: (2:00), (4:30), 7:00, 9:30
Wed 11/18: (2:00), (4:30), 7:00
Thur 11/19: (2:00), (4:30), 7:00
An interesting side note: Director Martin Krecji held weekly screenings for his production team at the North Park during pre-production and showed many films that inspired his creative approach to directing “The True Adventures of Wolf Boy”.
(Pictured: John Turturro as carnival owner Mr. Silk)
(November 10th, 2020) New York State has released industry-specific guidance for Media Production during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (“Interim COVID-19 Guidance for Media Production”).
Each business or entity must develop a written Safety Plan outlining how its workplace will prevent the spread of COVID-19. A business may fill out the New York Forward Safety Plan template to fulfill the requirement or may develop its own Safety Plan. This plan does not need to be submitted to a state agency for approval but must be retained on the premises of the business and must made available to the New York State Department of Health (DOH) or local health or safety authorities in the event of an inspection.
Please refer to the New York Forward website for all information, guidance and restrictions in order to operate legally and safely in each region. Please refer to the regional monitoring dashboards to check as regions may move between phases. Each of the phases on the website are continuously updated with guidelines and information on specific business activities.
(October 29, 2020) Buffalo, NY – – With Buffalo’s film industry potential on the rise, a new project to develop a 27-acre parcel into world-class studio facilities is headed to the city. Buffalo Studios CEO, founder and Grand Island native Matt Fleckenstein announced the project today at the new site location on South Park Avenue. Fleckenstein, a multiple Emmy-nominated writer, and producer with 15+ years of experience developing, writing, and producing television programs, moved to LA after graduating from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications with a degree in Communications, TV/Radio and Film. Though a transplant to the West Coast his love for his hometown motivated him to spearhead this project and invest in Buffalo to help the city thrive so that film projects being filmed in the Western New York area and Canada could be staffed by locally trained professionals.
Buffalo Studios CEO Matt Fleckenstein
CEO Matt Fleckenstein said of the project, “Buffalo Studios will be the first true Hollywood movie studio in Western New York, bringing unparalleled sound stage capabilities to the city of Buffalo for major film and TV projects and offering film industry jobs across Western New York.” Phase I of the site has already entered the NYS Brownfield Clean-Up Program and will work to remediate the rest of the approximately 10 acre parcel and, ultimately, the entire 27 acres on the site of a former steel mill. Phase 1 include 6 stages with support and office space, set on approximately 10 acres. Additional phases will expand onto approximately 17 additional acres.
In all the site will offer state-of-the-art film studios consisting of sound stages (soundproof purpose-built constructions used specifically in film, television, and commercial productions. The project is tentatively expected to break ground in late spring 2021 with the tentative completion of the project toward the end of 2022.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown welcomed the investment in the city, “As my Administration continues to build on its commitment to increase access and opportunity for City residents who work in the film and television industry, today’s announcement that a second major studio is under development in our community reinforces that Buffalo is a destination for filmmakers, people want to come here and they want to make movies,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “I thank Project Developer and Western New York Native Matt Fleckenstein, a multiple Emmy-nominated writer and producer, for his major commitment to this project at a time of economic uncertainty due to the COVID-19 global health pandemic, that will create hundreds of good-paying jobs, generate local revenue, and further build upon Buffalo’s growing film industry.”
Bringing business to Western New York is a key reason Buffalo Studios was founded. Currently, there is no comparable sound stage/studio in the area and business is often lost to Canadian facilities. “This project has been a long time in the making – my office first met with Matt back in February 2019 – and today’s announcement is a testament to the commitment that Matt and Adam have – not just for Buffalo Studios, but for Buffalo and Western New York as a whole,” said Senator Tim Kennedy.
New York State Senator Tim Kennedy.
“This facility is exactly the type of project that policymakers hope for when we strengthen programs like the Brownfield Tax Credit, which will help make the site shovel ready, or when we fight for the New York State Film Tax Credit, which has helped to make Buffalo a top destination for filmmakers. I applaud Matt and the entire Buffalo Studios team for their vision and look forward to seeing this incredible investment move forward.”
Fleckenstein also shared information about educational opportunities created by the project, “Not only will Buffalo Studios bring jobs to the city but it will also offer academic collaborations with the University of Buffalo to train students in the full spectrum of film and animation production. This will allow for future generations of Buffalonians to be educated in the newest technology and skills used in film making and other productions – and to be able to work on those projects in their own backyard.”
Dr. Thomas Feeley, Chair of Media Study Program at The University of Buffalo.
