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JOSH CROUSE/The Journal Turlock is the site of the filming of an upcoming feature film, "Jackpot," which its backers hope will be released in theaters either late this year or early next year. Modesto-based Cornerstone Studios has chosen the Central Valley as the site of the family film. The crew filmed at Turlock High School on Saturday and will continue to shoot there today. "We chose this area to shoot because it had a real hometown feel," said Eric Raingruber, the film’s producer. "We scouted a lot of high schools. I had worked in Turlock, so I knew about the buildings here. I have always wanted to use (Turlock School District’s administration building) in a film." Meg Patterson, the film’s assistant director and writer, agrees with Raingruber. "I love the feel of the Central Valley," said Patterson. ‘I really think that it is an untapped resource. I just love the look of the school."
This is the third picture to be made by Cornerstone Studios, but it is the first to be released in theaters. The film revolves around a family in financial trouble who gets a stroke of luck when the15-year-old daughter buys a lottery ticket and wins $18 million. The family finds that trouble accompanies money as it begins to drift apart. Other situations arise as the clerk who sold the winning ticket finds that the girl is underage and blackmails the family. "This is a very Capra-esque film," said Raingruber. ‘The film is all about second chances. It is a family film that appeals to a broad audience. It has a little something for both the kids and the parents. I think that the parents may enjoy the film the most." The cast, which is mostly from the Bay Area and Sacramento, along with the crew, which is mainly from Los Angeles, are staying in various houses and apartments m the area. The film’s cast is not without recognized talent. Amanda Loncar, an 18-year old, is playing the lead. She will leave for New York to further her career when this movie is done filming. Ben Dunn, her 11-year old costar, will have two weeks off after the film concludes before leaving to shoot a Steven Spielberg movie. Raingruber, who is shooting for a Christmas release date, that may be pushed back to late spring, feels that the film will earn either a G or PG rating. "I think that it is a G picture as far as content goes," said Raingruber. The Central Valley location is a welcome relief for Raingruber, who lives in Modesto. "It was very nice for my family to be able to shoot in the Central Valley," said Raingruber. "L.A. is such a hassle to shoot in. It is a real treat to be able to shoot a movie in this area." "Jackpot" has been shot in Modesto, Ripon, Hughson and Turlock. Raingruber says that the communities have been very nice to the cast and crew. "Everyone is so excited to have a film being made here," said Raingruber. "Everyone wants to help. The people are so hospitable that there have been no problems with getting places to film or anything. We had a manager at Gottschalks, Gary Boudreaux, bent over backwards to accommodate us. The school board in Turlock has also been great in giving us free rein over the high school. Superintendent (Doug) Brinlkey has been especially helpful." When the film has encountered problems, solutions have generally arisen that exceed the original needs. "Every time that we have had a problem with something, a better solution presents itself," said Raingruber. "It has happened with everything from cast and crew to locations." The film has received numerous donations from large companies such as Apple, CBS and Panavision that have helped keep production costs low in this low-budget movie. |
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film is produced by Raingruber, directed by