Horror film shot in Tully and Jordan brings new attention to CNY locations
A post-apocalyptic Halloween-themed movie filmed in Tully and Jordan is drawing new eyes to Central New York, highlighting Central New York’s potential for film production and the economic ripple effects for local businesses.
“Hallowarrior,” a horror film featuring “Hereditary” star Milly Shapiro, was shot on location in Tully and Jordan, according to Syracuse.com. The film, described as a “cozy” horror story, recently landed on the streaming service Shudder, bringing national attention to these Central New York towns.
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Shapiro’s involvement has drawn horror fans from across the country to take a look at Tully and Jordan. The film’s production team spent several weeks in Central New York, using local roads, fields, and storefronts as backdrops for the movie’s post-apocalyptic setting.
According to Syracuse.com, the filmmakers chose Tully and Jordan for their distinctive autumn scenery and small-town feel. The production made use of rural roads lined with changing leaves, old barns, and Main Street storefronts that give the film a sense of authenticity not easily found elsewhere.
The movie’s production in Tully and Jordan is notable for local business owners and residents, as film shoots often bring temporary jobs, increased demand for lodging and food, and a spotlight on local scenery. While the film industry in Central New York is not as large as in other parts of the state, each project can have a measurable impact on the local economy and community profile.
During the shoot, crews booked rooms at motels and inns in Tully and nearby Lafayette. Restaurants in both towns reported a bump in business, with cast and crew frequenting diners and pizza shops along Route 80 and Route 31. Local catering companies provided meals for the set, and several residents rented out their properties for use as filming locations or parking for production vehicles.
By The Numbers
- 2 towns: Tully and Jordan served as filming locations for “Hallowarrior,” per Syracuse.com.
- 1 major streaming release: The film landed on Shudder, according to Syracuse.com.
- 1 nationally recognized star: Milly Shapiro, known for “Hereditary,” appears in the film, per Syracuse.com.
While the exact budget for “Hallowarrior” has not been disclosed, similar independent productions in Central New York have spent tens of thousands of dollars locally. Expenses typically include location fees, lodging, meals, equipment rentals, and wages for local crew members hired for the duration of the shoot.
For Tully and Jordan, even a short-term production can mean a noticeable uptick in business. Local hardware stores and rental companies sometimes supply tools, props, or generators. Gas stations along Route 11 and Route 31 see more traffic as production vehicles refuel. In some cases, local residents are hired as extras or day laborers, giving them a firsthand look at the filmmaking process.
What the film means for Central New York
For residents of Tully, Jordan, and the greater Syracuse area, the arrival of a film crew can mean more than just a few days of excitement. Productions often require local services, including catering, accommodations, and transportation. While the exact economic impact of “Hallowarrior” on these towns was not detailed by Syracuse.com, similar projects in Central New York have brought short-term boosts to local restaurants and hotels.
Film productions also offer a chance for local talent and businesses to participate, whether as extras, crew members, or vendors. The presence of a nationally recognized actor like Milly Shapiro can draw additional attention to the finished product, potentially leading to more productions considering Central New York as a filming destination.
Several business owners in Jordan reported increased foot traffic during the shoot, especially near the intersection of Mechanic Street and Main Street, where the crew filmed key scenes. Some shops displayed “Hallowarrior” posters in their windows, hoping to catch the eye of visitors and locals alike.
In Tully, the film crew shot scenes along Lake Road and near the Tully Free Library, using the village’s historic buildings and fall colors as a backdrop. Residents stopped by to watch the action, and some snapped photos of the set to share on social media. The buzz around town lasted well after the crew packed up, with locals discussing the experience at the Tully Diner and the post office.
For some, the film’s release on Shudder has become a point of pride. Seeing familiar streets and landmarks on screen gives residents a sense of connection to the wider world of film and entertainment. It also puts Tully and Jordan on the map for horror fans and filmmakers scouting for their next project.
Context: Central New York’s growing film profile
Central New York has seen a handful of film and television projects in the past decade, with Syracuse and its neighboring towns occasionally serving as backdrops for independent and major productions. While Central New York is not yet a major film hub, each successful project helps build a track record that can attract future shoots.
The use of Tully and Jordan for “Hallowarrior” follows a pattern of filmmakers seeking out unique, scenic, and cost-effective locations outside of New York City. The autumn landscapes and small-town settings of Central New York offer a distinctive look that can’t be easily replicated elsewhere.
over the past few years, other productions have filmed in places like Skaneateles, Cazenovia, and downtown Syracuse, but “Hallowarrior” is one of the few to focus on smaller towns like Tully and Jordan. This trend could encourage more filmmakers to consider Central New York’s rural and village settings for future projects.
For more on how local restaurants and businesses benefit from these projects, check out our Syracuse restaurants coverage and stay up to date with local business news on CNY Signal.
Seasonal timing and local interest
The release of a Halloween-themed film in October is well-timed for Central New York, where fall foliage is at its peak and seasonal events draw visitors to towns like Tully and Jordan. The film’s arrival on Shudder could inspire local watch parties or themed events, further boosting interest in the towns where it was shot.
In Jordan, some residents have organized informal gatherings to watch “Hallowarrior” together, using the film as a reason to celebrate their town’s moment in the spotlight. Local businesses have decorated their storefronts with pumpkins and movie posters, hoping to catch the attention of movie fans passing through on their way to apple orchards or haunted hayrides.
While the National Weather Service has warned of gusty showers and wind gusts up to 40 mph in nearby counties, according to Syracuse.com, the autumn weather has not dampened local enthusiasm for fall activities or the buzz around “Hallowarrior.”
Events like the Tully Pumpkin Festival and Jordan Fall Fest have drawn crowds from across Onondaga County, and the film’s release has added another layer of excitement to the season. Some festival organizers have mentioned the movie during announcements, encouraging attendees to check out the film and spot familiar locations.
Looking ahead: Potential for more productions
With “Hallowarrior” now streaming and its Central New York locations in the spotlight, local officials and business owners may hope for more film projects to choose Central New York. Each production brings a chance for economic activity, positive publicity, and a sense of pride for residents who see their towns on screen.
Some business owners in Tully and Jordan have already reached out to local tourism boards, asking how they can better promote their towns as film-friendly destinations. The hope is that the attention from “Hallowarrior” will lead to more productions, more visitors, and more opportunities for local businesses.
For those interested in the intersection of film, business, and community in Central New York, CNY Signal will continue to track new projects and their impact on local economies.
Where to check for updates
For more information on film productions and business news in Central New York, visit Syracuse.com and the official websites for the towns of Tully and Jordan.
📷 Wikimedia / Wikipedia , Hallowarrior , CC BY-SA 4.0 / Public Domain (verify per file)
Sources
- Syracuse.com, details on “Hallowarrior” filming locations and streaming release
- Oswego County News Now, weather context and local updates
