By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
You outta be in pictures.
At least, you have a chance to be in a movie. And all you have to do is show up at the Missouri Theatre next Friday, the 24th.
The movie “Behind Closed Curtains” is being shot primarily in St. Joseph, though the crew is in Lawrence today.
Writer/Director Alec Huggins invites area residents to dress up and come down to the Missouri Theatre at one o’clock the afternoon of the 24th to be extras in his movie.
“And we need a real audience, comprised of real local folks,” Huggins tells KFEQmmunity. “It’d be an opportunity to be an extra in a movie, see a film being created. That would mean a lot to us as well. It would be a big help.”
Actress Chloe Groussard, who is French, says she has enjoyed her first time in this part of the country.
“People are excited that we’re here. Everybody is extremely warm and welcoming and I finally understand what is the famous Midwest warmth, you know, the Midwest kindness,” Groussard says during her appearance on KFEQmmunity. “It’s actually wonderful.”
Groussard says St. Joseph area residents have a great opportunity to be part of a movie.
“The Missouri Theater is absolutely gorgeous and beautiful and we’re looking to fill it up on October 24th,” Groussard says. “We need as many people as possible.”
The newly reinstated Missouri film tax credit has played a role in luring this production to St. Joseph.
Huggins says his independent production benefits from the state film tax credit, which allows it to shoot in St. Joseph, rather than attempt to recreate a setting in a Hollywood back lot.
“It helps the GDP. It helps the city. And it helps the film makers create these projects and tell stories that deserve to be told in these authentic places,” Huggins says. “You know, you can try to fake the Midwest, but you can’t. You just can’t.”
Huggins has high praise for the Missouri Film Commission which has been very responsive to the production’s needs.
“Shooting stuff in Los Angeles can become hectic. It’s not a novelty there. You know, everybody’s doing it. So, to come and be welcomed here is great. It’s a real treat,” Huggins says. “We appreciate it. It does not go unappreciated.”
Huggins says the movie needs extras on Friday, the 24th. He says residents simply should dress their best and show up at the Missouri Theater around one o’clock that afternoon to fill the seats and become an extra in the movie.
You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ
