Upstate New York has emerged as a promising destination for film production, thanks in part to its scenic landscapes, competitive tax incentives, and a growing talent pool. To further solidify the region’s position as a film hub, it is essential to cultivate a robust local crew base. This panel discussion will explore strategies for developing and sustaining a thriving film industry ecosystem in Upstate NY. Panelists will discuss the current state of the film industry in Upstate NY, identifying key growth areas and potential challenges. They will also explore the economic benefits of fostering a local crew base and attracting major productions to the region.

Moderated by the Governor’s Film Office, panelists Nora Brown (Executive Director of the Rochester/Finger Lakes Film Commission), Shaelyn Giampetroni (Sr. Project Manager in Film, Tech & New Media at Empire State Development), and Beth Davenport (Stockade Works Co-Founder) will touch on strategies for developing transferable skills among local residents, including through partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations, and industry professionals. They will also explore opportunities for on-the-job training and mentorship programs. By exploring the opportunities and challenges of developing a local crew base, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the factors driving the growth of the film industry in Upstate NY, including the High Peaks region, and the steps necessary to ensure its continued success.

Beth Davenport- Co-Founder, Stockade Works

Beth has spent 20 years pursuing her passion – using media and technology to create a positive impact on society. She has led departments, launched digital platforms, and implemented crowdsourcing and audience engagement campaigns harnessing the power of media to create change. She has directed and produced documentary films and commercials for BBC, Sundance Channel, PBS, NBC and Arte France, among others.

Beth currently juggles wearing multiple hats as the co-founder of three impact-driven organizations. These include: Stockade Works, a non-profit that trains, mentors, and provides job placements for underserved Hudson Valley, NY residents to work in the film/TV industry; Upriver Studios, a women-owned and operated, climate forward film/TV soundstage facility; and Flannel & Blade, a creative collective that provides communications services for nonprofits and businesses that do good work for good people. Beth is a former IFP mentor, NAMAC Leadership Institute graduate, and NYFA, Jerome, and Good Works Institute fellow.

Nora Brown- Executive Director, Rochester/Finger Lakes Film Commission

Nora Brown is a Rochester Area native with over 45 years of Film and Video Production experience, not just locally but nationally and even internationally.  Her body of work includes; Commercial Broadcast Production, Documentary, Music Video, Corporate and Feature Films.  

Her behind-the- camera efforts have been instrumental in the production of numerous independent features, as well as major feature projects.  

Since 2008 Nora has been working in the capacity of Executive Director of the Rochester/Finger Lakes Film Commission (an AFCI certified Film Commissioner) marketing the region to Film Producers and Locations Managers.  The Film Commission works to attract production spending to the region, build the infrastructure and support services, act as liaison for out of town and locally based production, as well as advising state lawmakers on legislation to enhance the NYS Film Incentive Program for productions that choose the region as their location destination.

Nora was Director of Programming for Rochester High Falls International Film Festival, and was appointed Executive Director until 2017. She is founding board member of the Bentonville Film Festival.  She is a member of NYWIFT (New York Women in Film & Television), AICP (Association of Independent Commercial Producers), NYPA (New York Production Alliance) and is a Certified Film Commissioner by AFCI (Association of Film Commissions International).  She has served on numerous Advisory Boards and Boards of Directors. In 2024, she was invited to consult with University of Rochester to help to organize a festival that celebrates Music in Film in Rochester, NY (coming in November 2025).  

Shaelyn Giampetroni, Sr. Project Manager in Film, Tech & New Media at Empire State Development

Shaelyn Giampetroni is a Senior Project Manager for Film, Tech & New Media at Empire State Development. She manages the NYS Career Readiness in Entertainment (CREW) Diversity Grant program and supports diversity initiatives associated with the Film & Television Production Tax Credit. She also supports New York State’s Digital Game Development industry. Shaelyn has been with Empire State Development since January of 2023.

Yoni Bokser, Executive Director/Vice President of the NYS Governor’s Office of Motion Picture and Television Development (MPTV)/ New Media at Empire State Development

Yoni Bokser is the Executive Director/Vice President of the NYS Governor’s Office of Motion Picture and Television Development (MPTV)/ New Media at Empire State Development, where he works with government and industry partners to facilitate film and TV production across New York State. MPTV serves as the primary liaison between NYS and entertainment production industry, coordinating with state agencies and marketing New York’s amazing talent, locations, and incentives.

In addition to managing MPTV, he focuses on New Media and the economic recovery of Broadway and theater. Mr. Bokser has been with Empire State Development since 2015, working to grow jobs and opportunities across NYS through industry outreach and education and the creation and implementation of targeted recovery programs. He has worked with unions, universities, media companies, local government, and legislators to craft programs and policies to ensure that New York has a highly trained workforce that represents New York’s diversity, and is ready to meet the demands of the state’s ever-changing and growing arts and media industry. Yoni Bokser is a lifelong New Yorker, with over a decade of experience working in government, politics, policy and economic development at the city, state, federal, and international levels.