Hollenbeck Film + Experience

02/04/2025

🎥 Iconic Movies from the 80s & 90s You Have to Show Your Kids! 🍿

Ready to relive your childhood and blow your kids’ minds? These classics are packed with nostalgia, adventure, and unforgettable moments. Here’s our must-watch list—and where you can find them!

🧙‍♂️ The NeverEnding Story
Introduce them to Falkor the Luck Dragon and the magical land of Fantasia!
Streaming on Max.

👟 The Sandlot
Because you’re killin’ me, Smalls! Teach your kids what summers were really like.
Available on Disney+.

🤖 Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Science experiments gone hilariously wrong, what could go wrong?
Streaming on Disney+.

🦖 Jurassic Park
Show them the OG dinosaur epic (and remind them you saw it before CGI took over).
Watch on Peacock or Prime Video.

👩‍❤️‍👩 The Parent Trap (1998)
Lindsay Lohan at her finest, and double the trouble!
Available on Disney+.

🚲 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
The ultimate alien story that’ll make you cry every time.
Streaming on Prime Video.

🐢 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
Cowabunga, dude! The turtles never go out of style.
Find it on Paramount+ or rent on Prime.

🎮 Jumanji (1995)
Because board games were never this intense IRL.
Streaming on Hulu.

🌈 Labyrinth
David Bowie, puppets, and pure 80s magic—enough said.
Watch on Netflix or rent on Prime.

🔥 The Goonies
Adventure? Pirates? Truffle Shuffle? This is a no-brainer!
Streaming on Max or Prime Video.

🍕 Grab the snacks, dim the lights, and introduce the next generation to the real classics. Which one will you watch first? Drop your faves in the comments! 🚀

01/23/2025

From Film Sets to Your Team: Why Hiring Ex-Film Crew Could Be Your Best Decision Yet

The entertainment industry has always been unpredictable, but the past few years have pushed it to the brink. Between the instability of the pandemic and the recent writer and actor strikes, many talented film crew members are stepping away from the business—not because they lack passion, but because they need stability. And that’s where you come in.

Here’s the truth: former film crew members bring a unique skill set that translates into almost any industry. They’re not just hardworking—they’re some of the most resourceful, creative, and adaptable people you’ll ever meet.

🎬 Problem-Solvers Extraordinaire
On a film set, “Plan A” rarely works. Whether it’s a camera breaking mid-shoot, a location falling through, or weather derailing everything, film crew members learn to pivot fast. They don’t panic—they problem-solve. Imagine having that kind of flexibility and cool-headedness on your team.

🎥 Masters of Hard Work
Working in film isn’t glamorous for most crew members. It’s 12+ hour days, unpredictable schedules, and the expectation to deliver no matter what. They know how to grind, push through challenges, and meet deadlines without excuses.

🎭 Teamwork at Its Best
Film sets are the ultimate collaboration hub. Gaffers, grips, camera operators, set designers—they all work together to make magic happen. Film crew members understand how to work with diverse personalities, communicate effectively, and get the job done as a team.

🎟️ Creativity Meets Practicality
Film crew members are both dreamers and doers. They can envision big ideas and execute them with limited resources. Whether it’s building a set from scraps or turning a disaster into a visual masterpiece, they know how to balance creativity with practicality.

🎞️ They’ve Been Tested
The entertainment industry isn’t for the faint of heart. Film crew members thrive in high-pressure environments, meeting impossible deadlines while keeping things moving. If they can handle the chaos of a major film shoot, they can handle anything your business throws at them.

So, why aren’t they coming with “traditional” resumes? Because their expertise lives in the results they’ve delivered on set—not in corporate job titles. But if you’re willing to look beyond the status quo, you’ll find some of the most dedicated, versatile, and innovative people you could hope to hire.

This is your chance to bring fresh energy and out-of-the-box thinking to your organization. Give them a shot—you won’t regret it.

Have you worked with someone from the entertainment world in a new role? Or are you an ex-film crew member transitioning into a new field? Let’s hear your stories.

01/16/2025

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Email: [email protected]

