“Incredibly beautiful and authentic” Virginia locations entice movie director

The upcoming comedy “Permanent,” written and directed by a University of Virginia graduate and starring Patricia Arquette and Rainn Wilson, will shoot in Central Virginia in early August.

Director Colette Burson was quoted in a news release as saying, “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.”

The comedy, set in the early 1980s, is about a young girl coming of age in a small town. Burson, co-creator/executive producer of the HBO television series “Hung,”  has written original television for Showtime, FX, NBC and Canal+.  She said “Permanent” is basedon a memorable incident that occurred when she attended E.B. Stanley Middle School in Abingdon.

“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,” according to 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.”

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.

“Permanent” is eligible to receive a Virginia film tax credit and grant, according to a news release from the office of Gov. Terry McAuliffe. 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 release stated.

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.