Thursday, January 22, 2015

Fun in Sleepy Hollow

Have you seen the TV show Sleepy Hollow? David and I love the show and look forward to each episode.


Well, the other day I got to do something really fun! You see, they were filming in my town! Yep, they were here in downtown New Bern to film the season finale. I only live five minutes from downtown, so I decided to hop on over and take a peek.


I love all the creative magic that goes into making a show. It was really cool to see how they transformed paved streets to dirt streets with $100,000 worth of mulch!

They took down street signs and covered up fire hydrants with bushes in order to make everything look really old.


New Bern was originally the capitol of North Carolina and Tryon Palace was the governor's house. I peeked through the gates to see the scenes. I would love a job as a set or costume assistant. I always thought it would have been fun to go to college to learn something like that. 


There really weren't a whole lot of people there and I had a great spot to stand. The next thing I know, Mr. Tim Busfield who plays Benjamin Franklin, came strolling by. I took his photo, smiled really big and said, "Hi!" He smiled and said, "Well hi!" So cool! :)

Then I walked down the street to where the cast trailers were. Here I saw Katia Winter who plays Katrina Crane.


She had just finished a scene and was walking her little baby.


Here she is leaving. I knew right away she was a kind person because she was so good to her little dog. 


The next thing I knew, Nicole Beharie, the lead actress who plays Lt. Abbie Mills, came walking by drinking her coffee.


She is a beautiful lady and is super tiny. She too had just finished a scene.

Then there was Tom Mison, the lead actor who plays Ichabod Crane.

 He is really tall, slim and very handsome.

He was kind enough to wave at us. There was a lady with four little kids standing near me. They were so excited that he waved. I saw him a little while later as he walked past my car. I smiled and waived. He looked at me and smiled. He was wearing a baseball cap. He walked by a bunch of people, but nobody noticed him. Too funny!

Across the street, I noticed these two fellas. I shouted and said I was going to take their photo too! Then I walked over to meet them. This is John (left) and Reggie (right). They work for an independent film crew that supports different production companies. They were so nice to take the time to chat with this curious little bunny lady. I was fascinated by all the production and behind the scenes activity that goes into making a show. I truly enjoyed our chat and Reggie gave me a big hug when I left. Thanks fellas!


They had finished filming on this street and I asked a police officer if  I could walk down and take some photos. This is the house they were filming in. Isn't it pretty? I love the trees too.


I'm not sure if they filmed in this garden across the street, but I thought it was pretty so I decided to take a photo anyway. ;)


Here are some props and another house they used for some scenes.

It was so much fun being able to witness all of this in person. I can't wait to watch the season finale and see how they transform all this into TV magic. There are so many talented and creative people who bring everything together.

Alas, I found out later that this will be the last time they film in NC. In fact, many production companies are leaving. Film agencies have been in NC forever. Wimington, my favorite place, is huge for the film industry with lots of TV shows coming from there. It seems it is all coming to an end. As stated on the local news, the NC Politicians have decided to end the tax incentives for filming, thus sending the film people to GA where their Politicians welcome the agencies with open arms and huge incentives.

While I stood enjoying the activity of the filming,  I looked around at all the people working. I looked at the bags people were carrying from local shops. I looked at the $100,000 worth of mulch that was spread on the street to create a scene and thought about the people who were not only paid to deliver and spread the mulch, but who would be employed to clean it up. I looked at what a wonderful four days of income, not to mention excitement from folks who were selected to be extras, that this filming crew brought to the little town of New Bern. 

In 2013, the NC Politicians gave $61.2 million in tax credits to the film industry who brought in $268 million in direct spending and 19,000 jobs (to people who pay taxes). Now I'm no mathematician or economist by any means, but I can't seem to wrap my head around why our new Politicians would want to send over $206 million dollars to the state of GA and cause 19,000 (tax paying) people to lose their jobs. It's really sad and frankly, stupid.



Oh well, I'm still grateful for a fun experience and the fact that I can still enjoy the show on TV. "Break a leg" Sleepy Hollow.  :)

Light, love and blessings to you,
Michelle, the Bunnies and Sabrina kitty too!

32 comments:

Christine M said...

I bet you had the best time, Shell. It's amazing how they transform a town to look like it was a hundred years ago. My brother is a costume designer. I know he does lots of research for period dramas. He has told me historical facts about clothing "back in the old days" that were really fascinating.

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Michelle and bunnies,

What fun! My husband and I watch the show and enjoy it and how neat that you were right there amongst the filming.
Love the homes and yes, tres handsome and I agree with you.
Sending hugs and hope you are enjoying the week
Carolyn

Little Miss Titch said...

OMB how exciting ,you live in a truly magical place,xx Rachel

Jeanette said...

How exciting. Love Sleepy Hollow. Thanks for the tour of your lovely town. Hugs,xx

Sparklyjools said...

How Cool! We are waiting to see this show on DVD here. Really excited now. And New Bern looks gorgeous!

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

Michigan did the same thing a few years ago. How fun to see what they created in your own town. My middle daughter lives in downtown Portland, Oregon and she is always commenting on when they film Grimm, but not quite that type of transformation.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

How totally FUN, SHELL!

