Soon to join the ranks of movies such as Free Willy, Ring 2 and Kindergarten Cop will be ASSEMBLY, a religious drama which begins filming in Astoria this spring. Assembly is a modern day re-telling of the story of the Good Samaritan. The word on the street is that it is already causing a buzz. People are wondering exactly what the movie is about. Steven Thorne, who penned the script is keeping his mouth shut, at least for now. “It deals with the subject of religious abuse and those who dare to stand against it. Other than that I can’t really comment anything more.” The writer might be keeping his lips sealed but some parts of the script have been leaked which is why the script is being kept under lock and key.
What do we know so far?
1) It is based on a true story.
2) It involves abuse.
3) Not only is the villain a pastor (pretty obvious) but apparently the hero is a pastor as well.
THAT is a refreshing change. Not all religious leaders are bad and the world doesn’t need another movie knocking the church.
4) It is like Dead Poets Society.
I remember reading that very description about the movie in the article that ran in the Daily Astorian. Having read several pages of the script I can now wholeheartedly agree. Assembly is not your usual Grade B Christian propaganda film. I only got to read several pages, but the dialogue was tight and feisty. It crackled with drama and depth.
5) It is set in Astoria, Oregon and will have some shots at Cannon Beach.
6) It has a poster and it ROCKS!
I snagged a look at the poster for the film. It was dark and dramatic. It shows the light of a cross illuminating a really creepy, brick wall. It will be interesting to see how this all ties in with the theme of “The Good Samaritan” if they keep it as the official poster. Maybe it is about the light of Christ shining in the darkest of places. If so, then it makes perfect sense.
That is all I know for now, but I promise you… I will find out more!! If you know anything about this or any other movies coming to Astoria, LET ME KNOW!
I put in to be a cast member in this film. I hope it does big business.
I am TOTALLY going to be at McDonalds this Wednesday!
If you read the character descriptions on the Pendergast Pictures website, one can be reminded of the early Twilight Zone episodes. You remember, where Telly Savalas and William Shatner gave the best performances of their life in live theatre staged for TV.
It’s a given that the writing will be excellent, all that remains
is has the community recovered from Cthulhu, and Crimps? Astoria
used to be THE place to film – Twilight chose Kalama, WA because
Astoria didn’t have it’s act together (sorry, Skip!). When I
was on-the-set for Twilight, I talked with the Police Chief of Kalama who was doing security – he confirmed Astoria was their first choice to shoot … maybe these folks can tap into that volunteer spirit that used to be Astoria – I’d hate to think the
final chapter has been written on Films made here – good luck!
Has Crimps come out yet? I know with Cthulu it seemed that there were some story issues. I don’t think the problem is Astoria. It is really a town of about ten thousand people. It can’t be a mega Hollywood machine. Forks has nothing but rain and fog which was perfect for vampires, and the books were written about Forks. Astoria greatly celebrates the Goonies and Free Willy. But, those are movies (like Assembly) that were filmed by people not from Astoria. Maybe that is the secret, Astoria celebrating movies that show up, not grow up here.
Crimps hasn’t come out yet – it was put on hold for a year by Mick Alderman, hence the 2009 potential release date. He’s busy trying to get investors to help the budget … I’m reduced to a “resource” person, like the police I.D. card props, etc – he’s had quite a few crew volunteers … the The Abu Ghraib Effect (2009) is similarly on hold until this summer also for the same reasons – I have a small speaking part, and it’s being shot in Battle Ground, WA. Crimps was truly a home town Astoria movie, as Cthulhu was a Seattle based project half-shot here in and around Astoria. Also Twilight is greenlit, so the sequel will be starting soon with a different director – bet Kalama gets them again …
A brief update: Steve Thorne, the writer of the screenplay said it was actually based on a true story. After talking with 60 of the locals here, and Michael Desmond, of KAST, he’s happy with the responce for “ASSEMBLY” so far – he will return from Seattle in a few weeks – several major parts are cast, and he was here to scout and find faces to match the characters … extras and other casting will be ongoing. A Seattle Crew will arrive between now and Summer, and more locals can be involved in the production — JOE
Hi,
I’m in the wrong country unfortunately, but I know Steve Thorne from an online forum and am sure his film will be interesting and challenging. I, too, have a keen interest in abusive religious setups and have based a novel around one.
I am SO looking forward to this movie!!
They changed the website at Pendergast Pictures. It has the poster up now. Is this going to be horror? Looks amazing!
Hi All:
I’ve put up an opposite blog from this one – think of it more
as a magazine, or archive of everything “assembly” – stay tuned!
Joe
http://astoriamovies.wordpress.com
Hi All:
Steve from Pendergast Pictures says there will be a second open
casting call in Astoria by mid-April for headshots and BIOS, and
handouts about the upcoming film – stay tuned here and at the other
blog for time/dates
Joe
http://astoriamovies.wordpress.com