Sparta's Film Readiness Committee Fields Interest from Netflix for 'Happy Gilmore' Film

SPARTA, NJ – The Lake Mohawk Golf Club is being scouted by a production crew from Netflix as a possible location for the sequel to “Happy Gilmore,” Adam Sandler’s 1986 hit movie, according to Sparta Township Mayor Neill Clark.

Clark shared the information he learned from Frank Dolce, Sparta resident, member of the Lake Mohawk Golf Club and Sparta’s Film Readiness Committee.

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“I was floored that a few weeks after telling management about the benefits of attracting entertainment production, a production company handling a movie for the highest paid actor in Hollywood, [Adam Sandler] came knocking on our door,” Dolce said.

Dolce and Clark discussed Netflix’s interest with local filmmaker Kevan Ali for advice on how to handle the inquiry.  Ali recently shot his short film “Emerald Ties” in Sparta using local talent on all aspects of the film that was featured on Amazon Prime.

“We reached out to Kevan because of his experience and connections with major studios to advise us on how to engage with a major entertainment company like Netflix.” Dolce said.

Following their discussion with Ali, Clark and Dolce contacted a member of Netflix’s production unit to encourage them to consider Sparta as Netflix scouts other locations in Sussex County, like Crystal Springs in Vernon, Clark said.

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Clark said, “We highlighted why Sparta is an excellent destination for film and television production and I told them about the talent Town Council has appointed to the Sparta Film Ready Committee. Our committee includes people with decades of experience in various aspects of entertainment production, from acting to production management, technical editing and lighting.  I told the Netflix producer that our committee has people that speak their language, and that Sparta is currently working on the application to get designated a film ready community by the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission.”

Ali announces another project will use Sparta as its backdrop in the upcoming months.  He said some Sparta Film Ready committee members are working on a short film titled, “Subversion.” Ali said this production will be filmed at Sparta Councilman Josh Hertzberg’s Burger & Butcher restaurant.

“Subversion” is about a former soldier turned fugitive who must meet with his handlers to ensure his safety while uncovering a conspiracy threat to national security,” Ali said.  This film is the prelude to a television series that he will be filming at Steve and Rachael Scro’s Industry Kitchen + Bar, also in Sparta, later this year.

Ali said,“think ‘The Bear’ meets ‘Barry'” when describing the plot.

Ali said “Subversion” is set to release later this year and “aims to captivate audiences and generate awareness for the larger film readiness initiative.”

At the meeting, Clark requested new member Roy McDonald be added to the Film Readiness committee.

Some background on the committee members:

• Roy McDonald: inventor of special lighting for TV and film used by Steven Spielberg and Nickelodeon. Did sequencing and editing for major recording artists, editor for TV shows and documentaries like Celebrity Apprentice and Wife Swap
• Justin Karpowich: 25 years of pre and post-production in broadcast, film, sports and corporate markets. 2021 Emmy Award winner for Technology and Engineering.
• Melati Pohan: freelance producer for over two decades primarily in commercials and some feature films.
• Robert Boyle : executive producer of various films.
• Frank Dolce: film, TV and Broadway actor and winner of Astaire Award nominated actor/dancer.
• Joe Garsetti: proprietor of the Sparta Stage and professional magician.
• Angela DeLuccia: Librarian and director of the musical theatre program at Sparta High School for 22 years.
• Lou Perez: comedian, author and producer of numerous videos and shorts and commercial content creator.
• George Segale: independent film maker, photographer, videographer and proprietor of George Segale Studios in Sparta.
• Sean Landy: assistant director and production assistant for commercials and independent films.
• Kevin Salmeri: production assistant on short film production shot in Sparta.
• Student Interns: Aidan Mahoney, Sparta High School graduate and current student at Syracuse’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. Myles Williams, Sparta High School 2024 graduate and aspiring screenplay writer.

The deadline for submitting the film ready application is August 31st and the New Jersey Film and Television Commission will award the designations in mid to late fall of 2024.

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