The Shadow
Producers for the movie “Wish You Well” have narrowed their choices in search of a filming location in Virginia.
The four locations still being considered as the main location of the production are the Alleghany Highlands, Botetourt County, Giles County, and Smyth County.
The list was narrowed from 15 locations that submitted information to the producers, said Teresa Hammond, executive director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.
“From local train depots, old courtrooms, beautiful waterfalls, gorgeous mountain views, theatres, one-room schoolhouses, friendly and inviting historic downtowns, and a doctor’s office that’s a step back in time – the Alleghany Highlands hopes to be the production location for their next film,” Hammond said.
In the coming weeks, a team from “Wish You Well” will be visiting the four localities to determine the best setting.
Hammond said, “The potential impact of being selected as the production site is significant. The Alleghany Highlands is such a warm and inviting community. It is wonderful to see the residents coming together to help highlight the area.
“We encourage everyone to visit the ‘Wish You Well Movie’ Facebook page and ask them to select the Alleghany Highlands,” Hammond said.
“Life Out Loud Films,” the company that filmed and produced “Lake Effects” last year, will be producing “Wish You Well” this year. The film will be based on a novel by best-selling author David Baldacci.
“Wish You Well” is set in the 1940s and is about a teenage girl and her younger brother making the journey to southern West Virginia from New York after a family tragedy. The story has been compared to “To Kill a Mockingbird” in reviews.
“Wish You Well” was published in 2000 and received critical acclaim, as well as sales numbering in the millions worldwide.
The movie project has been in development for several mo-nths, and the current aim is to complete the funding phase within the coming few months. When funding has been completed, Life Out Loud Films will begin searching for name talent. Though the exact location of the filming has not yet been determined, shooting is scheduled for the fall of 2012 somewhere in Virginia.
“Lake Effects,” the feature film starring Jane Seymour, was shot at Smith Mountain Lake last year.
Sara Elizabeth Timmins of Life Out Loud Films and Baldacci are Smith Mountain Lake residents.
Baldacci will be visiting the Highlands Tuesday. The chamber has tentatively scheduled a reception in conjunction with his visit between 5 and 6 p.m. at the Moomaw Center on the Dabney S. Lancaster Community College campus.