01/16/2025

What the Film Industry Can Learn from the Wine Industry

Living in the Finger Lakes, surrounded by some of the best winemakers in the world, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to craft something extraordinary. As a filmmaker, I can’t help but notice the parallels—and lessons—the film industry can take from the wine industry.
1. Authenticity Is Your Greatest Asset
In the wine industry, authenticity sells. A winery’s story—family-owned vineyards, sustainable practices, or a unique varietal—is what draws people in as much as the wine itself. The same goes for film. Audiences today crave realness, whether it’s in the characters, the setting, or the story behind the production. A genuine voice is worth more than a flashy budget.
2. Collaboration Over Competition
The Finger Lakes wine community thrives on collaboration. Winemakers share resources, support each other’s events, and lift the whole region. Imagine if filmmakers embraced the same mindset. Instead of vying for solo glory, we could build networks where we share gear, crew, or distribution channels to elevate everyone’s work.
3. Long-Term Investment in Craft
Great wine isn’t made overnight. It’s about patience, experimentation, and learning from failures. The same goes for film. Both industries know what it means to put in the work and wait for the payoff. Maybe Hollywood could trade in its obsession with opening-weekend numbers for a focus on lasting impact. After all, the best stories—like the best wines—age beautifully.
4. Hyperlocal Can Go Global
Finger Lakes wineries prove that embracing what makes your region special can resonate worldwide. The terroir, the climate, the community—these are strengths, not limitations. For filmmakers, there’s power in telling local stories that connect to universal truths. Hollywood doesn’t have a monopoly on the human experience.
5. Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Product
Wine tastings don’t just sell bottles—they sell the experience of how that wine was made. Tours of the vineyard, a conversation with the winemaker, or watching a harvest happen make people feel part of something bigger. The film industry can do the same by inviting audiences into the filmmaking process. Behind-the-scenes features, community screenings, or local premieres create emotional buy-in that builds loyal fans.
6. Embrace the Small Wins
Not every vintage becomes a gold-medal winner, but it doesn’t have to. The same is true in film. Every project doesn’t have to hit Sundance or rake in millions—it can still matter. Whether it’s a small festival run or a well-loved community screening, there’s value in the process and connection, not just the awards.

The wine industry has shown me that success comes not from chasing trends but from doubling down on your roots, lifting others up, and committing to the craft. So here’s a toast to the future of both industries: may we all keep aging like a fine wine.

Cheers!

01/13/2025

🎬 Exciting news! Our film Turn Me On is now available to buy or rent on demand! 🌟 Watch it here: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/turn-me-on/umc.cmc.6ij1nqc5rwdivaw27m5hp8u2f

🎥 Turn Me On was proudly filmed in Rochester, NY, with its stunning utopian world brought to life on the campus of Rochester Institute of Technology (R.I.T.). From the futuristic architecture to the innovative vibe, R.I.T. became the perfect backdrop for our story.

✨ Don’t miss this unique film that’s as visually stunning as it is thought-provoking. Let us know your favorite moments in the comments below!

📲 Watch now and join the conversation!

In a world where the inconvenience of human emotion has been eradicated by a single daily vitamin, one young couple skips their dose and discovers lov…

01/10/2025

Beyond LA, NYC, and Chicago: Other Great Place to Film

Who says you need the Hollywood sign or Manhattan skyline to make great movies? Some of the most exciting work in the industry is happening far from the traditional hubs. Whether it’s tax incentives, unique landscapes, or a strong sense of community, these places are proving that filmmaking has no zip code.

Here are some of the standouts:

🎥 Atlanta, GA – Hollywood’s Southern cousin. With massive tax credits, a strong crew base, and world-class facilities like Trilith Studios, Atlanta has become a go-to for blockbusters (Black Panther, anyone?) and TV (Stranger Things).

🎥 Cleveland & Cincinnati, OH – Ohio is a sleeper hit for filmmakers. Cleveland’s urban grit is perfect for superhero flicks (The Avengers), while Cincinnati’s historic charm and tax incentives make it ideal for period pieces and indie gems (Carol, The Killing of a Sacred Deer).

🎥 Albuquerque/Santa Fe, NM – The desert is hot, and so is New Mexico’s film scene. Thanks to Netflix’s massive studio and scenic backdrops (Breaking Bad, Oppenheimer), it’s a paradise for filmmakers who love that golden hour glow.

🎥 Wilmington, NC – The “Hollywood of the East.” Home to iconic productions (Dawson’s Creek, Iron Man 3), Wilmington has a long history of filmmaking, thanks to EUE/Screen Gems Studios, gorgeous coastal views, and a supportive production community.

🎥 New Jersey – The Garden State is a hidden gem with powerhouse potential. Thanks to robust tax incentives, proximity to NYC, and a legacy dating back to Edison’s first films, Jersey is making a strong case for itself. Iconic projects like The Sopranos and Joker showcase its diverse backdrops, from gritty urban landscapes to serene small towns.

🎥 Charleston, SC – Southern charm with cinematic flair. Its picturesque streets, historic architecture, and proximity to breathtaking Lowcountry landscapes make it a favorite for filmmakers seeking timeless beauty (The Notebook was filmed nearby).

🎥 Pittsburgh, PA – The Steel City has quietly become a favorite for filmmakers who want to capture gritty urban vibes (The Dark Knight Rises, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood). Bonus: those tax incentives are no joke.

🎥 Upstate New York – Call me biased, but there’s magic brewing here. From Buffalo to the Finger Lakes to the Adirondacks, the region offers stunning landscapes, charming small towns, and a growing network of passionate filmmakers.

