Filmmakers host open call

An open casting and crew call for the local, independent film "Secrets of the Desert Nymph" will be Oct. 1 at Silver State High School.

"The roles are mostly for teens, but there are some adults," said producer Donna Walden. "We will need extras, too. And people of all ages can work production."

The production is being set up as an advanced youth filmmaking workshop, to run weekends Oct. 14-Nov. 13, where participants will learn all aspects of independent filmmaking.

"It's something the community can do together and support the arts at the same time," Walden said. "The final piece is something I think the community will be really proud of."

The feature-length film was written and is being directed by award-winning writer Bryan Caron, who also wrote, "My Necklace, Myself."

"It's a coming of age film about the challenges teenagers face in growing up and dealing with the opposite sex and dealing with values," Walden said. "The desert nymph is a creature that lives in the desert and represents virtue and abstinence. While it's fun and creative, there's also a message involved."

The Carson Valley Arts Council is sponsoring the film by Divine Trinity Films and the Northern Nevada Film Factory.

"We are delighted to bring this independent film production to Carson Valley," said Brian Fitzgerald, president of the Carson Valley Arts Council. "The CVAC supports many different art events, and we were interested in this project because of the rich learning opportunity for youth in our community."

Brett Caron, associate producer and teacher at Silver State Charter Schools, is also eager to work on the project.

"With one of the few remaining video production programs still supported at the secondary school level in this region, Silver State Charter Schools welcomes the opportunity of this production," said Caron, who is no relation to the writer Bryan Caron. "By presenting our students with this type of applied technical training at such an early stage, we offer the competitive edge necessary to thrive in an ever advancing field."

Although Walden admits it will be a "huge undertaking" to complete the film in less than two month, but she's ready.

"Making films is loads of fun," she said.