Director Jim Wynorski is back in Marianna shooting another fantasy-horror movie, his second on location in Marianna. The first, “Sharkansas Women’s Prison Massacre,” is in post-production at this time.
The new flick is reportedly called “CobraGator,” according to some pre-publicity buzz.
A local woman has a small part in the movie and some big responsibilities associated with it.
Stacy Martin plays the role of “Darcy,” a woman who has lost her dog and is looking for him in the swamp when she becomes the CobraGator creature’s first meal. It’s a bit part, but with lines, and it’s Martin’s first turn at acting in a movie. She said she learned quickly how to get along on location. “Growing up in Portland, I’ve been around some movie sets. When the director says action, you shut your mouth, do what you’re told, and be prepared for things to change on the fly. It’s different. You listen and do the best you can.”
Martin and Cave Adventurers owner Edd Sorenson have been life companions for almost a quarter century, and together they’re helping Wynorski in a variety of ways. Now that Martin has finished her spot in front of the camera’s lens, she’s working behind the scenes to help the production along.
“ I guess you could say I’m an assistant to the production assistant,” Martin said. “Or you could call me the extra go-fer. How about all-around go-to girl? That sounds good. If somebody needs a hairdresser, or someone to pick up one of the actors or producers, I’ll find and do those kinds of things, just pretty much whatever I can to help them.”
Wynorski has “rented Edd,” she said, to do a variety of jobs on the movie. For instance, he’s shooting some of the underwater footage for the director. He’s familiar with the process, having participated in Discovery ID episodes related to water rescue and recovery. One of the best-known rescue-recovery divers in the nation, Sorenson is frequently called upon as an expert in the field.
The crew is also using several of ATVS, other vehicles and boats owned by the business, Martin said. They’re shooting scenes in the touring cave at Florida Caverns State Park, on Merritt’s Mill Pond, and at other random locations throughout Marianna. Martin said she understands that all or most of the movie will be shot here, with graphics added in studio after the location work is done.
The team worked Tuesday, took a day off on Wednesday, but planned to work Thursday, Friday, Sunday, next Saturday and potentially at other times in the upcoming weeks.
Jackson County Tourist Development Council Director Pam Fuqua was allowed to shoot some pictures during the movie workday Tuesday.
