Movie set, shot in Burgaw hits national screens

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The dreams of three local filmmakers are finally coming true. Billy Lewis, Heath Franklin and Brandon Luck have been working in the film industry for years. Next week, a film they worked on hits theaters nationwide.

“The Jailhouse” is based on events that happens in the mid-1900s at the Pender County Jail. The whole movie was shot in Burgaw.

The trio of filmmakers thought their movie might have some local appeal and maybe make it to DVD. Then producer Franklin got an e-mail from someone who wanted to take it farther.

“At first we thought it was too good to be true,” Franklin said. “This guy’s a shister. We’re gonna show up at the theater, and it’s not gonna be there, you know, we’re all gonna look like fools. It’s all real, and the movies in theaters.”

The film stars C. Thomas Howell, Rey Valentine and Lindsey McKeon. There are many up and coming Wilmington actors in it as well.

It hit theaters Tuesday in 16 cities in 10 states. For showtimes and tickets, check out http://www.fandango.com.