Movie Starring Oscar-Winning Actress to Film in Virginia

A comedy film starring Oscar winner Patricia Arquette and actor Rainn Wilson is set to begin shooting next month in Virginia, the Governor's Office announced Wednesday.

The upcoming feature film “Permanent,” starring Arquette ("Boyhood") and Wilson ("The Office") will shoot this summer in Richmond, according to the Virginia Film Office.

The comedy, set in the early 1980s, is about a young girl coming of age in a small town and was written by Virginian Colette Burson. Burson, the co-creator/executive producer of the HBO television series “Hung," will also direct the film. A University of Virginia graduate, she has written for Showtime, FX, NBC and Canal+. Burson based “Permanent” on a memorable incident that occurred when she attended E.B. Stanley Middle School in Abingdon, according to the news release from the Governor's Office.

Interested in working on the film? Visit the Virginia Film Office Web site here for detailed information.

“The Commonwealth of Virginia offers filmmakers an incomparably versatile backdrop, having served as the picture-perfect location for projects from the 17th century through today, and now back again to the 1980s,” said McAuliffe in a statement. “The film will greatly benefit from our state’s natural beauty and the hardworking Virginians who will assist with all aspects of the production process. I am thrilled to add ‘Permanent’ to our Virginia filmography, and excited to see the continued success of our film industry as we work to build a new Virginia economy.”

“Film projects create an excellent boost to the Commonwealth’s economy” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “The Commonwealth’s film production industry has grown exponentially in recent years, and independent films like ‘Permanent’ have played an essential role in the development and success of this industry.”

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, according to the Governor's Office.

The Virginia Film Office is part of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the state agency charged with marketing the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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