Courtesy Bob Farley
This independent film is about a young boy seeking a musical career. Encouraged by his father, who leaves for a war zone, the young singer faces difficulties in his absence.
Q. Which unique and recognizable Birmingham locations are you using?
A. Alys Stephens Center for the main music competition setting. All other scenes take place in the fictional town of Blue Spring, AL , 174 miles outside of Birmingham.
Q. How long do you estimate this shoot to be?
A. 18 days exactly.
Q. How easy was it to get your principal actors to commit to working in Alabama's heat?
A. Nothing is ever easy, but the story was compelling enough for actors to desire a chance to be in the film. And for the most part, good actors like working on good projects and they don't care what the conditions are. We're not talking Madonna here. These are gifted up and coming actors who want to work in a good project. Heat and humidity are not a factor.
Q. How do you keep your actors comfortable on location?
A. With cold sodas, good craft service, and the occassionally shady tree.
Q. How many local crews would you say you have hired?
A. 75% of the cast and crew are local.
Q. What roles do you, your brother Hugh, and Lexi play?
A. My brother Hugh and I are the co-producers and one of several executive producers. We are the Alabama wranglers helping to make the project work from the state side of things. Deborah DelPrete is the senior producer on the film. She is responsible for all aspects of the project - from actors, to music and legal rights, to creative content and ultimately post and distribution. Lexi is the writer and director and primary motivational force behind getting this project going.
Q. What are your favorite scenes so far?
A. All scenes are an experience, every day. We don't get to shoot movies a lot in this area, so every aspect, and every day is exciting and educational. Ruben Studdard's performance as a pastor was rewarding to watch. He's actually a good actor, giving it his all. The music competition at the Alys Stephens Center will be fun to shoot. Lots of people, lots of excitement.
Q. Will you have a website the public can access?
A. Eventually we will have a website. We have a partner out west who will be taking charge of all media, social or otherwise.
Q. Have you anything else to add?
A. This is the first film project in the state to take advantage of the new film incentive program. We hope that it will make the state proud, as the first, and be a beacon to the rest of the country that Alabama is open for business in the film world.
For more info: To read the film incentives bill, go here.
Comments
Unfortunately, Alan Hunter has become a longtime liabilty to the film industry in Alabama. Due to perceptions of his poorly worded tax-incentive bill for filmmakers, production is increasingly leaving Alabama for greener pastures elsewhere. There is also much rumbling about his attempt to contol who does and does not work in the industry. Hopefully, he will retire and let the innovative community thrive in Birmingham.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!