An Amherstburg actress is in a new few feature film that will start filming in the region next year.
Rebecca Mickle has been cast as Rachelle Simmons, an FBI agent investigating a case of a serial killer whose daughter is in foster care, with the daughter not being so innocent.
The film’s title is “Avery” with the title role of Avery Dawson being played by Elora Iera.
It is being produced by South Detroit Films and Riggi Media International.
“It’s pretty exciting,” said Mickle, of her role. “It’s my first lead in a feature length film.”
Mickle explained it was originally intended to be a short film and she was cast in that. Producers liked the concept so much they expanded it into a feature and Mickle stayed in the role she was originally cast in.
“Before they went ahead with the short film, they loved it so much they decided to make it bigger," she said.
The new film "Avery" is being described by its creators as “a bone-chilling psychological horror film” that “follows the disturbing journey of a young girl with a sinister connection to her serial killer father, known as the Dollmaker. As Avery's seemingly innocent facade crumbles, the line between victim and villain blurs in this heart-stopping thriller.”
One of Mickle’s more recent works was in the web series “(up)Staged,” a comedy series focusing on what people with disabilities can accomplish. Her new role as Rachelle Simmons has seen Mickle try to develop a backstory and motivations for her character so that it would “feel like a real person.”
When she brought her thoughts on her character to director/writer Dan Savoie, she said he believed she had a handle on the character.
“I want to seem like I’m a serious FBI agent,” she said.
Flashback scenes will start filming soon, but the bulk of “Avery” will be shot next year.
“Principle photography starts in the spring,” said Mickle, estimating it will take three to four weeks to complete.
It will then be edited, taken to a distributor with the aim of finding a streaming service. It could also find its way into film festivals.
"We're excited to bring this unique and terrifying story to life," said Savoie, in a press release. "Our goal is to create a horror experience that will stay with audiences long after they leave the theater."
The film will utilizing RED cameras and Dolby 5.1 surround sound technology to create “an immersive cinematic experience.” It features a mix of established and new talent, including lead actors Jacqui Childs (Naked News), Jeff Burrows (drummer from The Tea Party), August Kyss (Murderbot, Wolf Hollow), Brian Vollmer (lead vocalist of iconic Canadian band Helix), Kara Ro (MMA fighter and CKWW host) and nearly 30 more, the press release added"Avery" is “poised to put Southwestern Ontario's film industry on the map.”
Local newcomer Elora Iera, a nine-year-old described as a rising star, has been cast in the role of Avery.
Viewers can get a taste of the film "Avery" by viewing the teaser trailer at: https://youtu.be/zsN-O4IMK6A.
Mickle added that CKBG radio host and Amherstburg resident Spencer Duby is also part of the film, as he adds radio voiceovers to some of the scenes.
To bring their vision to life, South Detroit Films has launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign to supplement funding and get the local community involved. Horror enthusiasts and supporters of independent
cinema are invited to be part of the project, with perks ranging from behind-the-scenes access to exclusive merchandise and on-set experiences.
The link to the fundraising site is https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/avery-feature-horror-film/x/38046141#/.
Walter Riggi, cinematographer and producer, adds, "With 'Avery,' we're pushing the boundaries of what indie horror can achieve. The combination of cutting-edge technology and the natural talent of Southwestern Ontario will create an experience unlike anything audiences have seen before."
For more information or to help contribute to "Avery" visit www.averythemovie.com.
By Ron Giofu
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