First Upstate Community Volunteer Project Under “Film Good/Do Good” Initiative Kicks Off In Buffalo Marshall Film Crew In Buffalo to Join Students Working on Habitat for Humanity Home
The first upstate project under a first-of-its-kind community service initiative called “Film Good/Do Good” took place in Buffalo today, where the production team working on the film, Marshall, will volunteer with students from Western New York YouthBuild to rehabilitate an inner-city Habitat for Humanity home. This is the second project since the program was announced earlier this year.
The Marshall production crew assisted in the rehabilitation of a Lasalle Avenue home in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of Buffalo, The Service Collaborative of Western New York, the Governor’s Office for Motion Picture and Television Development (GOMPTD) and the New York State Commission on National and Community Service (NYSCNCS), which joined with the GOMPTD to form the “Film Good/Do Good” program to promote volunteerism from film production companies who can “give back” to the communities that host them during filming.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said, “Film Good/Do Good is a one-of-a-kind anti-poverty program that builds on the work we’ve been doing with Governor Andrew Cuomo - work that supports growing industries, including Buffalo’s emerging film industry, which generates millions of dollars to the local economy. As we continue to grow Buffalo into a film and television production destination, I welcome this great opportunity to encourage a new kind of volunteerism that will enable members of the entertainment industry to make an even stronger impact on the Buffalo community.”
Monday’s collaboration at 667 Lasalle included drywall finishing, interior carpentry, siding installation, painting and the installation of a porch.
Marshall Producer Jonathan Sanger said, “We welcome this opportunity to show our appreciation to the people of Buffalo by giving something back to the community where it is most needed. Everyone on Marshall has felt the hospitality of this city, and we understand there are parts of every community that could use some uplift. Film Good/Do Good has been great by connecting us to the young people from the Service Collaborative and Western New York YouthBuild on this project that gives us a chance to pitch in and do something meaningful to help."
Gigi Semone, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Motion Picture and Television Development said, “Productions not only leave a big economic footprint when they film in New York, the members of the cast and crew also have a genuine desire to leave lasting goodwill in the communities where they shoot. The generosity of time and spirit shared by the Marshall producers and crew on this service event will be a model for other productions to follow."
Linda J. Cohen, Executive Director of NYSCNCS said, “We welcome the volunteers from Marshall, who will serve alongside others to help a Buffalo family become homeowners. This support from the film community will leave a lasting imprint on this neighborhood, and will assist Habitat for Humanity Buffalo in its mission to fight poverty and serve the homeless. The Commission is proud to work with the Marshall production team and the Service Collaborative of Western New York on this project.”
Kate Sarata, , Executive Director of The Service Collaborative of WNY said, “The Service Collaborative, with its WNY YouthBuild program and VolunteerWNY, is thrilled at the opportunity to serve alongside individuals working in Buffalo, NY on the biopic ‘Marshall’. It is such an honor to share the service we do daily in our community. Through our partnership with Habitat for Humanity-Buffalo, we not only are able to provide quality construction support to homes for needy individuals, we are able to shape the experiences and life skills of students who are enrolled in our YouthBuild program.”
Hero Films, Chestnut Ridge Productions and Hudlin Entertainment are filming a courtroom thriller that focuses on a young Thurgood Marshall, who later became the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, and his handling of a case that proved important to the Civil Rights movement. Filming is happening primarily in Niagara Square at the Dillon Courthouse, in the heart of downtown Buffalo. The production expects to spend at least $4.5 million, hire more than 400 crew and extras, and book an estimated 1,100 hotel room nights.
About the New York State Governor's Office for Motion Picture & Television Development
The New York State Governor's Office for Motion Picture & Television Development (MPTV), a division of Empire State Development (ESD), offers film, television and commercial productions and post-production tax credits for qualified expenditures in New York State. The office also serves as a liaison between production companies and city and local governments, state agencies, a network of statewide contacts, local film offices and professional location scouts and managers. Film Good/Do Good is funded by a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service. For more information on filming in New York State or the Film Production and Post-Production Tax Credit Programs, please visit www.nylovesfilm.com.
About the New York State Commission on National and Community Service
The New York State Commission on National and Community Service - New Yorkers Volunteer seeks to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering in New York State. It was established in 1994 by an Executive Order of the Governor, and administers programs funded by the National Community Service Trust Act of 1993, including AmeriCorps State and AmeriCorps Education Awards programs. The Volunteer Generation program and Film Good/Do Good are funded in part by a grant to NYSCNCS from the Corporation for National and Community Service. For more information, visit newyorkersvolunteer.ny.gov, like NYS CNCS on Facebook, and follow @NYersVolunteer on Twitter.
About The Service Collaborative of New York
The Service Collaborative of WNY (TSCWNY) creates opportunities for all individuals to serve their communities, challenging them to turn their ideals into action and their passion into positive change. Through transformational service and civic responsibility, we are designing a sustainable future for our nation’s communities.
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