Amityville, NY, the famed location of the Amityville murders and supposed haunting, is a perfectly horror-ific location in more ways than one. This small Long Island town first became famous after Ronald “Butch” DeFeo, Jr. shot and killed six members of his family on November 13, 1974. In December of 1975 George and Kathy Lutz moved into the house, only to leave 28 days later, citing paranormal activity, including mysterious fly infestations, oozing keyholes and slamming doors. To this day there are great debates as to whether the haunting was legitimate or a hoax.
While The Amityville Horror (1979), directed by Stuart Rosenberg, and its 2005 sequel were actually filmed Toms River, NJ, the original site still stands today. Much to the chagrin of horror fans, the infamous house has been renovated and the address number was changed to ensure the privacy of its residents. The town declines to speak publicly about the murders and haunting, which only makes the site more enticing.
While there haven’t been many movies filmed in Amityville, it is an ideal location for your next film—horror or otherwise. A bayside town with picturesque Victorian homes, it is just about an hour outside of New York City, making it a convenient option for talent, crew and equipment.
Another benefit to filming in Amityville are the New York State tax incentives. The New York State Film Production Credit program provides a refundable 35 percent tax credit for qualified feature films, episodic television, pilots and television movies/miniseries. For a feature film or television project to be eligible, the production must shoot at a qualified production facility in the state.
Long Island is also the home to the Long Island Film/TV Foundation, which was established to encourage and stimulate production on Long Island. The Foundation helps moviemakers by procuring permits, releases and authorizations from local and county governments, as well as acting as a clearinghouse for moviemakers whose grants need to go through a not-for-profit agency.
For more information on shooting your next production in Amityville, visit www.nylovesfilm.com.
All in all, with enticing tax incentives and available utilities, Amityville is not only a quaint town shrouded in mystery, but a great movie location.
If you’re looking to see the actual Amityville on film, check out the following movies:
Crazed (1982)
Writer’s Block (short, 2003)
Dancing With You (short, 2005)
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