Beginning June 5, Maydwell Productions will begin filming Cooper’s Plantation in Logan County. As a result of local interest, filming will occur not only at the Bibb House, but also the McCutchen Meadows Plantation in Auburn.
Dr. Nancy J. Dawson, the person who has helped to organize many of the activities associated with the project, commented on the enthusiasm within Logan County.
“McCutchen Meadows is literally the icing on the cake,” Dawson said. “There are some great old trees and a slave house on that plantation that will give the film additional character.”
Ben and Katina Kemplin, Logan County Schools administrators and owners of McCutchen Meadows, are allowing their property to be utilized for the filming because. They (like Historic Russellville Inc., the nonprofit in charge of the Bibb House) want to perverse the slave heritage on the McCutchen Meadows Plantation. The cook’s home still remains on the plantation. However, it needs to be restored before it is destroyed be the natural elements.
Russellville historian Michael Morrow along with Dawson held an educational workshop at the Bibb House for the children who auditioned for the film on Saturday, May 20. Morrow shared many Civil War area artifacts from his collection with the students-- including a pair of slave shackles, antique farming tools and large black pots used for coming. Some of the students present are direct descendants of the enslaved Africans that were connected with the Bibb family.
“As a teacher, I am pleased and honored to film in this place,” Lisa Maydwell, the film maker from Indianapolis, said. “I continue to be amazed at the amount of African American history in Logan County. But, most importantly, the people here are willing to share their stories,” Maydwell said.
The following indidvuals from Logan County have been cast by Maydwell as extras and background assistants: Andre Mitchell, Auburn, Michael Morrow, Eddie Allen, Rodney Gordon, LaSandra Gatewood, Robyn Crider, and Darlene Gooch, all of Russellville. Dawson has landed the role of Aunt Sara and Russellville Independent School art teacher Chris Holloman will play the overseer.
A rough cut of the film will be shown during the Eighth of August Celebration in Russellville, which will be held during the first week of August. More details of this event will be announced soon.