Lullaby is one of the latest independent films looking to shoot in the Tampa Bay area later on this Fall. The catalyst behind this flick is one Kimberly M. Wetherell; who is taking her screenplay and putting it on display in a special live staged reading at The Florida Holocaust Museum on May 19th.
This approach is a bit out of the ordinary for a feature film, but the up-beat Kimberly told me via cellular device, that its her way of showing the community just how excited she is to shoot in this area. She’s trying to shake it up a bit and encourage people to get involved.
A few details needed to be ironed out before she can officially present us with more info about Lullaby. These said details are the typical ones all independent filmmakers have to deal with (funding, casting, etc). However, she did divulge the synopsis and “teased” at the notable talent that is attached to play one of lead the roles:
Tess O’Keefe, a devout Polish Catholic immigrant living on Florida’s languid Gulf Coast, is uprooted to a retirement home after her husband’s death. In the process, Tess’ granddaughter Kathleen stumbles on a mysterious box revealing her grandmother’s secret past – as one of Poland’s ‘Hidden Children’ of the Holocaust – which unravels the fragile tapestry of lies Tess has carefully woven with excruciating, yet ultimately inspiring consequences.
As to the “teased” talent, Kimberly said the actress who will portray Grandmother Tess is a 3-time Oscar Nominee, along with being a Golden Globe and Emmy winner (I have it narrowed down to three candidates).
The production of Lullaby is a homecoming of sorts for the Clearwater native. Living in Brooklyn, NY for the last eleven years, Kimberly parked herself back in St. Petersburg last June, and has been dedicated to getting this project off the ground. Her goal is to rally support from the local community (filmmakers & businesses alike) and try to use as much talent around these parts as humanly. The majority of the piece is aimed to shoot in the Pinellas County realm, save for a few select shots up in New York.
In a news release, Kimberly elaborated on what to expect at the event taking place this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. inside the Holocaust Museum: One will be able to see the inner workings of a developing feature film; including a staged screenplay reading, a live musical performance, a short film and an intimate conversation with writer/director/producer herself.
The May 19th screenplay reading cast features Orlando’s Annie Kidwell as Tess and St. Petersburg’s Geneva Rae as Kathleen, and includes local actors Ned Avrill-Snell, Greg Milton, Stephen Ray and Francine Wolf. It also features local operatic soprano, Colleen McGrath. As noted above, the “namey” NY/LA cast has yet to be announced.
So for those looking to get involved and/or experience the rigors of what it takes to get an independent film moving, be at the address below on Thursday.
Thursday, May 19th @ 6:30pm at The Florida Holocaust Museum, 55 5th Street South, 3rd Floor, in downtown St. Petersburg.
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