Cleburne Times-Review, Cleburne, TX
February 25, 2011
Cleburne could make its way to the big screen
Crew to begin filming scenes for movie titled ‘Sweetwater’
By Matt Smith/msmith@trcle.com
— “Hollywood comes to Cleburne,” exclaimed Laurie Love, owner of Arizona-based Victory Angel Films.
Beginning this weekend, a “whole slew of out-of-towners” will hit Cleburne with cameras and equipment to begin filming “Sweetwater,” Love said.
Several crew members already arrived in town early last week to scout and lock down film locations.
About 90 percent of the movie, produced by Trumpet Productions in association with Victory Angel Films, will be shot in and around Cleburne, Love said.
Set in modern day, Love describes the film as the story of two young girls searching for the cure for cancer, and mending their relationships along the way. Writer and producer Kim Hughes adds that it’s a medical drama with the underlying theme of breaking down racial barriers.
Hughes — who lives in Cranfills Gap with her husband, Dr. Kent Hughes, a plastic surgeon practicing in Cleburne, and co-producer of the film, said this is her first screenplay to be produced, although she’s been writing screenplays and books for several years.
“This is the first film I’ve been involved with,” Kent Hughes said. “But it’s great; I want to support my wife’s dream. Which Kim’s dream, she’s written three screenplays, is to see one of them make it to the screen.”
A bit of serendipity moved that dream along last year when director Brian Skiba noticed Hughes working on a screenplay during a flight. One thing led to another and Skiba, who’s worked with Love on several films, agreed to direct “Sweetwater.”
At the Hughes’ suggestion, Skiba and Love scouted and fell for Cleburne.
“It’s been amazing so far,” Love said. “Everyone’s been really nice, genuinely friendly. Cleburne’s a very film-friendly town.”
Unit Production Manager Amanda Mahan agreed.
“We haven’t got a lot of nos in what we want to do as far as filming,” Mahan said. “Which is a change from Phoenix.”
Shooting the film should take about six weeks, Kim Hughes said.
Cleburne Tourism Director Carl Watson said he first heard about the group’s plans to film in Cleburne about a week and a half ago.
“We’re excited they chose Cleburne,” Watson said. “We’re going to be working closely with them and the city as far as permits, and any help they need.”
That help includes the need for extras, possibly a chance for local aspiring actors or actresses, Assistant Director Barker White said.
Watson joked that he’s happy to help the crew out, but that he has no desire to see himself on the silver screen.
“That’s alright,” Watson said, pointing to his hair. “I’ve got enough silver already. I don’t need anymore.”
Those less camera-shy are encouraged to e-mail White at sweetwatertxextras@gmail.com.
The e-mail should include your name, e-mail and phone contact information, a recent picture and height and weight measurements.
Article source: http://victoryangelfilms.com/cleburne-times-review-cleburne-tx-february-25-2011/