/images/devices.png)
/images/newspaper.png)
/images/textalerts.png)
/images/newsletters.png)
BATAVIA – A young filmmaker has been scouting locations in Batavia for his next short film, a companion piece to "The Lazarus Bridge," which he recently finished shooting in St. Charles, Bloomingdale and Chicago.
"It's my second film outside film school," said James Albright of Roselle, writer and producer. "It's the first one I'm trying to submit to film festivals. I'm hoping that this project will enable me and the people I've worked with to get our names out, so people can see what we can do."
He said "The Lazarus Bridge" is a dramatic piece about a young woman and the client who comes into her office. Divulging more specifics about the plot would spoil the twists of the 15-minute movie, which is expected to have post-production completed this spring.
Since starting the project last fall in St. Charles, the crew filmed in areas including the footbridge near the police station and at a township cemetery.
"I love the downtown area," Albright said of St. Charles. "It's a beautiful area. The officials have been very kind and flexible about allowing us to film there. That's always a plus."
The short film's director is Crystal Contreras of Chicago, and the lead actors in the four-person cast are Meghan Bordeaux and Matthew Hallstein. Also appearing are Isaiah Grass and Journie Kalous.
Albright said "The Lazarus Bridge" is part of larger narrative.
"It's a two-part story," he said. "I'm hoping to begin work on the second one in the summer. I'm hoping to film in Batavia. I just love the area around the river … Wilson Street. That area is gorgeous. [And] the drive down Route 25 to Wilson. The town, in particular, appeals to me."
The second part also will be a drama, but Albright said it will be lighter in character.
He graduated from Judson University in Elgin, followed by film school at the University of Miami in Florida, where he earned a master's degree in screenwriting.
To learn more about Albright's production company, DWP, visit facebook.com/dancingwombatproductions.
