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Actor, director, producer and writer Corbin Bernsen has gone back to California to film the next episodes of the TV series, “Psych” on USA network. However, he has left his mark on our communities. His movie team said filming the Soap Box Derby-themed movie, “25 Hill” was an enjoyable experience.
Filming will continue in June and July when Bernsen comes back to the area to recreate the soap box derby race after the official race on July 24.
After shooting at the Springfield Fire Station the crew continued in the area by filming at houses in Silver Lake, on Hilbish Road and on Killian Road. They also were at various locations on Arlington Road including Applebee’s and Springfield High School.
The filming at the high school was in Principal Cynthia Frola’s office, the hallways and a classroom.
When Bernsen’s son came to look at the office, it was clean but not how the director wanted.
“I cleaned it up in time for them to come in and film it,” said Frola. “They asked me what had happened, it was too clean? We messed it up.”
Students from area schools were featured in the hallway and classroom scenes. Frola said she was really impressed with how Bernsen worked with the students.
“It was fun to watch and they are such a nice group of people,” she said.
“We have tried to keep everything around the principal’s office,” said Bernsen.
The story line takes place in California, but they were able to use houses and other places here that mirror the California homes. It is not only more economical to film close to the Akron production office but also helps the local area as the company has made use of local businesses and people.
Associate Producer Mary Ethridge, of Akron, has worked with the film. She had written a letter to the editor stating she was appalled that no corporations had stepped up to sponsor the derby last year.
She knew someone might be interested in writing an article in USA Today, so they explained the financial crunch of this American tradition.
On an airplane, Bernsen found a USA Today in the seat pocket. He read the derby article. He was so moved by it, he wrote, “25 Hill” and brought it to Akron.
“He wanted this to be a made in northeast Ohio project, locally funded with local people helping to save the derby,” said Ethridge.
Actor, director, producer and writer Corbin Bernsen has gone back to California to film the next episodes of the TV series, “Psych” on USA network. However, he has left his mark on our communities. His movie team said filming the Soap Box Derby-themed movie, “25 Hill” was an enjoyable experience.
Filming will continue in June and July when Bernsen comes back to the area to recreate the soap box derby race after the official race on July 24.
After shooting at the Springfield Fire Station the crew continued in the area by filming at houses in Silver Lake, on Hilbish Road and on Killian Road. They also were at various locations on Arlington Road including Applebee’s and Springfield High School.
The filming at the high school was in Principal Cynthia Frola’s office, the hallways and a classroom.
When Bernsen’s son came to look at the office, it was clean but not how the director wanted.
“I cleaned it up in time for them to come in and film it,” said Frola. “They asked me what had happened, it was too clean? We messed it up.”
Students from area schools were featured in the hallway and classroom scenes. Frola said she was really impressed with how Bernsen worked with the students.
“It was fun to watch and they are such a nice group of people,” she said.
“We have tried to keep everything around the principal’s office,” said Bernsen.
The story line takes place in California, but they were able to use houses and other places here that mirror the California homes. It is not only more economical to film close to the Akron production office but also helps the local area as the company has made use of local businesses and people.
Associate Producer Mary Ethridge, of Akron, has worked with the film. She had written a letter to the editor stating she was appalled that no corporations had stepped up to sponsor the derby last year.
She knew someone might be interested in writing an article in USA Today, so they explained the financial crunch of this American tradition.
On an airplane, Bernsen found a USA Today in the seat pocket. He read the derby article. He was so moved by it, he wrote, “25 Hill” and brought it to Akron.
“He wanted this to be a made in northeast Ohio project, locally funded with local people helping to save the derby,” said Ethridge.
She helped to raise funds for the production and the movie moved forward.
“These are hard working people and (Bernsen) is one terrific guy,” she said.
Trustee Dean Young said this has been a tremendous opportunity that has a lot of meaning for families.
“This film is about family values. I am glad Springfield could participate,” he said.
Bernsen said the local people have been nothing but 110 percent helpful.
“They have been good actors,” he said. “The experience has been tremendous and I am doing something that everyone seems to appreciate, so we are off to a good start.”
“The main house, where we are shooting in Silver Lake, the neighbors were so excited and said please come back,” said Producer Chris Aronoff. “You would never get this in L.A.”
Bernsen said they want this movie to be of good values for families to watch.
“We are shooting it in such a way that on your home theater screen will play it well,” Bernsen said. “You can create a nice night of home entertainment. Make your popcorn and have a family movie night with ‘25 Hill.’”
He hopes the movie will keep the derby alive for years to come.
Keep up with what is happening with the movie production and view a trailer at the Web site www.25hill.com and watch for the opening of the film in July of 2011.
The cast of “25 Hill”
- 12-year-old Nathan Gamble who plays, Trey Caldwell. Gamble beat out 20,000 other boys to win the role of the son of Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett in “Babel” and he also played the son of Jennifer Anniston and Owen Wilson in “Marley and Me” and was in The Dark Knight.
- Bernsen plays Roy and is known for his role in “Psych” and “L.A. Law” and many others.
- Maureen Flannigan is Maggie in the film and is known for her role in Law and Order, Special Victims Unit, Boston Public, 7th Heaven and more.
- Tim Omundson is Thomas in “25 Hill” and is currently in “Pysch” and did 89 episodes of Judging Amy.
- Rolonda Watts is Mrs. Banner who appeared in “Return to Babylon” and “Days of Our Lives.”
- Actor Michael Tucker plays the Bank Manager in Akron and is well known for his role in L.A. Law.
- Meg Foster is Audrey and is known for her roles in “Sebastian,” “Being with Eddie” and “Ticket to Heaven.”
- Ralph Waite plays Ed in the film. Most of us know him best as Jon Walton, Sr.
