|
|
05-Mar-2007
Another historic film project wraps in Washington County
(photo credit: Hagerstown Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau President Thomas Riford with cast and crew of History Channel project)
Hagerstown, MD -- A California film and production company has wrapped
up filming in Washington County. The Santa Monica, California-based
company has been filming a History Channel episode about John Wilkes
Booth, and his escape from Washington, DC.
More than 20 cast and crew filmed in Williamsport, using a wooden bridge
in the C&O Canal National Historic Park as the backdrop for a fleeing
John Wilkes Booth.
Tom Jennings Productions announced that Williamsport was chosen, because
Washington County was film-friendly, and that the site was perfect for
the network television project. "We have had a fantastic experience in
Washington County," said Tom Jennings on the set. "Everyone has been
great to work with. This is the historical look we needed." Jennings
said that the episode would be aired on the History Channel network on
December 23rd, although the actual timing of the episode's premier is
subject to change.
Tom Riford, the President and CEO of the Hagerstown-Washington County
Convention and Visitors Bureau, said his organization welcomed the
production. "We helped coordinate hotel rooms, permit discussions with
the national park, and also other needs. We always welcome film and
television projects to our county. These bring positive economic impact,
plus help promote our county in the film industry." Riford mentioned
that another film had wrapped up production the week before, and that a
network music video was also filmed at the Maryland Theatre. "It's been
a busy week, working with the Maryland Film Office, and the various
production companies."
The cast and crew utilized the Four Points by Sheraton as the host
hotel. Washington County-based Historical Entertainment provided
production assistance, extras, and also coordination with the C&O Canal
National Historical Park, the Town of Williamsport, and the Convention
and Visitors Bureau. "We've been working on this project for a number of
months, and actually did additional filming in nearby locations, while
calling Washington County our hub for filming operations," said Russ
Richards of Historical Entertainment.
Staff members of the C&O Canal National Historical Park stayed at the
Williamsport site, providing assistance during filming.
While visiting the set, Williamsport Mayor James McLeaf, II welcomed the
network television production, "Williamsport has rolled out the welcome
mat for this network television project. It's great that a History
Channel production used our town, and we hope to see more filming here
in the future. It's an exciting time for Williamsport."
Jean-Pierre Parent was the actor who portrayed John Wilkes Booth, the
man who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. His horse was provided
by Jodi Nolan. The horse's name is "Richmond," and is an old hand to
acting, having appeared in more than 20 films and network television
episodes, including "The Amazing Race."
The History Channel project is one of more than twelve network
television projects that have been completed in Washington County during
the past three years. Additionally, three movies were filmed in
Washington County, during the same time period, including "Fields of
Freedom," "We Fight to Be Free," and "No Retreat From Destiny."
Click Here to Search News
|
 |
