Feature Film Thanksgiving at Denny’s Set to Shoot in Minnesota’s Iron Range

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Minnesota Film and TV is pleased to announce the production of Thanksgiving at Denny’s, a feature film to begin shooting in the Iron Range of northern Minnesota in early 2013. Washington Square Films and Griffin Productions will produce the film.

“The partners at Griffin Productions have significant ties to Minnesota. It’s our intention to shoot multiple feature projects in Minnesota over the next decade”

Thanksgiving at Denny’s is a dramatic adult comedy about a bi-polar, 6’4” overweight computer programmer who gets laid off from his job in Chicago. He returns to his hometown to win the heart of a trailer park vixen with whom he has been obsessed since high school.

Washington Square Films writer and director Josh Blum has a long history working in Minnesota. “We have shot dozens of commercials in Minnesota,” said Blum. “Having had the opportunity to work with many of Minneapolis’ top agencies, including Fallon Worldwide, Campbell Mithun and Olson, we find the crews are terrific and the people are friendly and insightful. We are hopeful that this film will be the first of many we will shoot in Minnesota’s beautiful locations.”

Blum served as a producer on Margin Call, Adrift in Manhattan, Wendy and Lucy and on the recently completed Francine, starring Academy Award winning actress Melissa Leo. Thanksgiving at Denny’s is his directorial debut.

“As the son of an Iron Ranger, I’m particularly proud to produce Thanksgiving at Denny’s in my hometown,” said Griffin Productions president Jerry Seppala. “The film production will have a positive impact on the local economy and I’m excited for Hollywood A-Listers to experience the most beautiful place on earth.”

“We are thrilled to work with the Thanksgiving at Denny’s production team,” said Lucinda Winter, executive director of Minnesota Film and TV. “Recently, there has been a noticeable uptick in interest for filming in the Iron Range and Duluth as locations for feature productions. Production spending will provide a significant boost to the local and regional economy; which provides more work for Minnesota crews and additional revenue for our production services businesses.”

“The partners at Griffin Productions have significant ties to Minnesota. It’s our intention to shoot multiple feature projects in Minnesota over the next decade,” Seppala said. “We know the powerful economic impact production can have on our state and look forward to film making and economic development for the Iron Range and greater Minnesota.”

Washington Square Arts & Films is a production and management company with offices in New York and Los Angeles. The Film group produces television commercials, feature films, documentaries and digital/new media content.

Griffin Productions is a Minnesota-based production company specializing in film finance. In addition to Jerry Seppala, principles include former US Congressman Vin Weber and Hubert H. Humphrey IV.

Minnesota Film and TV is a full-service film commission focused on advancing Minnesota’s economy and enhancing its robust cultural environment by promoting and supporting the state’s digital media industries.