the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Ridgewood is in the spotlight this week as Netflix begins filming its upcoming teen musical drama, “Don’t Say Good Luck,” at Benjamin Franklin Middle School. The production, which stars Sunny Sandler, is being co-produced by her father, comedy icon Adam Sandler, and is expected to continue filming across New Jersey over the next two weeks.
On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, crews were spotted transforming the Ridgewood middle school into a full-fledged movie set. Netflix power trucks, production signs, and heavy cabling could be seen around the property as preparations got underway.
🌟 About the Film
“Don’t Say Good Luck” is a coming-of-age musical drama directed by Julia Hart and produced by Adam Sandler, Jordan Horowitz, and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones. The film stars Sunny Sandler in the lead role, alongside a stellar cast including:
-
Melanie Lynskey
-
Max Greenfield
-
Stephanie Beatriz
-
Bebe Neuwirth
-
Steve Buscemi
The film is being developed by Happy Madison Productions and distributed by Netflix.
🎭 Plot Synopsis
The movie centers on 15-year-old Sophie Birenbaum, played by Sunny Sandler, who grapples with her mother’s terminal illness just as she’s cast in the lead role of her school’s musical. The story follows Sophie’s emotional journey as she balances personal grief with teenage responsibility, identity, and performance — an emotional mix of music, drama, and resilience.
🎥 Hollywood Comes to Ridgewood
The production has already generated a buzz in the Ridgewood community, as Benjamin Franklin Middle School becomes a central filming location. With actors, crews, and large-scale equipment on site, the town has temporarily transformed into a movie backdrop, creating excitement among residents and students alike.
This marks another collaboration between Sunny Sandler and Netflix, following her breakout role in “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.” The young actress continues to build her career under her father’s successful Netflix film deal.
📅 Filming Schedule
Filming at Benjamin Franklin Middle School and other North Jersey locations is expected to continue through early August. Ridgewood residents are advised of potential temporary traffic and parking changes near the school during production.
Want to stay in the loop about exciting casting opportunities? Look no further! Subscribe to our casting email and unlock a world of possibilities. http://eepurl.com/s2BP1
#Actors #Models #Talent #Casting #Subscribe #Opportunities #DreamsComeTru
Lots of new projects are coming!
Thank you Sadler family for making more movies. I have been a fan since you been on Saturday night live.I also had you on a tape wishing me a happy birthday from my wife.keep on making great movies. I would like you to make a movie about aliens or seeing spaceships but a funny drama movie. Ok I’m being kind of weird. Best of luck on the new movie can’t wait to see it.
home much did the district get paid , and where is the money