New Cinderella film project starts here in February

A division of Warner Bros. has set up shop in Wilmington to film “A Cinderella Story” which will air on the ABC Family television network.

The production staff offices have housed their operations in the Burnt Mill Business Park while they produce and shoot the 90-minute film, a contemporary Cinderella story with music. All of the show’s scenes will be filmed around Wilmington including such notable locations as Airlie Gardens, downtown Wilmington, St. James Parish, the Graystone Inn and UNCW, said the show's producer, Thomas Keniston.

The director, writers and song writers on this film have worked on another Cinderella before, but this one is not a sequel or a remake. The DVD division of Warner Bros. is producing the film, starring actress Lucy Hale of the network series "Pretty Little Liars." Filming is set for Feb. 9 to March 18.

Wilmington’s glass slipper

The production staff looked at several locations including Vancouver, Boston and New Orleans before choosing Wilmington. Several factors led them to the Port City. One, the exchange rate would have cost the production about $40,000 more to shoot the film in Canada. Two, the New Orleans film commissioner told them that the city was too crowded with current film projects and they would have to film in Shreveport, La.

"They have so much stuff [in Louisiana], they run out of crews," Keniston said.

Three, Boston is much snowier this time of year.

"And also, Wilmington is prettier," he said.

Prince Charming’s charms

A large part of the $5 million budget film will be spent here.

"We’ll spend about $3.5 million in Wilmington and North Carolina in the next seven weeks," Keniston said.

That includes rent for office space and housing, food, wardrobe, props and set dressing. He estimates the production will spend about $40,000 alone in gas.

Thus far, the film has employed about 57 local film industry professionals across various departments. Once shooting begins, that number will swell to about 100 people locally. They plan to wrap up the production by April 1. But, Keniston hopes to line up another project or two here.

"I always encourage people to come here, because it’s got great crews, you’re living on the beach, it’s so lovely and everyone’s so nice here and it’s a good quality of life," he said.

He has drafted a budget for a possible Warner Bros. children’s series he’d like to shoot in Wilmington. And, he said he’s spoken to a few other people interested in shooting independent films here.

The experienced and skilled base of film industry professionals that has grown in Wilmington over the years is the area’s biggest draw for film productions, he said.

"Of all the states outside New York and L.A., Wilmington has the best [and] is definitely third in line and fighting with New Orleans, but I think has the best crew base," he said. "Supporting those people, I think, is critical."

New Cinderella film project starts here in February