Ben Coccio agrees, promote local. Especially, Albany.com!
The local premiere for The Place Beyond the Pines materialized like only movie magic can muster, this Thursday. Hosted at Bow-Tie Cinemas in downtown Schenectady, more than a few heavyweights from the project were there.
Ben Coccio (shown above with handsome family in tow), who wrote the screenplay, is a Niskayuna High alum, and one of several principals involved who lobbied for the film to not just include Schenectady as an element central to the story, but also to have the film actually be shot here. That expression of loyalty and genuineness permeated the day, as exemplified by the cast and crew, incredibly patient and giving during their interviews, as well as the fun and amiable atmosphere created by the event staff, the public, and the police (some of who were also extras in the film) minding safety during the premiere event. If you want more of the inside story, continue on faithful readers…
Look… A bashful movie star!
Actually, this is Emory Cohen, who plays “AJ” in the film, and who dutifully walked the red carpet answering reporters’ questions. Cohen mentions leaving sets with Dane DeHaan, “Jason,” son of Ryan Gosling’s character, to visit local eateries or relax a bit after a long day of shooting.
Here’s Emory again, answering more questions and accidentally “smoldering” while staff ensure he stays safe from excited fans.
It’s been a well kept secret, until now, that The Place Beyond the Pines was actually directed by this 4 year old prodigy – who’s sporting a slick worsted wool by OshKosh, while refusing all questions as he completes his red carpet walk.
Speaking of directing small children, Derek Cianfrance appears in his wife, Shannon Plumb’s, film Towheads with their sons Cody and Walker. Towheads premiered in the US at the New Directors/New Films festival in New York City, on March 27th.
Ben Coccio nimbly handles an overzealous fan, before the screening at the Schenectady premiere of The Place Beyond the Pines.
Emory strikes a tough guy pose, while his brother, Andy Cohen (head of BravoTV), responds to reporters’ questions, mostly, “Why are you here?”
These two dapper gents say they came for the “Half Price Wednesday’s” buffet, and are upset when told they can’t get the 10% senior discount. No one has the heart to tell them there’s no buffet – and it’s not Wednesday.
This is Derek Cianfrance, the real director of the film. Like the other luminaries at this event, he was truly lovely, taking more time to talk with reporters than the publicity crew would allow, literally being pulled away, so as not to delay the film’s start.
During interviews, Cianfrance explained that tax credit incentives in North Carolina were actually larger than those offered in New York. He, Coccio, and the other principals had to dig their heels in against their backers and protect creative interests, grounded in authenticity, in keeping the film here. It’s hard to disagree with the decision, as even the film’s poster, featuring the Trustco Bank on the corner of Brandywine and McClellan, is incredibly evocative. Driving by that bank every day, it’s amazing to realize what these talented people envisioned, and how successfully they transform our everyday sites into powerful storytelling.
Want to learn about local extras who were in the film? Guess what’s on director Derek Cianfrance’s hand, and why. Also, was Bradley Cooper really at the premiere? Really??? And if so, what did the expression on his face reveal when he got here? Check back soon for more photos, answers to these burning questions, and much, much more!
To read our review of the film, “click here.”:https://www.albany.com/movie-blog/2013/04/the-place-beyond-the-pines—reviewed.html