Feature
Film Using Montana Talent In Development
Montana
Production Company, in collaboration with a Montana Publisher,
plan to begin production of Montana Made film in Spring, 2004
Miranda
and Starlight is the working title for a full-length feature film
by Robert Kollar and Top Herrmann Entertainment as production
gets under way. This first film of a planned trilogy is based
on the first two of Montana author, Janet Muirhead Hill's Starlight
books, Miranda and Starlight and Starlight's Courage. The second
film of the trilogy will feature Hill's sequels Starlight, Star
Bright and Starlight's Shooting Star. The forthcoming titles,
Starlight Shines for Miranda and Starlight Comes Home, which are
slated for release in 2004 by Raven Publishing of Montana will
provide material for the final film of the trilogy.
Film
producer Robert Kollar, who has long had a vision for making a
Montana based film, was so touched by Miranda and Starlight when
he read it, that he immediately knew he had found the perfect
story to fulfill this dream. The Starlight Film Project, as it
has been dubbed, will result in a wholesome but gripping family
movie with national and international distribution.
The
screenplay adaptation of the first two books is currently being
developed by the author, Janet Muirhead Hill, and the film's producer/director,
Robert Kollar. It is based on the riveting adventure series by
Hill, that are very quickly gaining acclaim and international
distribution. With the first book published only a little over
a year ago, and the fourth one just off the press, the series
is already winning the hearts of horse lovers across the nation.
It is a heartfelt saga of the adventures and mishaps that seal
the bond of love between a girl and her horse. "This is an
American story of the great outdoors, of following the wisdom
of the heart, of wanting love, and living the great American dream.
There's magic in the everyday. It is a portrayal of youth and
hopes and the high-spirited joy of love." according to The
Book Reader. In a sensitive and memorable way, the books address
many issues that face today's youth. The film will too.
This
film, budgeted at just under $3,000,000.00 will be approximately
110 minutes long and is sure to appeal to a wide, family oriented
audience. Although casting is not yet concluded, the producer
is considering cute Kelley Jo Hersrud of Columbus, Montana for
the lead role of Miranda Stevens. Kellee Jo will be 10 years old
at the time of shooting and is a champion horse person, winning
blue ribbons throughout the state of Montana. Unfortunately she
has diabetes type 1. Otherwise, she is strong and healthy. Although
she needs to wear an insulin pump, she faces life couragously
with an attitude that will win the hearts of all who see her and
hear her story. The producer is seeking other Montana children
with the same courageous spirit for various roles in the film.
Girls and boys aged 8-11 who have experience with horses and being
in front of the spotlight, and/or have a great desire to act will
be considered for screen testing. We seek to empower the youth
and spirit of Montana with this film and to discover and develop
home-grown talent for this and future roles.
Top
Hermann Entertainment plans a six week (5 day weeks) shoot set
in Southwestern Montana beginning in Spring 2004. One great location
which is probably suitable for about 80% of the filming has been
found; another that will support approximately 10% is being strongly
considered, and other locations are still to be determined. In
keeping with making this a completely Montana made film, with
cast, musicians, technicians and locations all being of Montana,
Top Hermann Entertainment is soliciting submissions for all of
the above mentioned talent.
Further
investment opportunities are still being considered.
For
information on the story and to access the Starlight book series,
go to the Raven Publishing website at: http://www.ravenpublishing.net
We
are also still seeking a young black stallion or gelding in the
Montana or Northwestern US region trainable for this trilogy:
for the role of Starlight, the two-year old black stallion. Please
send any correspondence to: Top Herrmann Entertainment, PO Box
2885, Norris, MT 59772
For
information on the BREAKING NEWS STORY on the Starlight Film Project,
see the Billings Gazette article:
http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2003/07/20/build/local/32-movie.inc
.