The best part? These hubs aren’t just cheaper alternatives to LA or NYC—they’re redefining what the movie industry looks like. They’re places where new voices are emerging, where communities are rallying around local talent, and where filmmakers are finding the freedom to experiment.

So, filmmakers: what’s your favorite film hub outside the big three? And for those of us building the future of cinema, where do we set up shop next? Let’s hear your thoughts!

01/09/2025

What’s Right With the Movie Business? More Than You Think.

It’s easy to critique Hollywood—reboots, endless franchises, algorithm-driven storytelling. But let’s pause the cynicism for a moment and ask: What’s going right in the movie business?

Spoiler alert: A lot.

For starters, audiences have never had more access to diverse stories. From arthouse gems to international blockbusters, streaming platforms have become an unexpected bridge to voices we might not have heard a decade ago. Sure, it’s not perfect, but I’ll take the quiet triumph of Everything Everywhere All at Once over endless remakes any day.

And let’s not overlook indie cinema’s scrappy comeback. Filmmakers are finding ways to tell incredible stories with smaller budgets and creative ingenuity. Crowdfunding, regional filmmaking hubs, and a groundswell of grassroots support are redefining what’s possible outside of the studio system. (Shameless plug: keep an eye on projects coming out of upstate New York. There’s a revolution brewing here.)

Then there’s the technology. Virtual production and AI tools are making high-concept filmmaking more accessible to creators who would’ve been priced out of the game in years past. Tools like Unreal Engine are empowering filmmakers to dream bigger and execute smarter.

Most importantly, audiences still show up for great stories. When a film resonates—whether it’s a blockbuster like Oppenheimer or an indie darling like The Banshees of Inisherin—it reminds us why we fell in love with this industry in the first place. It’s not about the budget or the marketing—it’s about connection.

So yes, the movie business is far from perfect, but it’s also alive with possibility. The future of film isn’t just in Hollywood—it’s in the stories we choose to tell, the risks we take, and the communities we build around them.

What’s giving you hope about the future of cinema? Let’s celebrate the wins—and work together to keep the magic alive.

01/07/2025

What’s Wrong with the Movie Business? Let’s Break It Down.

The movie business is a lot like a dead mall: plenty of empty space, a few legacy brands holding on for dear life, and a weird smell of missed opportunity. Don’t get me wrong—I love this industry. I’ve spent over 17 years in it, grinding my way from PA to producer, watching incredible indie films come to life and big-budget blockbusters redefine spectacle. But let’s be real: it’s not all red carpets and box-office records.

Here’s the problem: we’ve forgotten our audience.

Hollywood is stuck in two gears—safe sequels and prestige projects—and it’s leaving a massive middle ground untapped. Where are the gritty, heartfelt, character-driven films? The stories of working-class families? The films that don’t just entertain but connect? It’s not just nostalgia talking—it’s about balance. Audiences want fresh ideas, not just reboots of what worked 30 years ago.

Then there’s the economics. Budgets have ballooned, making risk-taking nearly impossible. Streaming wars have shifted focus to binge-worthy content, sidelining theatrical releases. Indie filmmakers struggle to fund their work, even as audiences hunger for unique voices. It’s a paradox: the demand is there, but the system can’t—or won’t—deliver.

The solution? Take risks. Tell real stories. Give filmmakers the tools to create films that resonate with their communities, not just algorithms. Invest in underdog creators. Support local film societies and festivals. And let’s remember: storytelling isn’t just a business—it’s a way to bring people together.

I’m optimistic because I believe in the power of this industry to evolve. But it starts with us—filmmakers, producers, and audiences—demanding more and creating the stories that matter.

What do you think? Are we ready to stop recycling and start innovating? Let’s discuss—because the credits shouldn’t roll on the magic of movies just yet.

01/05/2025

Eric’s Top 10 Comedic Films: A Laugh-Filled Journey

After much deliberation and laughter-induced tears, I’ve combed through my favorite films and picked the top 10 comedies that never fail to make me smile. Whether it’s iconic one-liners, absurd situations, or heartwarming humor, these movies are my go-to picks when I need a good laugh. Let’s dive in!

1. Tommy Boy

Chris Farley and David Spade are an unbeatable comedic duo. From the ridiculous sales pitches to the unforgettable “fat guy in a little coat” scene, this movie is a masterclass in slapstick hilarity.

2. Step Brothers

Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly take sibling rivalry to chaotic new heights. Boats, hoes, and the Catalina Wine Mixer – what more could you ask for?

3. Wedding Crashers

Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn show us the art of crashing weddings and turning awkward moments into comedy gold. Rule #76: No excuses, play like a champion.

4. What About Bob?

Bill Murray’s neurotic charm paired with Richard Dreyfuss’s escalating frustration is pure genius. Who knew baby steps could lead to so much comedic chaos?

