POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (November 6, 2019) – Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC) announced the addition of Mary Stuart Masterson, Founder of Stockade Works, to its Advisory Board.
Stockade Works is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the potential of film/TV, media and tech in the Hudson Valley. Access and inclusion are at the core of its mission, believing that every individual should have opportunities for quality, well-paying jobs with avenues for growth.
The organization runs workforce development programs in the film, television, media and tech industries in the Hudson Valley. Programs include intensive crew boot camps, workshops, apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs. The organization helps create pathways to meaningful employment, and ensures that people have the skills they need for long-term careers by offering bespoke mentorship programs and job placement services.
In addition to Stockade Works, Masterson is also a founder of Upriver Studios, state-of-the-art production facilities in Saugerties, NY, and Quality Pictures, a production company committed to shooting exclusively in the Hudson Valley. Masterson’s TV and theater career includes roles in At Close Range, Some Kind of Wonderful, Immediate Family (National Board of Review Award), Fried Green Tomatoes, Benny and Joon, and the Broadway musical Nine (Tony Award nomination). She directed The Cake Eaters, starring Kristen Stewart, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2007 and was released in 2009. It was awarded audience and jury prizes at numerous film festivals. She also produced Tickling Leo, released in 2009. She subsequently took a break from the industry to start her family and now resides full time in the Hudson Valley with her husband and their four small children. With her husband, Jeremy Davidson, she is co-founder of Storyhorse Documentary Theater: a collection of multi-media theater pieces based on transcribed interviews focusing on topical issues in the Hudson Valley. Masterson is a former member of the Board of the Rainforest Alliance and a member of the Actors Studio, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, as well as SAG-AFTRA and Actor’s Equity Association.
“Stockade Works is looking forward to this partnership with the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation. This collaboration will enrich the lives of our local residents who are making the film, television, media and tech industries their careers,” Masterson said. “This partnership will also be mutually beneficial to Stockade Works and its new business partners throughout the Hudson Valley as we grow these industries – together – right here.”
“HVEDC is excited to have Stockade Works join us as an Advisory Board member,” said Mike Oates, President and CEO of HVEDC. “We will work together to grow workforce development in the film and television industry and build lasting relationships that will have meaningful impacts on people and businesses in the Hudson Valley.”
About Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC)
HVEDC is the leading economic development agency for the seven-county region of Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan counties. The public-private partnership markets the region as a prime business location to corporate executives, site selection consultants and real estate brokers. HVEDC helped start the organizational, branding and promotional effort for NY BioHud Valley, Hudson Valley 3D Printing and the Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance. To learn more, call 845-220-2244 or visit hvedc.com.