You know, I have never even heard of this show, but if you and your husband love it, then I bet Ruben and I would love it too. Something tells me we have the same taste since we four are Hobbit and Lord of the Ring fans!

It is so thrilling to see movies/shows made. I used to be an extra as a very young woman out in L.A. and did a few movies. To see the behind the scenes can be such an emotional experience, watching artists do their work. Your area is SO GORGEOUS! I love back east, and especially Virginia. I have never been to your neck of the woods, but just by seeing your photos here, I remember the lovely colonial homes in Massachusetts where we lived, and all over New England on our travels. The farthest south I've been is Williamsburg and was that ever gorgeous.

Well then, Sleep Hollow is now on my list of shows that I want to watch with Ruben. Have a wonderful day my sweet friend! Anita

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I'll admit that I have not watched this show - I don't do a lot of TV. But how exciting to get to see all this first hand.

Thearica said...

I think some of our politicians were dropped on their heads at birth.

Barb said...

Looks like you had a grand time....Never heard of Sleepy Hollow before.

Keitha Graham said...

Great little narrative, Michelle. I've often wondered how they do the sets.
I watched the first season faithfully but found it was getting a little scary to continue this season.... big chicken that I am.

tink's mom said...

What a fun adventure. It's amazing what they can do with a little "makeup". Glad you had a fun day. Polititions are idiots.

Sherri said...

I love Sleepy Hollow! I really, really hope they are renewed for another season.

Alas, our North Carolina legislators can be amazingly dense some (if not most) of the time. Sending needed jobs somewhere else? Not the best thing to do...and obviously not the brightest fabric in the shop.

Natascha said...

How cool is that??? Awesome you got to see that and that it's a favorite of yours! :)

The Slow Quilter said...

I love this show also and you go some great pictures of the cast. I will be looking with open eyes and mind to pictures your pitures on the TV. You lucky bunnie you.

Anna said...

I have never seen the show because I am a scaredy cat :) but what a really fun experience to see your favorite show and how they transform a set.

Loris said...

What a fun day for you! The actors and crew seemed like nice people too.
I don't think politics is ever going to make sense. I'm with you on that....very short sighted decisions.

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

Ohhh--what a fun filled day you had--hope you went home and told the bunnies and kitty all about your day!!!
smiles, diandmissgracie
ps--am being good and working on this months design you gave us!!

Sandi said...

Thanks for sharing the behind the scenes peek at the show.

One of my favourite lines is when they commandeered a motorcycle when their car broke down. When Ichabod got off he declared "I want one of these!" Best line ever.

Kris said...

What a fun experience!! And thanks for the great photo tour!! Now, I have to go see about watching Sleepy Hollow!! And you are right - politicians are stoopid - makes one wonder how they ever get elected!!

Createology said...

What a really fun day for you to experience first hand the filming and the actors and helpers who make it all happen. There is nothing I can understand about politics and politicians! Tag's (of Brynwood) word "stoopid" comes to my mind. Thank you dear for sharing this with us.

RG said...

Well. THAT was fun. But this TV watching when you could be working has got to stop.

Your state is very conservative. But then, our state is more progressive yet we let a huge chunk of Boeing go to So. Carolina because they offered so much incentive!

Every politician should be required to personally own and care for a house bunny. That would set them straight!

Deb said...

How exciting Michelle! I love Sleepy Hollow and will watch the season finale with great interest and look for your beautiful town. Thanks for a fun peek behind the scenes!

Lesley said...

What an interesting post! Loved seeing all the pics of your beautiful town. You gave us a great look from behind the scenes. Thanks for sharing!

Wendy said...

how exciting! I love Sleepy Hollow and now when i watch this episode, I'll be telling hubs that Shell and the Buns live there!

Crafty Green Poet said...

It must have been great fun to watch them making the show! Sorry the film industry is moving out of your area!

Anonymous said...

How totally cool! :D We don't have regular tv here in the woods, got too expensive so we just have Netflix, Acorn and Amazon Prime. Wonder if the first season of this show is available yet?! You have peaked my interest as I love anything 18th and 19th century! You lucky thing to have your own personal photos!
Hugs and enjoy the weekend my sweet blogging sister.
Beth P

Linda in Calif. said...

I've been a faithful viewer of the show - and now the finale will be even more fun seeing the sets here first. I've often thought the photography of the show is awesome, the actors so intriquing to watch, it hooks me into watching the show. Anyways, I loved your post. Thanks so much for taking us along for the ride. I really thought it was just Calif that had the stupidest leaders - but I see they are all over.

Judy1522 said...

What a fun day you had and yes it doesn't make much sense for the politicians to give up that net revenue plus the employment to local people. Like I always say most of us have more sense than a politician and that includes being smart enough to not be one.

thepiececorps said...

Agreed, stupid, from here in Wilmington! Great write up!

Brandy said...

Wow, what a thoroughly exciting day! I adore Sleepy Hollow, we haven't been able to watch much of it this season because we don't have TV (I know, weird). I would love to see the behind the scenes action too, that's what I loved doing in high school drama. Thank you for sharing the experience!
~Brandy

Curtains in My Tree said...


How wonderful you shared this with us, I would love to walk upon a set like that

as they say Thanks for sharing

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