Local Film Studio Makes a Name in Poughkeepsie and Beyond

Behind the scenes action at Good Time Film Company. Photo courtesy of Derek White.

Having opened in the summer of 2021, Good Time Film Company is in the perfect spot to make a splash in the Hudson Valley.

“We’re a big fish in a smaller pond, but we’re right next to the biggest pond in the world, New York City,” said Derek White, a local filmmaker from Poughkeepsie and studio owner and operator.

With the New York City film scene as busy as it is, Good Time’s goal is to provide more space for production in the greater New York area. Marist College students will be shooting a TikTok video, and then right after that, HBO will work for 10 hours. 

“You don’t have to drive to New York City to get a high-level production. You also don’t have to spend too much money to do that, so we just like to be affordable,” said White.

White founded the company with two other individuals but now runs the shop himself. “I’ve always wanted a space that we could rent out to other people,” said White.

The business comprises two entities: the studio rental side and the production company. The studio can be rented out to anybody who wants to use the space, whether for filming, photoshoots, parties or meetings. Renters can also build stuff in the studio with the help of a customizable wall.

Along with the rental opportunity, the studio has top-of-the-line equipment, such as wireless monitoring, and $30,000 worth of film equipment, such as lights and props, for clients to use. Camera and lens rentals can be included as extra additions.

Good Time works with various clients, from major entertainment corporations like A24 and CBS to local Hudson Valley artists. The studio has frequently worked with Marist, collaborating with the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, the fashion program and the college sports teams. 

“I think it’s amazing that there are a lot of motivated young college students at Marist,” said White. “We just like to give back, so we offer 20 percent off to them.”

As a filmmaker and director of photography, White is often hired to work for other individuals, whether documenting a wedding or lending a hand to sports videography. But even as he juggles all these responsibilities, White has a small team of talented creatives to help him out along the way, including Abby Forrester ’23.

Abby Forrester '23 shooting her podcast, supported in part by Good Time Film Company. Photo courtesy of Derek White.

Forrester, who graduated from Marist with a degree in media studies, can be seen as a featured extra in the television shows “Pretty Little Liars” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” But she is also working on launching her own podcast, “In Wonderland,” towards the end of October. As an ode to Alice’s Wonderland, it will feature topics related to traditional spirituality and holistic healing — but it would not be possible without White’s sponsorship of the project. 

“[White] is really good at giving back and wants to help artists who are new and starting up who he thinks have talent,” said Forrester.

Starting in December and January, Good Time will look to take on additional interns. They are always looking for people to put on their reference lists who can be called on a whim when needed. 

The future of Good Time is looking bright, with plans to expand and grow since they are now limited by space. But the studio will always put the local community and its connections first.

“There’s something about Poughkeepsie that’s still organically Poughkeepsie and not just like another New York City borough,” said White. “I’m just in love with this area, and I think it’s important that young people are opening up businesses, and we should support all that.”