Local filmmaker ready to shoot

A feature-length movie written by a local man is set to start filming in the Palmer and Wasilla areas this summer.

"The Roosevelt Tree," written by Brian Smith, will begin filming in July and continue through August, Smith said. Following an extensive talent search, casting has been completed.

Jerry Harper, Sarah Jackson, Forrest Attaway, Lesley Borkowski, Paul Schweigert, Ron Holmstrom, Dick Reichman and Molly Killorain form the nucleus of the cast, all of whom have theater or performance credentials in Alaska projects.

The movie is a character-driven drama, Smith said, set 50 years in the future in Southcentral Alaska. According to the project's Web site, the storyline is that of "a crusty old Scotsman and a young girl, who together set out to save the last trees on Earth, and, in the process, develop a very special friendship.

"This is a story of love and courage, laughter and meaning in a world gone awry."

Smith said he is scouring the area for film locations consisting of quiet, wooded areas, as well as old Airstream-type trailers.

If people have suggestions for locations or if they have an Airstream the film can use, they can e-mail Smith at grayfly@mtaonline.net.

Post-production work is slated to begin in mid-September, and should last for a few months.

Smith is no stranger to movie projects, having written, produced and directed two other feature-length movies, "SOL" and "Dixie Blue Summer," as well as shorts and commercials.