Dr. Tom Feeley, Chair of Media Study at UB applauded the project, “The potential of adding nearly 50-75% more maker and exhibition space has been sorely missing in Media Study at UB, whose number of majors now exceed 250 undergraduates and 35 graduate students who primarily come from New York State with many coming from out of state and internationally to study at UB. Bringing UB downtown is really our manifest destiny in the department and where we belong – most of our students and faculty live downtown and much of their art is situated there. Having a satellite campus on the Buffalo Studios property is an amazing opportunity.”
Buffalo Studios has developed additional partnerships and collaborative efforts to ensure success of the project including working with economic development representatives and leaders from local industry unions including: Local 52 Motion Picture Studio Mechanics and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States.
Fpr more information on Buffalo Studios contact:
Kristin Fleckenstein, Communications Director at Kristin@buffalostudios.co
FRAUD ALERT- Local Law Enforcement Officials informed the Buffalo Niagara Film Office of the following fraud being perpetrated locally.
If you receive an email from Adam Morgan regarding a PA job for Bandidos Films do not engage – A few locals have cashed a check from this individual and have been held responsible once the check bounces after making purchases on behalf of this non existent production.
Sample of intro email:
“Hello there
I’m Adam Morgan I’m a producer for Bandidos Films I saw your profile posted on film production directory, I want to inform you about a upcoming short film project coming up in your area Titled ( Peaceful ) Start date: September 21st – 25th ,2020, pay is $1800, I’m in search for effective production assistant kindly reply with your updated resume for more information and consideration thank you.
Kind Regards
Stay blessed”
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD SO OTHER MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY ARE NOT SWINDLED BY THIS INDIVIDUAL
(September 1st, 2020) Produced by Night Owl Republic Films and filmed in entirely in Western New York using an all W.N.Y. Crew, Buffalo native Addison Henderson’s “G.O.D.” (Givers of Death) has taken home the Best Screenplay award at the prestigious Miami based American Black Film Festival, which went virtual this year do to COVID.
Henderson starred, directed and wrote this spiritual drama about issues and discoveries facing a hit man during a pandemic. Clients hire him to end their lives before suffering a slow painful death.
Locations in Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Hamburg were used as a backdrop for “G.O.D.”.
A local drive-in screening has been set for the Transit Drive-in on September 24th. For tickets – (Click Here)
Every month Cindy Abbott Letro interviews the people in front of and behind the camera who are making the Buffalo Niagara Region a wonderful place to create Television and Film Production. Produced by All Services Western New York.
Great Point Capital’s Robert Halmi and Fehmi Zeko on Building a New Studio in Western New York
Buffalo Native – Actor/Producer/Sportscaster/Writer Nick Bakay
Cindy Abbott Letro interviews actor, comedian, writer, producer, sportscaster and Buffalo native Nick Bakay.
Actor/Director Bill Fichtner – Production in the time of Covid-19.
Cindy Abbott Letro interviews WNY native – Actor/Director William Fichtner for the latest on his film Cold Brook and production in the time of Covid-19.
Actor Joe Giambra and Producer Harry Lipsitz
On this edition of “Behind the Camera” Cindy Abbott Letro sits down with the legendary Joe Giambra and his business partner Harry Lipsitz and discuss their latest project and the growth of the film industry in western New York.
AFCI Executive Director Jess Conoplia
On this edition of “Behind the Camera” Cindy Abbott Letro discusses the Cineposium 2020 in Buffalo Niagara with AFCI President Jess Conoplia.
AKRON MAYOR CARL PATTERSON ON THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF “A QUIET PLACE 2”
On this edition of “Behind the Camera” Cindy Abbott Letro discusses the filming of “Quiet Place 2” on Main Street in Akron New York with Mayor Carl Patterson.
NY STATE PARKS MARKETING COORDINATOR – ANGELA BERTI
On this edition of Behind the Camera Cindy Abbott Letro discusses film making in the western region’s State Parks with Marketing Coordinator Angela Berti.
DIRECTOR GREG ROBBINS AND STUNT COORDINATOR GREGORY ROBBINS
On this edition of “Behind the Camera” Cindy Abbott Letro is on location with Director Greg Robbins and his son Gregory Robbins, stunt coordinator for “Diary of a Lunatic” television series.
DIRECTOR ADAM STEIGERT AND ACTOR GREGORY BLAIR
On this edition of “Behind the Camera” Cindy Abbott Letro sits with Director and Hamburg New York native Adam Steigert and actor Gregory Blair. The pair are in Western New York filming “The Horrific Evil Monsters”.
