Netflix Films in Carmel

By Holly Crocco

Carmel Town Hall and the Carmel Police Department were transformed into the Ray Brook New York State Police Barracks last week, as crews filmed scenes for a new Netflix mystery-thriller series.

On July 28, a permitted filming project for “The God of the Woods” took place, following weeks of discussions between the town and the network.

According to Carmel Town Councilman Robert Kearns, who spearheaded the negotiations, the filming brought in $30,000 of revenue for the town in a single day.

“In addition, I secured an agreement for the production to cover all police overtime costs, ensuring there was no additional expense to our taxpayers,” he said.

Kearns said the filming is more than a one-day event.

“We have built a strong working relationship with Netflix and Mesquite Productions, and they have expressed interest in returning to film future projects in our town,” he said. “That means additional revenue for the town and increased business for our local restaurants, shops, and other businesses.”

A similar agreement with DraftKings for the filming of a commercial starring Kevin Hart, Nick Jonas, and Carmelo Anthony was negotiated two weeks prior, according to Kearns.

“The God of the Woods” is based on a book by Liz Moore that was published in 2024. It follows a wealthy family that gains control over an extensive parcel of forested land in the Adirondacks and uses their influence to put in place strict rules forbidding development, with the exception of a palatial vacation home for the family and a summer camp for children.

According to Wikipedia: “When a paper mill is closed down, the local job market collapses. People in a nearby town have few choices beyond working for the rich family, creating tension between the classes… A child disappears from the property, but someone is wrongly accused for the disappearance. Years later, another child disappears. State police launch an investigation. Aided by the efforts of an inexperienced female investigator, long-standing secrets are revealed.”

The show stars Maya Hawke of “Stranger Things,” Kerry Condon of “F1,” Damon Gupton of “Bates Motel,” Ella Rubin of “The Idea of You,” and many others.