Filmmaking / Directing : What it’s like to create films in my part of the world? by Debbie Seagle

Debbie Seagle

What it’s like to create films in my part of the world?

My first feature film is hoping to be shot this fall in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia where wildlife rules. Luckily, some scenes include rogue squirrels, wayward bears, and harsh/hilarious realities of rural living. Scenes depicting civilization will require a 30 mile drive in the pick-up truck.

Beautiful falls into the lake and sunsets over rolling mountains - surrounded by knee-slappin' mayhem - won't be a challenge or require any fake backdrops. Film funding - that's the challenge we hillbillies find befuddling...

Maurice Vaughan

Congratulations on your first feature film being in development, Debbie Seagle! "some scenes include rogue squirrels, wayward bears, and harsh/hilarious realities of rural living." I want to see that movie! And the Appalachian Mountains sound like a great place to write and relax.

Michael Dukumor

Good day sir

Leonardo Ramirez

Sounds like a beautiful part of the country Debbie Seagle and you can't go wrong with "knee-slappin' mayhem"! But I'll bet that the squirrels will behave if their paid well (LOL)! I wish you all the best - it does sound like something I'd watch. In all seriousness, I don't think we get to see enough of what it's like to live in those realities. Good on you for sharing it with us.

Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg

Debbie Seagle Sounds rather challenging, logistics wise. What are you shooting and how big is the crew?

Imola Orbán

Wow, that's sounds cool! I live in rural Hungary, and I've always been fascinated by rural USA, even if I've only seen it in photos :')

What genre will your film be?

Ktenidi Evangelia

Debbie Seagle Wowww!! Sounds incredible and wild!!! Even magical!!! I would definitely want to watch it...congrats!!!

Debbie Seagle

Thank you Leonardo Ramirez! It's gonna be fun! Afterall, why do we do this? RE: The Squirrels... they are just out of control. They eat food from the bird-feeder hanging upside-down. I have a really good recipe for squirrel stew in my book - & incorporated it into a scene in the movie. LOL. Dang squirrels.

Debbie Seagle

@Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg - I own the cabin (where much of the film will be shot) - so that's a plus in the budget. Logistics are worked out because I know locals - even have an epic/crazy graveside scene being comped....There are 14 named actors (Including Richard Cranium & The Texas Trash Tramp)... 10 small-part actors... The crew is not set in stone because I'm still pursuing funding (fun fun)... and I've not contracted anyone yet because all options are still open. Everyone who has read the script wants in - and my main objective is to make it fun and rewarding for everyone involved. Then I'm back to my next 4 books - and dang it - I know I'll write a script for those too...

Debbie Seagle

Imola - my film is Comedy- dramedy- rom-com. Hungary is a beautiful country and I imagine you know how beautiful the mountains can be!

Leonardo Ramirez

I'm thinking you should invite Pete the squirrel over to a cookout Debbie Seagle. Whenever our yorkie is sitting on the couch looking out, he flies in out of nowhere and lands flat on the glass right in front of her - scares her out of her mind. She may have to go to counseling for that.

Debbie Seagle

Leonardo - The squirrel's name is Rocky! (and his friend is Bullwinkle) But... Pete may be their cousin. crackin me up.

Ashley Renee Smith

Debbie Seagle, this paints such a vivid and hilarious picture! I can already imagine the rogue squirrels stealing the scene! There’s something so raw, untamed, and visually stunning about the Appalachian setting that makes it a perfect backdrop for both heart and humor.

And you’re absolutely right, nature provides the production value, but funding is often the real mountain to climb. If you haven’t checked it out yet, Stage 32 has some great education on indie film financing that might be helpful as you prep for production: https://www.stage32.com/education/collections/financing

Debbie Seagle

Thank you Ashley Renee Smith ! I'll definitely check it out. I'm so amazed by the vast resources on Stage 32. I've invited everyone involved in my film to discover something to enhance their role in the movie.

Other topics in Filmmaking / Directing:

register for stage 32 Register / Log In