New Bedford Chosen as Film Location for Indie Drama

Get ready for your closeup, New Bedford.

A new indie movie has its sights set on the Whaling City as the backdrop for the family drama What They Left Us. Co-writer and Producer Jodie Bentley is searching for ideal locations that fit the bill.

"My job is to find locations that fit our script, create partnerships with local businesses, secure office space and housing opportunities for when we shoot in the fall, and also partner with local location scouts for support," Bentley said.

Why New Bedford Was Chosen as the Film’s Setting

Why the Whaling City? Well, it holds a special place in Bentley's heart. She grew up in New Bedford.

"This film is based on my personal story with my mom and dad. It's about the time in your life when you parent your parents. My mom was a nurse. My dad was an electrician. They were blue-collar through and through," Bentley said.

A Personal Story Rooted in Working-Class Life

What They Left Us explores the grief, the guilt and the financial chaos that plague families as relatives age.

"The healthcare system that fails working-class families every single day and the dark humor that gets you through it," Bentley said. "New Bedford is the heart of the story because it's a blue-collar town, and those families are largely invisible in cinema. We see stories about wealthy families in crisis all the time. This is the story of the rest of us."

Getty Images via Canva

"The film has to be shot in the New Bedford area to honor them, our history, and our town. So yes, it was my idea to shoot there," Bentley said. "I'm home in New Bedford for two weeks every year for the holidays. The growth our town has had since I was a kid blows me away. I wanted to help bring commerce and jobs to my city."

Though she's extremely familiar with the area, Bentley is asking for recommendations for film locations.

"I decided to post on Facebook about what we're looking for because I'm a big believer that everything is built on relationships. I wanted to build a relationship with MA locals because the story is about them," Bentley said.

Production Brings Jobs and Local Partnerships

"The City of New Bedford is on board as a production partner, plus we already have active location partnerships across the area," she added.

Award-Winning Script Already Gaining Attention

It's been recognized so far by eight film festivals, including the Austin International Film Festival, the Block Island Film Festival and recently took home a Best Screenplay win at the LA Film Awards.

Capturing the Real New Bedford on Screen

"The feel of the town. The smell of the ocean air. The industrial vibe. The triple-deckers. The accents. The Portuguese food. The North End where I grew up. The bridge to Fairhaven. The way the light hits late in the afternoon in October. This is a working-class New Bedford story, and the SouthCoast is the only place it can be shot honestly," Bentley said.

"I want the texture of home in every frame. Not a postcard version. The real one. And selfishly? I'm just looking forward to being home for a few months. Two weeks at the holidays is never enough," she said.