New horror movie made in north Georgia
For several weeks, a group of mostly nocturnal creatures prowled northern Georgia, accompanied by suspense and screams.
Then, the cast and crew of new horror movie “The Breed” finished filming and went home.
The film explores “friendship, betrayal, survival and the instinctive fear of something moving just beyond the reach of the light,” producer Vince Bagni said.
For now, the movie’s release date remains as secret as its monster.
“We have had the opportunity to work with several other great local partners and incredible locations in Ellijay and Blue Ridge,” he said.
Along with fellow What’s in the Woods LLC producers Cobus Gomes and Jeff Sinclair, Bagni filmed footage for “The Breed in Gilmer County and Fannin County.
The movie follows a group of friends who go on a peaceful cabin getaway to the fictional town of Hartley Ridge. But a series of disturbing events leaves them wondering what is stalking them.
When communications with the outside world go down, the characters must rely on each other to confront a terrifying monster.
The film’s producers have worked to make the film real by using practical effects, grounded performances and sets familiar to residents of northern Georgia.
Just a few of the local landmarks included are White Path Creek Distillery, Serenity in the Mountains, Col. Poole’s Bar-B-Q, Sparks Lumber Company and the Lake Blue Ridge Marina.
Bagni thanked White Path owner James Sturgeon, Poole’s owner Candace Sandrini, Sparks Lumber owner Sandie Sparks, Blue Ridge Marina owner Alex LeSesne, Gilmer Chamber of Commerce President Kyle Ray and Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Director of Tourism Marketing Crystal Fairless for their help in creating the movie.
“The mountains are beautiful, but that beauty can become unsettling very quickly when the light disappears,” said writer-director Cobus Gomes.
The film will include local actor Luke Cole, Poole’s owner Sandrini and staff member Riley Angel; and Serenity in the Mountains Spa members Summer Allen, Coeetta Potts, and Caitlin Wilson.
Other actors and actresses in the film include Lexi Drew, Deirdre Arutunian, David Girard, Eleonor Lauren, Rachel Alig, Davenia McFadden, Cassandra Ries, Matthew Bowers, Daniel James Mione and Bruce Bagni.
A night on set at Fannin’s Serenity in the Mountains Spa gave a glimpse of how the producers planned to make Gilmer and Fannin scary.
It begins with detailed attention to light.
Darkness can make any environment unsettling. But to get interesting shadows, a director needs to apply light like an artist with a paintbrush.
When you see a finished movie, scenes look the way they do because a director has mulled over them for hours.
With enough attention to detail, perspective and ambiance, a relaxing spa can become a very scary place.
“We wanted to create a horror film where the environment feels real, the relationships feel lived-in and the fear builds before the audience fully understands what is waiting outside,” Gomes said.
Those interested in learning more about the movie or buying tickets to its secret premiere streamed online can find out more at thebreedmovie.com.