An interview with Hudson Valley filmmaker Frank Theodore

Hudson Valley filmmaker Frank Theodore shares his vision for a thriving local film scene, discusses his upcoming short I Must, and explains why true independent filmmaking depends on community.

Frank Theodore is part of a new wave of Hudson Valley filmmakers proving that world-class stories can be made far from Hollywood. He’s carving out a path for locally produced, community-driven cinema — films written, shot, and staffed entirely by people who live here.

In this conversation, Frank talks about his upcoming short film I Must, his dream of building a sustainable film economy in the region, and why “independent filmmaking is anything but independent.”

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Jordan: Are you originally from the Hudson Valley? What’s kept you here?

Frank: Yeah — born and raised. I love the community; I always have. I kind of bounced around a lot as a kid, moving between different towns and school districts — Newburgh, Montgomery, Walden, Wallkill. Every place had something special.

You can be in the City of Newburgh and get that city feel, that kind of urban energy, and then drive fifteen minutes and suddenly you’re out on a farm with acres of land. It feels like a completely different world. That’s what I love about this area: the contrast, the character, the architecture, the potential.

And now that we have real production studios up here, actually making films that get theatrical releases and TV series, it feels like we’re right on the edge of something big. I really believe the Hudson Valley is about to have its moment.

From Documentary to Narrative

Jordan: You started in documentary, right?

Frank: Yeah. I started off doing documentary just to get my feet wet — to learn the process, figure things out. Documentary is the most accessible form of filmmaking. Anyone can pick up a camera and start. That’s great, and I have huge respect for that.

But my passion has always been narrative. I love writing scripts, creating characters, telling stories. I want to prove that we can make proper, powerful narrative films here — by Hudson Valley people, in the Hudson Valley.

Building a Local Film Economy

Jordan: You’ve talked about wanting to stay local. What does that mean for you?

Frank: My dream is to make films here, with local talent, and keep building on that — not just make a few shorts, get noticed, and then leave. I don’t ever want to be the guy who gets his first feature deal and says, “Thanks for everything, see you later.”

When that moment comes, I want to still be working with the same people, just with more resources. Same energy, same collaboration — but now we can pay people better, use better equipment, and push the quality even higher.

There’s a disconnect right now: a lot of productions come up here from L.A. or New York City, use our locations and crews, then pack up and leave. That doesn’t feel right. I want to help build a real independent filmmaking economy here — one where people can live and work in the same place.

"Independent Filmmaking Is Anything but Independent"

Jordan: What role does community play in that vision?

Frank: It’s everything. My slogan is “Independent filmmaking is anything but independent.” We can’t do it alone. We need the community — and the community needs to know how much we value them.

When I first started, I made a YouTube series called Your Local Creatives, where I interviewed artists, makers, and entrepreneurs around the Hudson Valley. One of them was a guy named David Moldover, who runs Newburgh Pottery.

He told me that he used to live in the city, surrounded by millions of people, and he’d never felt more alone. When he moved up here, he immediately felt community — even before opening his shop. And once he did, he built a real creative hub. That’s the difference here.

That story stuck with me. We’re not just making films; we’re building a culture of collaboration. It’s not about taking — it’s about what we can give back.

The New Film: I Must

Jordan: Tell us about the film you’re working on now.

Frank: This is my fourth short film — and, if all goes according to plan, my last before moving into features. The film’s called I Must. It’s a psychological horror story about a painter who’s been struggling to create anything meaningful. He makes a deal with this creature — kind of a supernatural presence — who promises he’ll never lack inspiration again. Every painting he finishes will be a masterpiece, and he’ll go down in history as one of the greats.

But there’s a cost: every time he completes a painting, someone he loves dies.

It’s not a blood-and-guts horror movie. It’s a family drama first and foremost — about what an artist is willing to sacrifice to become great. He’s finally getting the recognition he always wanted, but he’s also destroying his family. That push and pull, the praise from the outside world versus the damage at home — that’s what fascinates me.

There’s a lot of me in it. I think any artist can relate to that hunger to be seen and the guilt that comes with ambition.

Jordan: Where are you in the process now?

Frank: We’re officially in pre-production. The plan is to shoot in the spring. We’re putting together the cast, locking locations, and reaching out for local sponsorships.

We’re trying to keep costs as low as possible — but I’m also a big believer in paying people for their work. Yes, it’s amazing when people volunteer or offer discounts because they believe in the project, and I love that generosity. But at the same time, I want people to be compensated. Everyone deserves to feel valued for what they bring.

So, we’re looking for partnerships. Like, if you own a coffee shop, donating coffee for the cast and crew for a couple of days would make a huge difference. Same with restaurants or delis providing food. Every bit helps — it allows us to put the money we do raise directly into paying local talent.

Jordan: Can you give an example of what that local collaboration looks like?

Frank: Absolutely. One partnership I’m really excited about is with Kaitlyn Murray, who runs Après l'Amour and also started Hudson Valley Sustainable Fashion Week. She’s our wardrobe stylist, and she’s bringing in clothing made by local designers.

That does two things: it helps us with wardrobe, and it gives those designers a platform. Imagine a small clothing maker getting to say, “My designs were featured in a film.” That’s exposure they might not otherwise have.

We’ll credit them on screen, promote their work, and maybe even organize a screening with a pop-up shop where those designers can sell their pieces. It’s that kind of circular ecosystem I want to see more of — everyone helping everyone else succeed.

Raising the Bar

Frank: I want to make great films. There’s nothing more disheartening than rallying a whole team together, everyone giving their time and energy, and then ending up with something that feels half-baked.

I want to demonstrate that independent doesn’t mean amateur. We can make work that looks, feels, and sounds like a big-budget theatrical release — right here, using our own people and our own landscapes.

Inspiration and Process

Jordan: Where do you find inspiration?

Frank: A lot of it comes from other artists around here. Upstate Art Weekend, Newburgh Open Studios — I go to as many events as I can. Meeting people, seeing their work, hearing their passion — that gets me fired up.

And then there’s nature. I’m a big nature guy. Sometimes I just take my dog, a notebook, and go for a long walk. No phone, no screens — just quiet. I’ll sit somewhere for an hour or two, and ideas start coming. It’s amazing what a little bit of boredom can unlock when you actually give yourself space to think.

Jordan: What are your go-to coffee spots in the Hudson Valley?

Frank: I actually don’t drink much coffee — not a coffee guy. But I do love a dirty chai. My usual spots are HÅKAN in Beacon, Big Mouth Coffee, and Kitchen & Coffee.

I also just met Mike from Triple Shot on Liberty Street in Newburgh. Great guy, new shop. He said he can make a dirty chai, so I’ll definitely be stopping by.

Jordan: What are the three films you’d take to a desert island?

Frank:

1. There Will Be Blood — Paul Thomas Anderson
2. The Master — Paul Thomas Anderson
3. Inglourious Basterds — Quentin Tarantino

Paul Thomas Anderson is my favorite American writer-director. Tarantino’s my favorite writer. I could watch There Will Be Blood a hundred times and still find something new.

I’m also a huge fan of Yorgos Lanthimos — he’s a Greek filmmaker who’s transitioned beautifully into English-language work — and of course Kubrick, not the best person, but a genius when it comes to craft.

And Jonathan Demme — not enough people talk about him. He directed The Silence of the Lambs, tons of music videos, and these strange, intimate documentaries. He passed away recently, and I think his influence will be felt for a long time.

Jordan: That’s a strong lineup. Thanks so much for doing this interview, and for everything you're doing for the film community here!

Frank: Thank you. World-class films can come from right here in the Hudson Valley — made by the people who live here.