The Governor announced today that Rainn Wilson, known to many for his role as Dwight on “The Office” (though we loved him as the weirdo Arthur on “Six Feet Under”) will be joining Patricia Arquette (“Boyhood”) for a comedy shooting in Central Virginia.
The film “Permanent” was written and will be directed by UVA-grad Colette Burson, co-creator/executive producer of the HBO television series “Hung.”
It is set in the early 1980s and “centers around a small town where all the women want to be like Farrah Fawcett while 13-year-old Aurelie deals with a bad hair day in a coming-of-age comedy,” according to the casting page.
Filming will take place in Richmond between July 25 through Aug. 19.
According to a press release: “Burson based ‘Permanent’ on a memorable incident that occurred when she attended E.B. Stanley Middle School in Abingdon.”
Here’s more pertinent info from the Governor’s press release:
The film is set to star Oscar-winner Patricia Arquette (“Boyhood”) and Rainn Wilson (“The Office”). 2929 Productions is partnering with Park Pictures and Washington Square films to make the film. Mary Ann Marino, Haroula Rose, Sam Bisbee and Joshua Blum will produce. Executive producers are Todd Wagner, Ben Cosgrove, Jackie Kelman Bisbee, Lance Acord and Danielle Renfrew Behrens.
Director Colette Burson said, “I feel like I can deliver a movie that looks way beyond my budget because all my Virginia locations are incredibly beautiful and authentic. And I’m not shooting a historical piece; mine is a comedy set in 1983! Because I was raised in Abingdon, went to UVA and still consider myself a Virginian, I contacted the film office staff, who encouraged me to do my movie where it is written, and I’ve been so glad they did. They have been an incredible help in every way, and in fact helped make my movie possible.”
“Colette Burson is a fantastically talented writer and director, and we are delighted that her smart and sweet comedy will be shot here in the Commonwealth,” said Andy Edmunds, Director of the Virginia Film Office. “Projects like ‘Permanent’ bring jobs to our experienced local crew and unparalleled opportunities for new workers in the industry, helping to grow the production infrastructure and, in turn, attract more productions. We’re honored to host this dynamic film.”
“Permanent” will begin filming in early August in Central Virginia. It is eligible to receive a Virginia film tax credit and grant. The exact amount is based on the number of Virginia workers hired, Virginia goods and services purchased, and deliverables, including Virginia tourism promotions. The economic impact of Virginia’s film industry in 2014 was $413.6 million, providing $59.4 million in state and local tax revenue for the Commonwealth, as well as 3,438 full-time jobs.
The Virginia Film Office is part of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the state agency charged with marketing the Commonwealth of Virginia. Tourism is an instant revenue generator in Virginia. In 2015, visitors spent $23 billion, supporting nearly 222,600 jobs and contributing $1.6 billion in state and local taxes.
