A local film crew has finished principal photography on a supernatural horror film filmed entirely in Delaware.
Susan M. Martin, one of the writers and executive producers on the film, said the film is titled “Willow Falls” and is about a woman who returns to her quaint hometown — the aforementioned Willow Falls — and … well, Martin said she didn’t want to spoil it.
Martin said the tag-line of the film will be, “Can you ever really leave home?”
Martin said the film was shot mostly at her farm north of the city over the weekend but the film called for an ice cream restaurant so the crew was in town Monday morning to shoot the last scene.
Martin said initially the scene was going to take place at Dari Point on East Winter Street but, when the crew arrived Monday morning, they were unable to shoot because of the noise from State Route 37 and the construction at Conger Elementary School.
Eventually the scene was filmed at The Dairy Depot on North Sandusky Street because there’s not as much traffic and much less noise, Martin said.
Martin went on the thank the owners of both establishments for their courtesy and hospitality in letting them shoot.
Monday’s shoot was smaller than the bulk of the shooting over the weekend that involved more actors and some special effects, according to Martin.
“Central Ohio has the best talent,” Martin said. “I’ve been involved in films for the last 10 years and knew just who I wanted.”
The biggest advantage in shooting in Delaware is the community, Martin said.
“You can’t ask for better people,” Martin said tearfully. “There isn’t a better community. I love Delaware and I love the people. I have to give the community credit.”
Martin said The Hamburger Inn catered the shoot over the weekend at the farm and provided 120 meals over two days for free.
Likewise, Martin said Josie Posie Flowers donated a flower display for a funeral scene.
Martin said the film will probably be about 15 minutes long and she hopes to premiere the film at The Strand next year.
Martin said that while she has acted many times before, this is the first time she has been on the production side of a shoot — though she does play the main character’s mother in the film.
“It’s enlightening,” Martin said. “I’ve really gotten to know the other side of this. [I’ve learned] if you think it, then you can do it.”
Martin said the film really would not have been possible without the Delaware community.
“I’m never leaving Delaware,” Martin said.
