FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gregory Bortolin, Director of Communications
grbortolin@goed.nv.gov (775) 687-9917
December 4, 2023
CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Film Office (NFO) a Division of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), assisted with three productions that are being released in time for the holidays. They include television series ‘Obliterated’ on Netflix which was released on November 30th, and feature films ‘Don’t Suck’ which was released on streaming platforms and select theaters on December 1st and ‘The Family Plan’ which will be released on Apple TV+ on December 15th.
“We’re proud to have assisted in the filming of parts of these movies,” said Kim Spurgeon, NFO Director. “Although our role in the filming of Obliterated and The Family Plan was limited, it showed what our local crew and vendors are capable of. The film office remains optimistic that Nevada’s film industry has a bright future, and we’ll continue to work to make the State as attractive to the industry as possible.”
‘Don’t Suck’ received a tax incentive from NFO. The film was shot in September 2021. It was written by Rick D’Elia, a Reno resident and standup comic. It was directed by RJ Collins, who previously shot American Sicario with Danny Trejo in Las Vegas.
“Bringing my film to Nevada was a decision that would prove to be a game-changer for the production,” Collins said. “The journey was filled with remarkable experiences thanks to the support of the Film Office, local crew, and the array of vendors available in the State.”
The movie is about a veteran comedian’s last chance at stardom and takes him on the road with a young comic who reveals an unexpected past. It stars Matt Rife., Jamie Kennedy, and Ellen Hollman. It also features JJ Walker, Carrot Top, Russell Peters, and Jimmy Shubert.
“We worked very closely with this production from script to screen, shooting was done during the pandemic with a nimble crew,” said Danette Tull, NFO Production and Communications Manager. “We assisted with crew, cast, locations and permits. Nearly all the crew and vendors were local. Of the three movies being released, we had the most involvement with this one because of the indie nature of this film while the other two were studio projects.”
Kennedy said he was a big fan of Nevada.
“Filming in Nevada was awesome,” he said. “It’s a home away from home. The city is accommodating. The crews are exceptional. And the choices are unlimited. If I spend the rest of my career filming in Nevada, I would be a happy man.”
‘Obliterated’ is a Netflix project from the producers of Cobra Kai. The series is a high-octane action-comedy that tells the story of an elite special forces team who thwarts a deadly threat to Las Vegas. After their celebratory party, the team discovers that the bomb they deactivated was a fake. The now intoxicated team must fight through their impairments, overcome their personal issues, find the real bomb, and save the world.
“We were in very early stages of discussions with the production in 2020,” Tull said. “We talked about our crew base, locations, and potential challenges that may arise during production. The project was postponed until last fall. They employed our locals and together with our permitting offices and amazing locations were able to overcome some challenges for scenes that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. The feedback we received from producers was extremely positive.”
‘The Family Plan’ starring Mark Wahlberg, is about a former top assassin living incognito as a suburban dad who must take his unsuspecting family on the run when his past catches up to him. The film is hosting its premiere in Las Vegas.
“There were scenes that included Nevada, but the majority of the film was shot in Atlanta.,” Tull said. “As the industry adapts, the Nevada Film Office will do what we can to remain competitive to encourage more content to be filmed here for longer periods of time, ideally entire productions.”
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About the Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Created during the 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development is the result of a collaborative effort between the Nevada Legislature and the Governor’s Office to restructure economic development in the state. GOED’s role is to promote a robust, diversified and prosperous economy in Nevada, to stimulate business expansion and retention, encourage entrepreneurial enterprise, attract new businesses and facilitate community development.
About the Nevada Film Office
The Nevada Film Office (NFO) was established in 1982 as the Division of Motion Pictures and operates within the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). The NFO markets Nevada as a production destination for film, television, commercials and other forms of audiovisual media to generate economic impact through job creation and instate production spending. The office facilitates connections with local crew, vendors and services, as well as identifies filming locations, assists with the permitting processes, and coordinates intergovernmental cooperation statewide. The NFO also administers the Transferable Tax Credit for Film and Other Productions program to attract productions to film in the state and encourage the growth of the industry in Nevada.