5. Old School

Will Ferrell streaking through the quad? Enough said. This movie is a frat-party fever dream full of ridiculous antics and unforgettable quotes.

6. Beetlejuice

Michael Keaton’s chaotic energy as the titular ghost is both creepy and hysterical. “It’s showtime!” will forever send shivers and chuckles down my spine.

7. Big

Tom Hanks playing a kid trapped in a grown man’s body is comedy perfection. The floor piano scene alone is worth every rewatch.

8. Uncle Buck

John Candy shines as the loveable, inappropriate Uncle Buck, who teaches life lessons with humor, pancakes the size of tabletops, and a trusty hatchet for interrogating teenage boyfriends.

9. The Devil Wears Prada

Meryl Streep’s icy wit combined with Anne Hathaway’s awkward charm creates a surprisingly funny (and fashionable) comedy about survival in the cutthroat world of high fashion.

10. Chef

Jon Favreau’s foodie journey is as much about laughs as it is about mouthwatering food. Plus, the “food truck” road trip vibe is perfect for a feel-good comedy.

Honorable Mentions:
Almost Famous – Not a pure comedy, but who can forget Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s sharp humor as Lester Bangs?
Addams Family – A macabre laugh riot, and who doesn’t love a dance break to “The Mamushka”?

Comedy is subjective, but these films prove that laughter really is the best medicine. Which one’s your favorite? Or did I miss one that deserves a spot on the list? Let’s talk comedies!

01/04/2025

A Few Lessons I’ve Learned in My Film/TV Career That Apply Anywhere

The entertainment industry has taught me some invaluable lessons over the years—truths that resonate far beyond the set or the studio. Here are three that stand out:

🎬 Network before you need something.
Relationships are everything. Whether you’re looking for your next gig or building a new team, investing in genuine connections pays off tenfold. Don’t wait until you’re stuck to start reaching out.

🕒 Be early to set, every time.
Being on time isn’t enough. Showing up early shows respect, readiness, and reliability. It’s a small habit with a huge impact on how you’re perceived in any field.

🙋 Ask questions—you’ll learn faster.
No one expects you to know everything. Asking questions isn’t a weakness; it’s how you grow. And in my experience, people love to share their knowledge—if you’re willing to listen.

What about you? What advice made all the difference when you were starting out? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear!

01/04/2025

Big News: Hollenbeck Film + Experience Is Getting Back to Its Roots—And Hitting the Road!

When we launched Hollenbeck Film + Experience in 2017, the “Experience” in our name wasn’t just for show. Events were a huge part of what we did back then—bringing people together with fun, hyper-local activities in the Finger Lakes region like:
🍷 A yoga series at breweries and wineries (because nothing says “zen” like a post-savasana craft beer).
🌙 A night market full of local makers, live music, and late-night vibes.
🍀 A St. Paddy’s Day race, perfect for earning your Guinness in advance.

Over time, filmmaking took center stage, and those local events became part of our history. But we’ve missed it. So now, we’re leaning back into the “Experience” part of our name—big time.

When we’re not making movies, we’re making memories—literally. Outside of filmmaking, Hollenbeck Film + Experience is launching a travel agency side hustle because, well, why not?

We’re relaunching our experiences as nationwide travel adventures, curating trips to the coolest, quirkiest, and most iconic events across the U.S.

🌟 Now, we want to hear from YOU! 🌟
What are some cool, quirky, or must-see events we should add to our 2025 travel roster? Whether it’s a hidden gem or a bucket-list event, drop your ideas in the comments.

Let’s make this relaunch as unforgettable as our films. The world is full of stories—and some of the best ones happen when you’re exploring it.

01/01/2025

Behind the Scenes: Turning Dreams into Frames

As 2024 comes to a close, I’m reflecting on how every project, big or small, starts the same way—an idea. Whether it’s a story of cleverness and independence, wrapped in slapstick humor and heartwarming family bonds (Home Alone.) Or a hilarious portrait of holiday chaos that reminds us of the quirks and love within every family ( National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.) And who can forget a tale of pure optimism and joy, showing us the power of belief and embracing your inner child, while enjoying spaghetti with syrup! (Elf). The magic of filmmaking is bringing those ideas to life.

The journey isn’t always glamorous. It’s early mornings, late nights, and countless revisions. It’s fundraising, scouting locations, assembling the perfect team, and, most importantly, believing in the power of storytelling.

But the reward? Seeing a project evolve from script to screen, watching characters connect with audiences, and knowing we’ve captured something meaningful—even if it’s just a laugh in a chaotic world.

Grateful for all the talented filmmakers, actors, and dreamers who have been part of this year’s adventures. 2025 is shaping up to be even more exciting, with new scripts, more collaborations, and fingers crossed a lot more popcorn-worthy moments.

Here’s to turning ideas into action, one frame at a time. 🎥