Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - "There are two movie shoots locally, plus we have a large national TV commercial. There's a lot going on" said Tim Clark, with the
Buffalo Niagara Film Office, on WBEN Tuesday.
The film business is definitely picking up in Western New York after things quieted down from Hollywood strikes in 2023 and 2024.
Crews are working at the SPCA Serving Erie County shooting a holiday movie called "A Christmas Tail." It brings Director, Fred Olen Ray, to Western New York. Clark said Ray fell in love with Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
"Gina Lattuca of the SPCA along with Cait Daly have been so wonderful to work with. It's a special place in Western New York and we're now going to show the world. In fact, if people come out and adopt a dog or a cat, they may be adopting a movie star when the movie comes out at Christmastime. There are a lot of tails wagging at the SPCA," quipped Clark.
Other scenes from "A Christmas Tail" have being shot at Knox Farm in East Aurora. Crews will be at the Reserve Fire Company in West Seneca later in the week. Production will wrap up Saturday.
Clark said that another movie with some recognizable actors is set to start filming in about three weeks.
One notable movie that was filmed here last year, "Cutman," starring William Fichtner, and directed by Michael Mailer is expected to be released this fall.
Clark also noted that Mailer is coming back to shoot his third film in Buffalo this year.
"It's the secret of Buffalo. Once someone comes here that hasn't been here, they keep coming back," said Clark. "The community is so accepting . It's a special thing and that's not always the case in other places.