Northam announces ‘Dopesick’ to film in Virginia

Michael Keaton will star in Hulu series based on book by Roanoke author Beth Macy

Published November 24, 2020 by Rich Griset

On Tuesday, Gov. Ralph Northam announced that “Dopesick,” an eight-episode limited Hulu series, will film in Central Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley and Roanoke region through the spring.

Based on the bestselling nonfiction book “Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America,” by Roanoke journalist Beth Macy, the series will star Academy Award-nominated actor Michael Keaton, Peter Sarsgaard, Rosario Dawson and Kaitlyn Dever. It will be directed by Academy Award winner Barry Levinson.

In a release, the governor’s office calls “Dopesick,” “a revealing look into the epicenter of America’s struggle with opioid addiction … while shining a hopeful light on the heroes battling an unprecedented drug epidemic.” The series will film this winter and is anticipated to continue through the spring.

“Virginia continues to be a premier production hub for filmmakers seeking an authentic, film-friendly environment and a home away from home,” says Northam. “It is wonderful to see this story from a Virginia author transformed from page to screen right here in our commonwealth. We are honored to host the impressive team behind this compelling and consequential project, and to play a role in putting a universal spotlight on the opioid epidemic that continues to devastate American families and communities from all walks of life.”

Hulu’s “Dopesick” miniseries will be eligible to receive a Virginia film tax credit or grant. The exact amount will be based on the number of Virginia workers hired, goods and services purchased, and deliverables including tourism promotions.

The Touchstone Television production will be required to adhere to comprehensive industry health and safety protocols developed over the past six months by various industry guilds and organizations. Guiding principles include strictly enforced testing regimens and safety protocols, a zone-based system, and diligent use of personal protective equipment. These safety measures are in addition to the current Virginia pandemic workplace safety guidelines and those required by Touchstone Television.

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