Film producer says filmmakers are paying attention to the Queen City

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo is feeling the love from the film industry as another feature film is filmed here in the Queen City.

The film “The Panic” is a period drama set in the early 1900s. 7 News spoke with the producer and production designer to explain why Buffalo is the perfect backdrop for their film.

“I love the mix of architecture, I mean these buildings like this were built at the turn of the century,” Michael Mailer said, referring to the M&T building downtown.

Mailer said Buffalo’s rich architecture is one of the reasons he chose the Queen City for his latest feature film.

“They’re so big and I love the old architecture, and then there are more modern elements that I think are interesting as well. I find this city very compelling,” Mailer said.

He called Buffalo a “rising star in the film industry” and said, “It’s definitely on the radar of Hollywood and certainly filmmakers in New York and surrounding states. I predict it’s going to get very busy very quickly.”

This isn’t the first time Mailer has chosen Buffalo.

“This is my second film here in a row,” Mailer said. “I’m becoming a Buffalonian…Technically the movie takes place in New York, but it’s a lot easier to shoot 1907 here than in New York.”

Buffalo native David Butler is the production designer for The Panic.

“My job is basically to work with the director to nail down the look of the whole film,” Butler said.

He said there are many authentic places that he doesn’t need to change.

“I think with Cabrini and Marshall and some of these other films that we’ve made that are period films… that we’re setting ourselves and showing the rest of the film industry that we have this great collection of things to shoot any period really,” Butler said.

Butler and Mailer said the cast and crew also enjoyed the accommodations and restaurants.

“Housing and food. Yes. Yes. I live in this big Victorian house that I rented. I’m not quite ready to start shopping yet, but who knows? Maybe next time,” Mailer said.