Dwayne Johnson heads to Atlanta, New York and Hawaii for a family fantasy adventure, HBO’s lavish period drama continues its New York production footprint with Season 4, and Apple TV+ develops a Harlem-inspired comedy celebrating one of New York’s most beloved restaurants.
Lizard Music
Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Benny Safdie is stepping behind the camera for Lizard Music, a live-action adaptation of the beloved children’s novel by Daniel Pinkwater. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios, the fantasy adventure begins filming August 3 and continues through October 21 across Atlanta, New York and Hawaii.
The story follows a lonely 10-year-old who discovers mysterious television broadcasts from a hidden island inhabited by human-sized lizards. Joined by an eccentric old man and his magical chicken, he embarks on a journey that blends fantasy, humor and friendship. Dwayne Johnson stars as the enigmatic Chicken Man while also producing through Seven Bucks Productions alongside Scott Stuber, David Koplan and Nick Nesbitt.
For production professionals, the multi-state shoot presents an ambitious logistical undertaking. Atlanta is expected to host the majority of studio work, while Hawaii provides the tropical landscapes for the story’s mysterious island and New York supplies additional location photography. Casting is being overseen by respected casting director Jennifer Venditti, whose recent work has included several acclaimed independent features. The project also continues Safdie’s evolution from gritty urban dramas into larger-scale studio filmmaking while maintaining his character-driven storytelling style.
American Comfort
Apple TV+ is developing American Comfort, a comedy inspired by the remarkable true story of Harlem restaurateur Melba Wilson and the rise of her iconic soul food destination. The series brings together an impressive producing team led by Kenya Barris, Oprah Winfrey and Danielle Brooks, who will also portray Wilson.
Produced through Khalabo Ink Society, Harpo Entertainment, Kapital Entertainment and BET Studios in association with CBS Studios, the series chronicles Melba’s Restaurant’s evolution from a neighborhood establishment into one of Harlem’s defining culinary landmarks. The project reunites Brooks and Winfrey following their collaboration on The Color Purple and marks another high-profile partnership between Barris and Apple TV+.
While a production start date has not yet been announced, the series is expected to film extensively in New York, with Harlem serving as its creative and cultural centerpiece. For New York’s production community, the project represents another example of the city’s continued strength as a destination for premium streaming television. Beyond showcasing authentic Harlem locations, the production is expected to work closely with local businesses and neighborhoods to capture the area’s rich history, music, food and community spirit, highlighting how location authenticity continues to shape prestige television development.
The Gilded Age (Season 4)
HBO’s acclaimed period drama The Gilded Age continues its extensive East Coast production with Season 4, filming through July across New York City, the Hudson Valley and Newport, Rhode Island. Created by Julian Fellowes, the series remains one of television’s most significant period productions, employing hundreds of craftspeople across multiple states while showcasing historic estates and meticulously recreated 1880s settings.
Season 4 once again follows New York’s elite during America’s Gilded Age, with Cynthia Nixon returning alongside the ensemble cast. Director Michael Engler reunites with Fellowes, while producers Gareth Neame and Holly S. Rymon continue overseeing one of television’s most production-intensive dramas.
For the production community, The Gilded Age remains a prime example of how large-scale period series can drive regional production economies. The show’s use of historic mansions throughout Newport and the Hudson Valley, combined with extensive New York City location work and studio production in Brooklyn, has generated consistent demand for local crew, costume artisans, scenic painters, transportation, and specialty vendors. With Bernard Telsey, Adam Caldwell and Belle Jiao handling casting, the production continues to tap both established performers and regional talent throughout the Northeast.
