Franklin County Residents Star in Community Film

A group of actors, who just so happen to live in the area, starred in the Les Nelson's "The Gray," which premiered at the Windsor Theatre on Thursday evening, Oct. 1.

"The Gray," written, directed, and produced by Les Nelson of Marketplace Media, follows six cousins who, while camping in the woods near their grandmother’s farm, encounter a mysterious creature that appears between sunset and darkness.

Filmed in Leland, Iowa in July and August, the short film features Wendy Buseman, Jim Davies, Macaean Pralle, Keston Pralle, Nathan Pralle, Liberty Varrelman, Reed Masters, Bella Duran, Julie Keely, Andy Hofer, Jayna Hofer, Harvey Hofer and Beverly Hofer.

The stars showed up in style for the night of the premiere, first making their way down the red carpet before the film was shown. The night ended with a Q&A with the audience, where those in attendance asked everything from "who struggled the most with their lines?" to "is there going to be a sequel?"

Nelson said he would love to make a sequel, but he would need community support to make it happen.

Director Nelson applauded the cast, especially the children, saying they put in long days to make it all happen.

"One of the first things I told the actors when they signed on for 'The Gray' is 'if you love this, there will not be any other children that will have more experience than you,'" he said. "And they got to learn about the process and it was a grind."

Nelson also thanked the community and the Franklin County Arts Council for all of their support, saying he hopes they can continue to make community films, such as this one.

"Isn't this theatre the most wonderful place in the world to premiere a film?" he said of the Windsor Theatre. "You have the most beautiful, beautiful, beautiful theatre and sometimes I think we take for granted this crossroads where the community can come together."

Winsdor Theatre Manager Jim Davies, who played the part of "Sheriff Scott" in the film, told the Chronicle that the project was challenging due to the hot, wet, muggy and buggy conditions while filming in Leland, along with the aggressive shooting schedule.

"I was impressed with the professionalism of the production crew, and proud of how well the actors, particularly the young actors, were disciplined and focused," he said. "The premiere at the Windsor Theatre was frosting on the cake. I was so happy with the turnout and how the movie was received. I look forward to more partnerships of the Franklin County Arts Council with Les Nelson and Marketplace Media.Company."