BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Bentonville will be the backdrop for a new romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan and David Duchovny.
Ryan will star in and direct the film “What Happens Later,” which, according to Variety, is an “evolved and nostalgic” take on the romantic comedy and based on the play "Shooting Star."
Production is set to begin later this year in Bentonville.
According to Variety, the movie follows ex-lovers Willa (Ryan) and Bill (Duchovny), reunited when they get snowed in at an airport overnight. Free-spirited Willa and recently separated Bill reminisce on their past relationship and what could have been.
This is the second film Ryan has directed, the first being “Ithaca,” starring Ryan, the late Sam Shephard, and Alex Neustaedter. Producers of the film contributed film incentives to why many are picking Arkansas.
“I’ve had investors tell me to go to a specific state and say we need to make it work in this location because of the tax incentive alone,” said Bentonville-based producer, Kristin Mann. “I always tell people that on top of that shooting a movie in Arkansas your money goes a lot further here, it’s inexpensive to shoot a movie here.”
According to the Film Commissioner, the film incentive started in 2009 and had some tweaks in 2013. It provides tax rebates while keeping Arkansans in mind.
Filmmakers in Arkansas said all that’s left is to spread the word.
“My experience you know like Hollywood is a lot smaller than you think,” said Executive Producer Blake Elder. “So the words out there and about Arkansas and they're going to be coming”
Further details about the film and its production have not been released.
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