Set on the shores of picturesque Lake Michigan, STATE DEBATE was shot on location in Petoskey, Michigan. Notable as the setting of several stories by Ernest Hemingway, Petoskey is a quintessential “All-American Town,” capturing the look and feel of the genre that inspired our film. The small town provides a dramatic backdrop for the story including historic architecture, natural beauty and stunning locations such as the downtown Gaslight District, panoramic waterfront, and early twentieth century schools.

While most shooting took place in northern Michigan, the climactic final dance number was filmed on a soundstage in New York City. In the style of classic instrumental dances presented in the films of Donen, Kelly and Minnelli, STATE DEBATE culminates in a fantasy number as Blake escapes to the workings of his imagination during the tense state championship round.