Production crews transformed the Fair Haven Heights neighborhood of New Haven into a bustling film set on February 10, 2026, for the production titled “Real Moms Having Dinner.” The shoot took place at the historic Mary B. Moody House and a local Thai restaurant, September in Bangkok, attracting attention from residents and passersby.
Film trucks and equipment filled East Grand Avenue as the crew prepared to capture scenes for a promotional video for the messaging service WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms. The filming permit, approved by the Department of Arts, Culture, & Tourism (DACT), outlined that the mansion would feature scenes depicting a “Mom & kids playdate,” while the restaurant was set to showcase “real moms having dinner.”
According to local resident and Urban Resources Initiative associate director, Chris Ozyck, the filming permit dated February 6 indicated that the filming would take place on February 10. Ozyck shared images of the permit with the Independent, confirming that DACT had authorized the crew to film at both locations, which are well-known in the community.
The Mary B. Moody House, also referred to as Chetstone, is notable for its Gothic Victorian architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The permit allowed for a substantial crew, including 60 members, 12 cast members, and a fleet of 25 cars, six trucks, and two motorhomes.
Freelance photographer Kate Eisemann, whose name appears on the filming permit, declined to provide comments on the project due to a non-disclosure agreement. The Brooklyn-based production company, Dress Code, listed on the permit, also did not respond to inquiries.
Ozyck remarked positively about the crew he encountered, describing them as “super nice people.” Eisemann acknowledged the cooperation from city officials, highlighting the support received from the Parking Authority and DACT. She noted the logistical challenges of accommodating “22 working vehicles, some of which were 60+ feet long” within downtown New Haven.
The manager of September in Bangkok, Nan Thomas, reported that the restaurant closed its doors for the entire day to facilitate the film crew’s needs. “It was kind of exciting,” Thomas expressed, adding that the crew first began setting up at around noon and wrapped up the day by 22:30. Although the restaurant’s cuisine did not feature on camera, she noted that some crew members dined there the night before and mentioned that a crew member’s past connection to New Haven influenced the choice of location.
This production is not an isolated event; New Haven has increasingly attracted filmmakers in recent years. Previous projects include a feel-good Christmas movie filmed in March 2023, as well as the horror-thriller “Twisted,” which returned to the area later that year. The city continues to serve as a backdrop for various film projects, showcasing its unique architecture and vibrant community.
As the film industry continues to explore New Haven as a viable location, the local economy benefits from the influx of production activity and the exposure that comes with it. The excitement surrounding projects like “Real Moms Having Dinner” reflects a growing trend of filmmakers recognizing the potential of this historic city.
Thomas Breen contributed to this report.
