By Russ Tarby
Contributing Writer
Director Jeremy Garelick’s movie company, American High, will start production on Oct. 5, on a yet-to-be-named new feature film. It will be the eighth movie made here since American High opened its Academy at Syracuse Studios three years ago at the old Liverpool High School building at 800 Fourth St.
In mid-August Garelick put the 91-year-old building – also known as the Zogg Building – and its 6.9-acre lot up for sale with plans to relocate his film company elsewhere. He told the Star-Review that the high cost of complying with village and state codes prompted his decision to sell.
During the first week of September, however, village Code Official Bill Reagan issued a certificate of occupancy to the Academy at Syracuse Studios.
“The academy is the film school operated by Jeremy Garelick and is not approved as a film studio,” Reagan explained. “Jeremy and his people were able to complete the needed items for the school to obtain its certificate of occupancy which included tying up loose ends on the fire alarm system, carbon monoxide alarms and the removal of temporary sets and other activities that require the installation of a sprinkler system.”
American High has produced seven feature films here since Garelick bought the property for an estimated $1 million in 2017.
Last week, the director – whose credits include “The Wedding Ringer” and “The Hangover” – confirmed that a new project will begin shooting here next month.
“Because of certain deals we are waiting on, we can’t say what the movie is yet,” Garelick wrote in an email. “We are currently calling it ‘Movie 8.’ Our plan is to shoot it here in the Syracuse area, hoping to use the school in Liverpool for a few days with special permission from the village and additional fire safety compliance.”
Meanwhile, Garelick continues to entertain purchase offers on the 800 Fourth St. property.
“We do have an offer on the school that we’re considering while figuring out our future here in Syracuse,” the director wrote.
Meanwhile, the village is doing what it can to encourage the moviemakers to remain here.
The academy’s original pending permit application was submitted under the 2015 Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, Reagan reported.
Noting that American High wants to build a soundstage inside the Zogg Building, Reagan said he’s trying to let them know what they should do to make that happen.
“I’ve reviewed the project under the new 2020 Codes that took effect this summer and have advised the film school of what is required to create a soundstage for filming within the building,” the code official told the Star-Review last week. “In the mean time they can apply for a Filming Permit in accordance with the Village Code and perform limited filming in the building.”
Extras sought for ‘Movie 8’
American High’s “Movie 8” was originally scheduled to start March 16, but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Casting coordinator Hilary Greer seeks union and non-union background actors of all ages, ethnicities and types for several roles in the as-yet-unnamed teen dramedy.
The filmmakers want actors to play high-school students, trucker types, teachers, pedestrians, customers and partiers. Filming is expected to take place from early October to mid-November.
To be considered for a role, click on hbgcasting.com/join-our-database/.
New York State guidelines for filming TV shows and movies amid Covid-19 include requiring face masks except for actors during performances, limiting cast and crew to 50 percent capacity in indoor locations, conducting auditions and casting calls virtually and limiting scenes with close contact or large crowds.
American High’s most recent films shot here include “The Binge” starring Vince Vaughn and “Big Time Adolescence” starring Pete Davidson. Both of those comedies are now streaming on Hulu.
