A movie’s budget doesn’t have to be large to make a difference.
Unseen, an independent feature, will be filming for seven days in West Kelowna and the North Okanagan next week, and another small-scale movie could begin shooting Feb. 16.
“A 1 to $1.5 million movie is enough to make a good horror or suspense film,” said Jon Summerland, with the Okanagan Film Commission.
The productions use local motels, restaurants and other services, which boost the economy. However, there is a more critical long-term impact.
“They hire all locals and that helps building a crew here (for future movies),” said Summerland.
Unseen stars Aden Young (Rectify, Killer Elite, I Frankenstein) and Julia Sarah Stone (Wet Bum, Vampire Dog, Sunday’s Child).
Filming will take place along Westside Road and at the Little Kingdom store on the Okanagan Indian Reserve.
“There is a car accident in the middle of no where during the film and there are some great vistas there,” said Summerland of Westside Road.
“The grocery store is also a great location.”
While there has been a lot of focus on Sir Anthony Hopkins recently filming a moving in Enderby, Vernon and Lumby, Summerland believes small, independent productions help the valley’s film sector.
“It’s more exposure and more people know about the area. It’s another notch in the belt,” he said.
As for the other movie that begins shooting Feb. 16, Summerland is unable to provide any details, including locations.
“They are looking at the North Okanagan,” he said.
