Work has economic impact

Published 12:01 am Saturday, March 3, 2012

It’s been said it takes a village to raise a child.

Film student and movie director Michael “Mike” Infante of New York said Friday, “from the looks of things, it takes a two-county community to make a movie.”

Infante, along with cast and crew, have spent the last week filming his senior thesis “Only Fear of Death” at various locations in Covington County and the surrounding areas. The group is expected to finish production today.

Infante described the project as “low budget” made possible “only through the wonderful people” locally.

“I can’t tell you everyone who has helped us,” he said. “Huge, huge support.”

While here, the group stayed at the Solon Dixon Forestry Center each night, dined on catered meals prepared by Sugar Rush Bakery and purchased items used on set at local retailers, including Marvin’s, Brooks True Value Hardware and the Corner Market.

Crewmembers also dined at Green’s BBQ and Samauri Japanese Steakhouse.

Infante said George and Brenda Gantt at Sweetgum Bottom Antiques loaned costumes and props for the production, while Sir Francis McGowin helped with historial knowledge of the area.

“Everyone just opened their doors to us,” he said. “They said, ‘Come on in. How can we help you?’

“You don’t get that just anywhere,” he said.