Putnam Television and Film Commission Holds First Meeting Oct. 21

From Putnam County Tourism

Well, there will be lights but more discussion than action and no cameras – yet – when Tourism Director Libby Pataki meets with approximately 15 local residents who have knowledge and experience in the television and film industry. The group will be gathering for the first meeting of the Putnam County Television and Film Commission which is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21 on the 3rd floor of the County Office Building, 40 Gleneida Avenue in the Hamlet of Carmel.

“Putnam County has so much to offer as far as potential locations for the filming of television shows and movies,” said Pataki. “What we hope to accomplish is the organization of the Commission as an entity which will serve as a liaison between our magnificent location sites and potential users.”

Pataki said the main objective of the Commission will be to see a centralized and expanded film production industry in Putnam. She recalled that Putnam has been used in the past as a locale for popular movies such as “Hello, Dolly,” “Malcolm X,” and “Die Hard with a Vengeance.” Even Adam Sandler came to Putnam when filming his “Mr. Deeds” using Wendy’s in the Putnam Plaza in Carmel in a scene. During season 6 of the television show “The Sopranos,” the episode “Soprano Home Movies” was shot on Lake Oscawana in Putnam Valley.

“I feel quite certain that by assembling the Putnam County Television and Film Commission, we can attract television and film projects within the county and make for a welcoming environment for members of the film industry,” said Pataki.

Located just 60 miles north of New York City, Putnam County offers a local destination with boundless rural and historical sites along with other infrastructure that may be appealing to film production companies.

Listing places she believes would be of interest, Pataki mentioned Constitution Island, the Village of Cold Spring, Boscobel House and Gardens, Fahnestock State Park with its trails and lakes and the magnificent Hudson Highlands that border the Hudson River on the western side of Putnam County. Heading into central Putnam, Pataki listed the Mt. Nimham Fire Tower, the scenic Taconic State parkway and the Chuang-yen Buddhist Monastery along with Carmel’s Lake Gleneida and Mahopac’s lake. The eastern portion of Putnam boasts the Great Swamp in Patterson, several Conservation Areas and Tilly Foster Farm in Brewster.

“Just look around at all the natural beauty and historical sites we have to offer the film and television industries,” she said.

For more information on the Television and Film Commission, please call (845) 808-1015.