The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Hamilton transforms to Big Foot Country
‘Pottersville’: Film shot in village premieres at Hamilton Movie Theater
HAMILTON » Sasquatch sightings won’t be the only excitement viewers will watch for during the gala grand premiere of the film “Potters ville” at the Hamilton Movie Theater this Friday. Many in the audience will also be watching for friends, andmaybe even themselves, among the actors on the big screen.
The long-awaited comedy starring Michael Shannon, Judy Greer, and Ron Perlman tells the tale of the impoverished village of Pottersville that was brought alive by the hoopla surrounding a glimpse of a Bigfoot-like creature. But look closely, and some of the dilapidated buildings in the film might resemble those around the Hamilton village green, artistic ally given an early postapocalyptic alan de erie makeover for the story.
That’s because the movie was filmed right there in Hamilton in January 2016. Many locals came out for the fun, joining the cast as extras, or even actors with speaking roles who share screen time with the stars. An open casting call went out to aspiring thespians shortly before filming began, and more than 1,000 applicants showed up to audition for the film.
As one of the few remain- ing independent film venues in the country, the Hamilton Movie Theater regularly offers entertainment programming not available anywhere else. This premiere of “Pottersville” is one of those once-in-alifetime events.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have ‘Pottersville’ in our theater for opening night,” said manager Sean Nevison. “It is going to be a fun run and we are excited that people coming home for Thanksgiving can also come see their little town and friends on the big screen. It’s pretty incredible to watch these talented actors in a funny, quirky comedy with Hamilton as the back drop. Having worked on the film as an extra, it is so cool to watch the time and patience that goes into each shot. The cast and crew were very professional and were out and about in the community and charming.”
On opening weekend, the famous Bigfoot statue from the Breakaway Lounge in Clinton will be on display at the theater for photos. The Hamilton Lions Club will have a booth under the marquee with Bigfoot-themed treats, Upstate Sports will be selling the tshirts, mugs and caps featured in the film, and No. 10 Tavern will host opening night parties with Elk Burgers, Bigfoot Burgers, Bigfoot Ale, and Maynard Moonshine, plus live mu--
sic. The Good Nature Farm Brewery will also have live entertainment after the show.
Plans are in progress for additional festive cross-promotions with other area businesses during the run of the film, Nevison said.
Hamilton man-abouttown Art Zimmer reported he worked on a volunteer basis for three months to bring the filming to the village. The film people also looked at Cazenovia and Skaneateles for their location shots, he said, but he convinced them that Hamilton was their best option.
“I was the first in Hamilton to work with the film crew, three months before the filming started,” Zimmer said. “It was fun to see the surprised and pleased look on their faces as I showed them around our wonderful village. It was principally due to all the advance work I did for them that made them choose Hamilton for the film.”
Zimmer said his favorite part of the production was the first time Perlman came to the village.
“I was put in charge of him for the day,” Zimmer recalled. “We spent the day together. I was impressed by what a nice, down to earth guy Ron was. He got along well with this farm boy from Randallsville and even bought my lunch and asked for a signed copy of my book.”
Tommy Hoe was one of the locals with a speaking part in the film, playing a character named Don. He said Hamilton went from a Colgate University town to a movie-making town for a short time, and the experience he had along with so many others from the area will be long treasured.
“This will be remembered for decades to come and generations to come,” Hoe said. “Even if they were just standing around in the park, they can say theywere in a movie. This was really something that was exciting for the town, and now that excitement has come back.”
Hoe gave especially heartfelt kudos to all the people behind the scenes, including support like the grips, gaffers, and the people in catering who don’t always get the recognition they deserve.
“Working with them was phenomenal because they are the backbone of the movie,” Hoe complimented, explaining he has worked the same capacity on several films in the past himself. “Being with themand partying with them after we have a wrap for the night was so much fun. Without them you wouldn’t have a movie.”
Luminaries from the movie, including director Seth Henrikson, writer Dan Meyer, and producer Jonathon Black will be on hand this Friday and Saturday for premiere night weekend. Meyer said there is no better place to be for the first show.
“I’m so excited to come back to Hamilton for the premiere of Pottersville,” Meyer said. “There’s no place on earth I’d rather be on opening night. The people and town of Hamilton are integral to the movie and without you there wouldn’t be the magic of Pottersville. Thanks for being you, Hamilton!”
“It was very gratifying to know how much the actors and crew enjoyed filming in Hamilton and found the village warm and welcoming,” said Hamilton Mayor RuthAnn Speer Loveless. “It was also very exciting formany in the village to be involved in the filming of ‘Pottersville.’”
The premiere of “Pottersville” is Friday, Nov. 10, although that show was sold out at press time. Themovie will continue with showings at the Hamilton Movie Theater through Nov. 23. For movie times, to purchase advance tickets, or any other information, visit: www. hamiltontheater.net