Political Thriller to Film in Virginia

Producers of the upcoming political thriller Public Affairs have selected Norfolk, Va. as their filming location, Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced Monday.

The political thriller centers on a young campaign aide who sleeps with the wife of a presidential candidate — a mistake that threatens his career and endangers his life, and exposes him to blackmail, according to a recent report by Variety.

The project will star Adrian Grenier (Entourage) and Mimi Rogers (Hope Springs), and will be directed by Sundance alum and DGA-award winner Eric Bross (Restaurant). The film was written by Tom Cudworth (Restaurant).

Adrian Grenier is known for his iconic role as ‘Vince’ in the HBO hit comedy series Entourage. Grenier previously starred in popular films such as The Devil Wears Prada alongside Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep. Mimi Rogers’ successful career is highlighted by movies including Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, and more recently in box office hits such as The Wedding Ringer, Hope Springs, and Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd.

Two principals behind the camera have ties to Virginia: Producer Stephen Israel notes he spent his summers in Norfolk and co-producer Jeff Frizzell is from Norfolk.

“I am thrilled to welcome School Pictures and the Public Affairs cast and crew to the Commonwealth of Virginia” Governor Terry McAuliffe said. “Virginia has a rich filmmaking history that reflects our Commonwealth’s great contributions and key roles in American history and politics. This film production highlights the artistic integrity of the Hampton Roads region and underlines Virginia as a premiere location in today’s American film industry.”

Produced by School Pictures’ Stephen Israel and George Voskericyan of American Film Productions, Public Affairs is set to start principal photography June 2016 in and around Norfolk.

“I am incredibly excited to be working with Eric Bross to bring this intense and suspenseful film to the screen,” commented producer Stephen Israel. “I’m particularly excited to be shooting in Norfolk - a homecoming of sorts, having spent my summers here growing up. Hampton Roads has a broad range of shooting environments, as well as a strong production infrastructure, and I’ve long wanted to bring a production to the area.

“Virginia continues to be a premier destination for film and television production, a substantial contributor to the economy,” said Maurice Jones, secretary of Commerce and Trade. “In 2014, the industry contributed over $44 million to the Hampton Roads economy alone and $414 million across the state. This project will bring widespread spending and numerous job opportunities to the region and push forward the growth of this lucrative industry throughout the Commonwealth.”

Co-producer and Norfolk native Jeff Frizzell said: "I am proud to be able to help bring this feature film to Virginia. Our locations and crew are second to none, and with the extraordinary help of the Virginia Film Office, we were able to make this possible."

PHOTO of actor Adrian Grenier courtesy of AdrianGrenier.com

Filming starts next month for "Public Affairs" in Norfolk, Va.: (Google map)