ERIE COUNTY EXECUTIVE MARK POLONCARZ
On this edition of “Behind the Camera” Cindy Abbott Letro discusses the growth of the film industry in Erie County with County Executive Mark Poloncarz.
AARON DANIEL ANNAS – DIRECTOR OF BUFFALO STATE’S TELEVISION FILM ARTS PROGRAM
On this edition of “Behind the Camera” Cindy Abbott Letro sits down with Aaron Daniel Annas, Director of the Buffalo State Television Film Arts Department. Annas discusses the history of the curriculum and the fifteen students enrolled in the program.
ACTOR/DIRECTOR ADDISON HENDERSON
On this edition of Behind the Camera Cindy Abbott Letro visits with actor, Director and Buffalo native Addison Henderson in the historic Michigan Avenue Baptist Church. Henderson discusses his journey from Buffalo and back and a film he is about to produce in his hometown.
FILM COMMISSIONER TIM CLARK
On this edition of “Behind the Camera” Cindy Abbott Letro sits down with Buffalo/Niagara Film Commissioner Tim Clark to discuss the growth of the industry in Buffalo the past five years and what to expect in 2019.
BILL FICHTNER’S “COLD BROOK” CAST AND CREW SCREENING
On this edition of Behind the Camera the reaction of cast and crew from the Buffalo premier of William Fichtner’s film “Cold Brook”. The premier took place December 9th at the North Park Theatre on Hertel Avenue in Buffalo. EAST AURORA WITH DON VIDLER AND GARY GROTE
This edition of “Behind the Camera” with Cindy Abbott Letro goes to the historic Vidler’s 5 & 10 store in East Aurora and an interview with owner Don Vidler and East Aurora Chamber Executive Director Gary Grote. Cindy discusses how Vidler’s and East Aurora have become favorite locations for film makers.
DWELLING DIRECTOR KYLE MECCA
On this edition of Behind the Camera Cindy Abbott Letro sits down with Buffalo State graduate and Kenmore NY native Kyle Mecca. Mecca’s first film “The Dwelling” was a successful debut and he addresses what’s next for this talented director.
W.N.Y. PRODUCTION LEADERS DAVID BUTLER AND MATT NARDONE
On this edition of Behind the Camera Cindy Abbott Letro speaks with David Butler of Butler Designs and Matt Nardone from ND Studios about the growing film industry in Western New York. #BehindtheCamera #Buffalo/NiagaraFilmOffice
PRODUCERS CHRIS RAY AND GERALD WEBB
On this edition of Behind the Camera Cindy Abbott Letro interviews Director/ Producer Chris Ray and Actor/Producer Gerald Webb. Ray and Webb have returned back to Buffalo yet again to film and produce another new film. #ChrisRay, #GeraldWebb
MARSHALL AND BASHIRA PRODUCER CHRIS BONGIRNE
Cindy Abbott Letro discusses the filming of Marshall in Buffalo with Executive Producer Chris Bongirne.
CROWN VIC PRODUCER ALYSON LATZ
Cindy Abbott Letro interviews producer Alyson Latz who brought “Crown Vic” to Buffalo, directed by Joel Souza and starring Thomas Jane, Luke Kleintank and Laurence Fishburne.
“CLOVER” DIRECTOR/ACTOR JON ABRAHAMS AND DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY MATTHEW QUINN
On this edition of Behind the Camera Cindy Abbott Letro interviews Actor/Director Jon Abrahams and Cinematographer Matthew Quinn about making the movies “Clover” and “All At Once” in Buffalo.
PETER JOHNSON AND DURAND McCLOUD OF THE BLACKNESS PROJECT
(April 2nd, 2018) On this edition of “Behind the Camera” Producer Peter Johnson and Director of Photography Durand McCloud talk about the production of “The Blackness Project”.
NEW YORK STATE SENATOR PATRICK GALLIVAN
(March 6th, 2018) On this edition of “Behind the Camera” Cindy Abbott Letro interviews New York State Senator Patrick Gallivan on the success of the New York state film tax credit program.
JOHN SCARDINO, JR
(February 1st, 2018) On this edition of “Behind the Camera” Cindy Abbott Letro interviews John Scardino Jr. about the growing film industry in western New York. John Scardino Jr. is the Regional 3 Rep of the Local 52 Studio Mechanics Union.
2017 YEAR IN REVIEW
On this edition of “Behind the Camera” a look back at some of the segment highlights of 2017. Cindy Abbott Letro brings back interviews with actor Bill Fichtner who Directed Cold Brook, WNY native and Director Mac Cappuccino, Producer Kimber Eastwood and Producer Jonathan Sanger.
