Amidst all the success and media exposure in LOHS’s athletic programs, a new set of lights and cameras made its way into the field house over the weekend. Independent filmmaker and Orion resident Chuck Grady chose the spot to film his newest project.
The plot is based on real-life events in a high school basketball game played in Wisconsin. It’s of a team member who loses his mother the morning of a big game and the resulting acts of sportsmanship by the opposing team.
For his movie, Grady set the stage in a game between Lake Orion and Oxford. He used basketball players from each school and cheerleaders from LO. ‘Extras? from around the area were also invited to participate.
‘I wanted to make sure the story was based on the true one, but involve the community I live in, in the project,? Grady said.
Last Saturday, the crew, which also included LOHS students, filmed game scenes from the movie. Hundreds of extras from the local area filled the bleachers, cheering and booing on cue, underneath bright lights and camera lenses.
‘When you ask a community to support a project like this you know you’re asking a lot because you’re asking people to give their time to something that isn’t going to get them fame or money,? said Grady.
‘Without them, a film like mine will fail. I asked people to give up a beautiful day to sit in a gym and over 250 people came out for free, and did just that. Believe me Hollywood struggles to get that many sometimes even paying people. That tells you why I wanted to shoot here and a lot about the people that live here.?
Sophomore Evan Drean played varsity basketball this year and will be in the film on LO’s team.
‘Mostly they just make us sit on the bench,? Drean said, joking of his Saturday activities.
Sophomore Blair Williams was a junior varsity player and also took to the court for the cameras.
‘Every once in awhile we get to play,? he said.
Acting as director and producer, Grady is working on the project with long-time friend Roger Smith. Smith also teaches the Television Production Workshop class at the high school.
‘While the label ‘independent? film might make you think that it’s just a guy with a camcorder, it’s actually quite the opposite,? Smith said.
Grady is using Red cameras for the movie, which are sophisticated digital cameras that look like 35mm film.
‘It’s about as ‘Hollywood? as it gets,? said Smith. ‘Lots of professionals are involved, so it’s a big production for being ‘independent.??
Director/Producer Grady says he chose this particular story to film because it’s one everyone can relate to.
‘We will all feel the personal loss of someone dear at one point in our life and it seems to put life in a perspective where we are able to see life for what it really should be,? he said.
After Saturday’s shoot, the filming was wrapped up. The movie now goes into editing, after which Grady plans to enter it in film festivals around the world.
‘And I think this film could be used by places like the Boys and Girls Club or Big Brothers as an educational lesson showing that there is more to life than winning at all cost. It’s about having compassion’for others and sportsmanship,? he said.
Grady grew up in Buffalo, NY. He met his wife, LO native Kerry Birmingham, while working in TV news in Salt Lake City. Birmingham brought her husband back to her hometown when they started their family.
‘It was fun shooting this film where I know in just a few years my own daughters will be attending,? said Grady.
Making movies is something he’s wanted to do since high school, but has only recently taken it up professionally.
? After seeing the movie ‘Cinderella Man? a few years ago I walked out and the next day signed up for film school at the age of 48,? he said.
He’s now finishing up his second film.
‘I believe more than ever that if it’s something you want to do, to just do it,? Grady said, adding, ? I think making this film shows that it’s one step closer to bigger projects and endless possibilities.?
Though LO is not his hometown, Grady says he might put the village back in the bright lights for future projects.
‘Anytime that you can work in the town you live in is a plus. If I found the right story I would gladly shoot another project here. I hope to at least make Michigan the base for most of any film I do,? said Grady.