Madison County horror film to be shot in Northwest Arkansas

If you’re a Cliff’s Notes fan, here are two important pieces of information:

1. There’s a freaking horror movie being filmed in the area beginning this weekend.

2. The University of Arkansas is hosting a Q & A session with the filmmakers tonight (Sept. 1).

3. Awesome.

Writer/director/producer Eric England of Southern Fried Films is shooting his latest movie Madison County at several locations around Northwest Arkansas over the next few weeks. In fact, several scenes are being filmed in Fayetteville.

On Wednesday night, England and producers Levi Blue, Daniel Dunn, and Ace Marrero will be at the University of Arkansas for a Q & A session about the new film, as well as filmmaking in general.

The session is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Arkansas Union, room 512.

England said he hopes the talk will inspire some new filmmakers in Arkansas.

“They never told me when I was in school that making movies could be a career option,” he said. “One of the purposes of the Q & A session is to share what we’ve learned about how to get involved in film or how to make your own movie.”

Madison County is the second film shot in the area by the Russelville native. His first feature, the yet-to-be-released “Hostile Encounter” was filmed in 2009.

England’s latest project, Madison County, is the story of a group of college kids that travel to a remote area to interview the author of a tell-all book on the accounts of the grisly murders that happened in the town. According to England, the film is inspired by real local events.

Ace Marrerro, a New Jersey native set to star in the film, said there are advantages to shooting in Arkansas.

“It’s nice to come out here to see trees, grass, and clean air.” Marerro said.

“Also, the people here are so friendly and accommodating,” he said. “We don’t have the biggest budget, but when we need to borrow a trailer, or even just a location to shoot, people are willing to help out with things that we’d have to pay top dollar for in LA.”

The plan is to shoot for 17 days in Arkansas between Sept. 5-25.

“I’m from Arkansas, and I’m a fan of the landscape. I also really wanted to show the natural beauty of the area in contrast to the terror in the movie,” he said. “For some reason, lots of horror films are made in Canada and Texas, but I want people to see what Arkansas has to offer.”

There are Twitter and Facebook pages to follow the film, and you can also check out madisoncountymovie.com.

Judging by the trailer below, the move looks legit. See for yourself.

Q & A with producers of Madison County Horror Film

Date: Sept. 1
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Arkansas Union, Room 512
Admission: Free
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