Local actors attend the Smile 2 horror movie premier

CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — With such projects like HBO’s Gilded Age returning to the Capital Region for a third time, and Zach Bryan’s Country Music video being filmed in Schenectady, why not a horror movie franchise as well?

NEWS10’s Reporter, James De La Fuente was at the red-carpet event that kicked off at Regal Cinemas in Crossgates Mall for the premiere of Smile 2 . It’s the latest film to be shot right here in the Capital Region.

“We’re excited to see that the Capital District is being used for film and TV locations,” said background actor and founder of Back of Your Head Club, Stephen Rees.

Rees and nearly a dozen of the background actors walked the red carpet for their big night, dropping hints at what to expect. “It was very fun though, to be told that I look like I could be a high-powered executive taking care of a pop star,” said background actor, Liza Marie Wolf.

The actors say they had no idea what they signed up for. “About seven of us were sitting at the table and almost in unison, we all said, “Whoa!” I don’t do horror movies. And an assistant director walked by and said, “You’re doing one now,” recalled background actor, Steve Resler.

Some of them said this was their first time scoring a role in a horror flick. Background actor Nancy Wiley is not a fan of the gruesome and gory kind of film. She said, “I don’t even usually watch horror films. I’m terrified. So, my friends here all know that I’m going to have to keep my eyes covered until our scene.”

Others said they are no stranger to the set life. “Most of us had done the Gilded Age, season two. So, we kind of formed a little group, and when this came out, we all signed up for it,” explained background actor, Erin Bessette. Another background actor, David Eilers said, “And once you do it one time, it’s kind of like they’re sinking the hook. And you’re hooked for good.”

The actors said acting in the modern era of CGI and AI was different, though. Mary Reed, background actor for the film tells NEWS10’s Reporter, James De La Fuente, “They move you all around the theater and move you here, move you there and change you around, and then just replicate you.”

Others with the chance to get up close to the stars of the film. “I got to go up on the stage when Naomi Scott, who plays the pop star when she’s performing. Interact with some of the major players,” said background actor, Michael Cohen.

“I loved it so much. I didn’t know that Naomi Scott had an accent, though. That was mind-blowing,” exclaimed background actor R.J. Farnsworth.   And Capital Region landmarks also getting in on the spotlight. You may even recognize some hometown favorites like the MVP Arena in some of the movie’s scenes. But what is it that makes the Capital Region such a hit for Hollywood? Deb Goedeke, Destination Services Manager , Albany County Film Commissioner says N.Y. has what it takes. “I ask them all the time, the projects when they come here, they say that the film tax credits here in New York State are a big reason of why they come here to Albany and all of New York State. We are just delighted that Hollywood continues to make Albany in the Capital Region their home,” finished Goedeke.

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