Richmond, VA – The Virginia Film Office announced today that The Ice at the Bottom of the World, the upcoming feature film based on Virginia author Mark Richard’s award-winning collection of short stories, has selected Virginia as its filming location. Production is set to take place this fall in Coastal Virginia.
The Ice at the Bottom of the World is a darkly comic tale about a Navy captain who returns to his Chesapeake Bay Island home after 35 years at sea, hoping to set things right with his long-suffering wife and spirited daughters before he dies. Chaos ensues when he accidentally shoots down a Navy jet, turning their already messy reunion into a wild mix of confessions, humor, and forgiveness. Amidst the turmoil, their deep love and ironic wit help them face heartbreak and loss proving that, even at the end, love turns life’s biggest messes into something meaningful.
James C.E. Burke (Aurora Borealis, 13 Conversations About One Thing, Exec. Prod) directs from a script by Mark Richard (The Good Lord Bird, The Man in the High Castle and Fear The Walking Dead) who also executive produces. Chris Miller (Oscar-winning Undefeated, Exec. Prod) and Marc Ambrose (Emmy nominated The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years) produce the DisruptiveLA Production. Jayne Amelia Larson and Jeni Jones co-produce.
Oscar nominee Virginia Madsen (Sideways), Jake Weber (Medium, Dawn of the Dead), Will Patton (Horizon: An American Saga Chapter I & II, Halloween), Jon Tenney (The Green Lantern, Major Crimes) and Wes Chatham (SyFy’s The Expanse, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I and II) are set to star in this dark comedy feature. Rounding out the cast are Seth Numrich (Under the Banner of Heaven, The Boroughs), Emily DeForest (The Blind), and Elise Eberle (Shameless, Salem).
“Landing a project like The Ice at the Bottom of the World is a testament to the Commonwealth’s tremendous built-in assets, including our dynamic landscapes, skilled Virginia workforce, and business-friendly environment, all of which help us continue to attract this lucrative industry,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “Local crew, businesses, and talent will play an important role in the production, underscoring the Commonwealth’s growing reputation as a destination for world-class filmmaking.”
“Filming in Virginia will be an incredible experience. The light, the coastline, the textures of the towns — they all carry this quiet authenticity that’s impossible to fake,” enthused Chris Miller, Producer. “For The Ice at the Bottom of the World, that sense of place isn’t just background — it’s part of the soul of the film. Combine that with an excellent crew and Virginia gifts us the perfect state to shoot in.”
“Virginia is filled with incredible talent, and author and industry veteran Mark Richard is an exceptional example of this. With The Ice at the Bottom of the World, Virginia will play a lead role in bringing his award-winning story, one deeply rooted in Virginia, to the screen, and put a far-reaching spotlight on both the beauty of our prized Coastal communities and our skilled network of Virginia film industry workers and vendors,” said Andy Edmunds, Director of the Virginia Film Office.
Filming will begin this fall throughout the Coastal and Chesapeake Bay regions of Virginia. The Ice at the Bottom of the World will utilize local crew, vendors, and locations, and will be eligible to receive a Virginia film tax credit. The exact amount will be based on the number of Virginia workers hired, Virginia goods and services purchased, and deliverables including Virginia tourism promotions.
The Virginia Film Office is part of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. For more information about Virginia’s film production industry, please visit filmvirginia.org.
About Virginia Tourism Corporation
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and visit. Learn more at virginia.org.