The Grand Strand is in the Can!
The Grand Strand is in the can! Filming finished in July and our team has taken a month to rest, reflect, and celebrate this special production. The cast and crew poured their hearts into making this film, which may have been Local Cinema Studio’s most ambitious one yet.
Over the course of six weeks, the team braved thunderstorms, company moves, heat waves, and fourth of July Myrtle Beach traffic to complete filming with a celebratory cheer. While there are many factors that make this film special, below are some quick fun facts to get oriented with The Grand Strand.
The Grand Strand cast and crew at sunrise, following the last shot of the film
Five Notable Things About The Grand Strand
1. The project was 4+ years in the making
While it was only a few weeks of filming, Luke Lowder—The Grand Strand writer and director—has been working on this project for over four years. Throughout that time, he continued to refine the script and seek funding. Luke submitted it to the Get on Set Selection panel and it was a unanimous favorite because of the story arc and depth of the characters.
The Grand Strand is a coming-of-age drama set in the Carolinas, at locations that Luke visited throughout his childhood. The lead character, fourteen-year-old Levi navigates going into foster care or living with his only remaining family. It is an authentic view story of the South inspired by real people and places. Our hope is that it resonate with the audience as much as it has with us.
2. John Carroll Lynch is a key cast member
Lunch on The Grand Strand set
John Carroll Lynch, an award winning actor and director, is cast as Pop, the heart of the film and Levi’s beloved grandfather. While on set at Luke’s family farm in North Caroline, John generously provided mentorship to the cast and crew, elevating the set with his experience and bringing smiles to everyone on production.
3. Students from eight universities joined industry professionals as crew for this film
The goal of Local Cinema projects is to develop talent and provide opportunity in the Southeast. This year we had the widest representation yet, with students and recent graduates from eight universities across the Southeast collaborating on set. These students/recent grads walked onto the project as strangers, and walked away with lifelong friendships and a strong professional network. Crew who met on The Grand Strand are already collaborating on projects together, bringing new art to the Southeast.
4. This was Wilds Clemmons breakout acting role
A few weeks before filming began, we hosted auditions for lead roles in Myrtle Beach. We put the call out through news channels and the radio. A family member of Wilds Clemmons heard the call and accompanied Wilds to an audition. Wilds was wearing the same shoes as Luke, the writer, and this casting call became a serendipitous moment that solidified the magic of The Grand Strand.
Wilds had little acting experience, but was able to step into the lead role of Levi and make it his own with a collected calmness and deep authenticity. Wilds did not only read the lines of Levi, he embodied Levi. This was his breakout role in what is sure to be a successful career.
5. The Grand Strand was a true community project
The Grand Strand was a communal project supported by family, friends, and residents of Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach who opened their arms to our team. People donated time, locations, and a lot of high fives to make this film possible.
This is not only a story about the South, it is a story that is made by Southerners who are excited to see a film being made that represents our region in a genuine way.
After four years of development and six sweaty weeks of filming, we are excited to be in (air conditioned) post-production. Editors are assembling the footage share a story that is equally beautiful and compelling. Once ready, the final film will be playing at film festivals—stay tuned!