(he took the camera on vacation), but “Highlander The Amateur” was mostly filmed in Frankton, Anderson, Elwood and Nashville, Ind. “Around here, you’ve got all kinds of things you can work with,” said Allen, who filmed in a cornfield and Shadyside Park. The Frankton High School graduate is the director, producer, casting agent and leading man. He selected his cast among family and friends, and it proved to be a challenge. “Dealing with actors was probably the hardest part besides the editing,” Allen said. “I kept having problems with the actors. They’d quit or something. I’d get halfway through and have to recast. “I was able to work all the time on it and they weren’t.” Allen, who started filming in December 2002, wrapped in July after a friend came to fill his hole for a leading lady. Sorah Stein, 24, is a New York City film student who volunteered for the acting credit. They met online through role-playing. “She said NY’s a big place and there’s not a lot of little things to get started with,” Allen said. “I’m glad she came. It was one of the hardest parts to cast.” The final product included performances by his cousin, Justin Pruitt, who plays the buddy role; a cousin’s cousin, Larry Clabaug, who played the bad guy; and his brother Nathan, who briefly appears. Like the big budget films, there were some outtakes. “During the sword fight (with Clabaug) we missed the cue and cut each other’s fingers,” Allen said. “We didn’t have a lot of time to finish the fight scene and were making it up as we go, and that was a big mistake.” Next through his lens: A sequel, with more sword fights and conflict. “Highlander The Amateur” is available only at Allen’s Web site, matthewmccloud.tripod.com. But at least one local video store is embracing locally produced movies for rent and sale. Ralph Lee, owner of Lee’s Video in Anderson and Muncie, has an open mind to independent work. His sign advertises a locally filmed flick, “Maintenance By Any Means.” “The fellow who had done it came in our store for years,” Lee said. “I watched it, it was funny and entertaining. It wasn’t like something like that came out of Paramount, but it was well done for an independent film like that.” Lee says sales of “Maintenance” have been “fairly decent.”“I figured it’s tough getting a start, so I’ll help,” said Lee, who has stocked a couple other local videos, too. “If it’s something tasteful or well done, I’d be interested in handling it,” Lee said. “It’s something different. I can’t say I watch everything, but I try to.” “I suspect as time goes on, you’ll see more independent film makers,” he said, adding the door is open at Lee’s Video for more local talent. “I’d be glad to see something.”
There were a few minor mistakes made in the article but overall it was a good news story.
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