WILLIAM E. FICHTNER MARYVALE HIGH SCHOOL DEDICATION
On December 15th, 2017 Maryvale high school dedicated the school auditorium as the William E. Fichtner Performing Arts Center. Cindy Abbott Letro covered the event for the Buffalo/Niagara Film Office and interviewed Bill Fichtner on the great honor.
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT 101 – TRAINING
On this edition of “Behind the Camera” Cindy Abbott Letro interviews Buffalo/Niagara Film Commissioner Tim Clark and Buffalo/Niagara Film Office Operations Director Rich Wall about the Production Assistant 101 class offered by the Film Office at WNED-TV’s studios.
JOHN PERCY – NIAGARA FALLS U.S.A.
On this edition of “Behind the Camera” Cindy Abbott Letro interviews John Percy, President and CEO of Destination of Niagara USA on the set of “The True Adventures of Wolf Boy”. Percy discusses the benefits of films produced in the Niagara region and the positive role of the Buffalo/Niagara Film Office.
P.A. 101 KEYNOTE SPEAKER RUBEN SANTIAGO III
On this edition of Behind the Camera Cindy Abbott Letro talks with long-time professional production assistant Ruben Santiago III. Santiago has worked on many film sets over his career and is the son of Lackawanna New York native Ruben Santiago Jr
PRODUCER KIMBER EASTWOOD
On this edition of “Behind The Camera” Cindy Abbott Letro sits down with Producer and Makeup Artist Kimber Eastwood. Eastwood, daughter of legendary screen actor and Director Clint Eastwood, was in Buffalo filming a new trailer entitled “Diary of a Lunatic”.
ACTRESS JORDAN LADD
On this edition of “Behind the Camera” Cindy Abbott Letro interviews Jordan Ladd, starring in the movie “Curtains” filmed in Western New York.
IATSE 52 REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE JOHN SCARDINO, JR
On this edition of “Behind the Camera” an interview with John Scardino Jr., the regional 3 representative of Local 52.
DIRECTOR GREG LAMBERSON
(August 30th, 2017) On this edition of “Behind the Camera” Cindy Abbott Letro talks with WNY Director and Producer Greg Lamberson about his career, becoming a Production Assistant and the Film industry in Buffalo. Greg is currently in post production on his latest film “Johnny Gruesome” starring Anthony De La Torre.
DIRECTOR GREG ROBBINS
On this edition of Behind the Camera Cindy Abbott Letro speaks with Director, Producer and Actor Greg Robbins. Robbins moved to western New York from Los Angeles to take advantage of the growing film industry in the region
PRODUCER SARA SHAAK
On this edition of “Behind the Camera” Cindy Abbott Letro interviews Sara Shaak, a Producer on “Cold Brook” filmed in western and Central New York. “Cold Brook” is directed by western New York native and veteran film actor William Fichtner.
COLDBROOK NEWS CONFERENCE
On Tuesday June 27th a news conference was held at the Buffalo History Museum to unveil plans to film “Cold Brook” in Buffalo and East Aurora. “Cold Brook” was written by Cain Devore and William Fichtner, who will also star in the film, Direct and Produce.
MAC CAPPUCCINO
(May 30th, 2017) On this edition of Behind the Camera Cindy Abbott Letro discusses film making with Producer/Director/Actor and Buffalo native Mac Cappuccino. Mac Cappuccino was in Buffalo filming “Malaisia”, a dark indy comedy features a love triangle with a strange twist, stars Leonardo Santaiti (Allegiant, Sleepless) along with Sarah Baskin (Who Killed Chandra Levy?), and Josh Nuncio (Love Vampires).
BILL FICHTNER
Here Cindy interviews Western New York’s very own William Fichtner, who took time out to talk about his incredible acting career.
FRED AND CHRIS OLEN RAY
In this segment Cindy interviews Director/Producers Fred Olen Ray and son Chris Olen Ray on their experience shooting films in Buffalo and WNY.
PRODUCER JONATHAN SANGER
On this edition of Behind the Camera with Cindy Abbott Letro an interview with Jonathan Sanger, Producer of the movie “Marshall” which was filmed in Buffalo.
MARSHALL PRESS CONFERENCE
Cast, Director and Producer of the film “Marshall” met with the local media in the Dillon Court House to discuss their love for making the film in Buffalo.
(Pictured: Paul (Jaeden Martel) and Rose (Eve Hewson) hold up a fireworks stand in front of Hamburg’s Bedrock Eatery)
(Pictured: Director Martin Krecji views shot set up inside the Gypsy Parlor)
