'Abusive' Conditions Shut Down Movie Filming in Hudson Valley

A feature film being produced in the Hudson Valley has reportedly shut down after serious allegations have been made against producers.

According to the Hudson Valley Film Commission, work has stopped on the set of BlackJack. The feature film stars David Arquette from Scream, Ashley Greene from Twilight, The Flash's Greg Finley and Brandon Thomas Lee from The Hills: New Beginnings.

According to Deadline, the film is based on the real-life story of Jackie Ryan, a talented street basketball player who was invited to try out for the New Jersey Nets. BlackJack has been filming throughout the Newburgh, Middletown and other Hudson Valley area this summer.

Now it appears that filming has abruptly stopped, and according to the Hudson Valley Film Commission, crew members claim that it's because they have been unfairly treated. The HVFC posted a statement on their Facebook page on Thursday, saying that BlackJack crew members attempted to negotiate a contract for "safe working conditions and fair pay." The post goes on to claim that those negotiations have broken down.

Production refused to sign the contract and is now shut down and trying to crew up with replacements that will cross the picket line. Workers were unable to reach a deal and are currently on strike.

In an update to their statement, the HVFC elaborated on why crew members entered into negotiations. They say they have heard "disturbing news" about work conditions that include "abusive hours for crew and actors (including minors), safety concerns and more."

It's unclear when cameras will begin rolling again in Newburgh, but union representatives from IATSE Local 52 and Local 600 are reportedly still working on an agreement with the production company.

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