Filming begins in Central New York today on the pilot of a new television series entitled "Upstate."

The half hour episode is written by Hollywood screen writer Tom Seeley. "Upstate" is the story of a family dealing with old plants closing and new high tech job opportunities. "It is a comedy told through the pitfalls and discoveries, the blunders and triumphs of their lives," Seeley said.

Over the past few weeks, auditions were held and the roles were cast. One of the cast members is a Syracuse native and a graduate of LeMoyne college. Siobhan Fallon Hogan has appeared in several big movies like Forest Gump and Men in Black. She was also a cast member on Saturday Night Live.

The show's executive producer is a familiar face to many as well. Steve Kimatian ran unsuccessfully for Syracuse City Auditor this year and lost the Syracuse mayor's race last year to Stephanie Miner. She is a former broadcasting executive and lawyer.

Seeley has written and produced for Cheers, Newhart, The Jeff Foxworthy Show and Murphy Brown, among others.

Production will continue through November 19 at several locations in Syracuse and throughout the Central New York region. Producers hope to start shopping the "Upstate" pilot episode to networks next spring.

Read more about the cast and show by clicking here.