“The Beacon” is Filming
By Kathryn E. Eriksen

Have you ever wanted to be in a horror film? Many local children and adults answered a casting call for extras on February 28th. The scene was shot at the Jeffcoat Ranch, which overlooks the Lake Waxahachie spillway.

A field near Howard Road, overlooking the north end of the lake, was transformed into a Halloween carnival. Decorations included hay bales, pumpkins (plastic, because of the time of year) and game booths. Halloween costumes were varied and abundant, including pirates, cheerleaders, gypsies and cowboys. Characters from Harry Potter also were present, including Hermione Granger.

Brief instructions were given, and when the director called “Action!” everyone played their part. Kids loved the idea of playing in front of the camera, and they were all enthusiastic about this experience.

“I have always wanted to see a movie set,” explained Lauren Eriksen. “And now I want to be in my own movie!”

This sentiment was echoed by many of the children present. The magic of movies provided strong motivation to listen and pay attention to the directions. Even when the wind was blowing fiercely and the sun had set, the children were still attentive. Most of the children started leaving the set about 9:30 p.m., but one hardy group stayed until the shot wrapped at 11:00 p.m.

The Halloween Carnival scene was for a new horror movie, called “The Beacon”. Directed by Michael Stokes, the movie revolves around Bryn (played by Teri Polo) who is dealing with the loss of her 4 year-old son. Bryn and her husband (played by David Rees Snell) move to the charming historical Beacon apartments. Bryn begins to see visions of a boy who fell down the elevator shaft. She tries to save his spirit and learns something about her own grief in the process.

Three hotel rooms at the Rogers Hotel have been combined to create the couple’s apartment. Scenes have also been shot at Marchman’s Corner in downtown Waxahachie, and The Catfish Plantation.
 

The release date for the movie is tentatively scheduled for 2010.
For more information, please visit www.bloody-disgusting.com/film/2161.