Pharrell Williams’ New Feature Film Set to Spotlight Virginia’s Charm, Announces Governor Youngkin

Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced an exciting development for Virginia’s entertainment and tourism sectors: a new Pharrell Williams feature film produced by Universal Pictures will be filmed across Central and Coastal Virginia this spring and summer. This coming-of-age musical, drawing inspiration from Williams’ childhood experiences in Virginia Beach’s Atlantis Apartments during the summer of 1977, is poised to cast a global spotlight on Virginia as a prime travel destination and a key player in the film production industry.

With Kelvin Harrison Jr. taking the lead role and the creative vision of director Michel Gondry, alongside writers Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson, the project promises to deliver a compelling narrative deeply rooted in Williams’ Virginia upbringing. The production is a collaborative effort, with Pharrell Williams and Mimi Valdés producing through i am OTHER, and Gil Netter of Gil Netter Productions also on board.

Governor Youngkin highlighted the project’s anticipated benefits for Virginia, including high-wage job creation, retention of the local production workforce, and a boost to the state’s economy. He warmly welcomed Williams and his team, emphasizing the positive economic impact their work will have across various sectors.

Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick and other state officials have also voiced their support for the project, noting its potential to enhance Virginia’s appeal in the competitive tourism market. The film is expected to showcase Virginia’s landmarks, landscapes, arts, and culture, presenting the state as an attractive place to visit, live, work, and raise a family.

Local leaders, including Virginia Beach Convention & Bureau Director Nancy Helman, praised Williams for his ongoing support of Virginia Beach and expressed anticipation for the project’s success. Andy Edmunds, Director of the Virginia Film Office, remarked on Williams’ inspirational impact and the project’s unique opportunity to promote Virginia’s production industry and tourism sector.

This film joins a list of major productions in Virginia, such as the Apple TV+ series “Swagger” and the series “Dopesick,” highlighting the state’s growing significance in the film industry. The project will benefit from Virginia’s film tax credit or grant, with incentives based on the employment of Virginia workers, purchase of local goods and services, and tourism promotion efforts.

For more details on Virginia’s film production capabilities and tourism opportunities, visit the Virginia Film Office and Virginia Tourism Corporation websites. This project marks an important milestone in Virginia’s journey towards becoming a leading destination for film production and tourism, promising to bring jobs, investment, and increased visibility to the state.