Film promotes Carroll County tourism

By SHARON GRAVES

The News-Democrat

Fog just evaporated and the river had a hint of blue to it, when Aaron Hutchings of the Ghent Media Center asked for the first take of two local actors in a tourism infommercial.

Angela Franklin and Lonnie Crutcher were hosts in a short film that will be seen in local hotels touting everything Carrollton. Production with live actors began Saturday at Point Park, but the production team has been at it for weeks.

Franklin and Crutcher had a beautiful fall arrangement with dried tobacco leaves immediately behind them and lights and reflectors, sound booms and cameras all crowded together in front of them. A lone bass boat floated on the river just out of view.

Take one, take two, and the slap of the clapboard were heard each time before Franklin and Crutcher began their dialogue.

“A lot of TV filming is hurry up and wait,” Hutchings told the group in a short production meeting under the gazebo at Point Park. “The number one issue with talent [actors] is they don’t want to be too animated even when the camera doesn’t see it that way.”

Heather Yocum is the roving reporter who will do segments on a variety of subjects. Laman Stark and Zach Spencer will be outdoor reporters, Nick Marsh will be the business reporter, Ray Clem will do segments on history and Sharon Campbell will be the narrator.

“This will be a 30-minute film on Carroll County history, sports, recreation and a calendar of events, with all local people in it,” Carrollton/Carroll County Tourism Director Rhonda Crutcher explained.

“It will be put on DVDs and realtors and others will be able to send it out to people interested in moving to Carroll County,” Crutcher said. “We are one of the few places that doesn’t already have something like this.”

There will be some segments on business, local people, attractions such as the Scottish Weekend in May or the Derby City Mustang Show in September. The calendar will be updated every 30 days.

Local advertisers are encouraged to get on board soon, because places like Sullivan University and Belterra are placing ads –and they probably won’t be giving those spots up, according to Hutchings.

“There are a number of ways a business can advertise,” Jill Mahoney of Ghent Media Center said. “There are business card ads; violators, which run across the bottom of the screen; or full-blown commercials. They will receive 4,320 plays in 90 days. We only have room for six commercials left.”

“We are hoping this will close the gap between the interstate and downtown,” Crutcher said. “It will be up and running by Sept. 1, and the hotels are real excited about the project. I don’t know if it will work, but we have to try something.”