“The Last Song” Opens in Theaters

This was the first night for “The Last Song.”

The Nicholas Sparks novel turned film opened Wednesday night to sold out shows at Mayfaire. Set in Wrightsville Beach, Hollywood East lost the production to Savannah, Georgia. Still, area fans were excited to see the story play out on the big screen.

One movie-goer in particular.

“Yeah it is a big moment,” Set Designer, Brian Baker said with a laugh. “I am just keeping my fingers crossed that my name is going to be there when the credits roll.”

Brian Baker was one of two set designers to work on “The Last Song.” It’s Baker’s first feature film. Mayfaire Cinema’s 7:30 pm showing was his chance to see his work on the silver screen. Baker designed modifications to the beach house and scenes around the pier including the volleyball scene.

In April, a deal to shoot the film in Wilmington fell through sending the film and Baker to Georgia.

“It would have been great for Wilmington but as it turns out it moved to Savannah as most people know at the last minute,” Baker said. “A lot of us followed it down there and I was one of the fortunate people who got to work on it down there. It was a great experience.”

The film may have been shot in Savannah but the book was set in Wrightsville Beach. Movie-goers say that helped spark their interest.

“Reading his books and stuff, you know where they’re going,” Fan Blythe Cross said, “They’re like Fort Fisher and Wrightsville Beach, and its really cool.”

“I think it’s way cooler because I like know it more,” Fan Tori Wentzy said.

There was no shortage of women lining up to buy tickets for the film’s first night. Sparks may have a female fan base, but opening night also brought out fans of the females.

When asked how he felt being in a theater full of girls, Trent Hansley said, “That’s going to be pretty good.”

A word to the wise, if you plan on getting your hands on the golden ticket; one movie-goer said, “Be prepared to cry.”

Nicholas Sparks attended “The Last Song” premiere in New Bern.