Published: October 10, 2008 04:12 pm            

Burleson ‘stars’ in movie

Burleson’s Old Town formed the backdrop for some of the scenes in a faith-based movie set to premiere in the Dallas-Fort Worth area this weekend.

“The Imposter,” starring dc Talk member Kevin Max and Kerry Livgren, formerly with the group Kansas, will have showings at the Studio Movie Grill locations in Arlington, Plano and Lewisville from Sunday through Thursday. Showings will also be held in Houston.

“We wanted to premiere the film in this area as a way of saying ‘thank you’ to all the people who helped out in so many ways,” said Louisa Shimamoto, an associate producer for the film.

She said some of the scenes were shot in Old Town in February, on extremely cold days.

“We would have to throw sleeping bags around the actors’ shoulders when they finished their scenes,” she said. “But then they’d go out for the next scene and act like it wasn’t cold at all.”

She said several people from Burleson volunteered to help during the filming, and that the support from the city, Mayor Ken Shetter, and local businesses was tremendous.

Restaurants in the area allowed the cast to use restroom facilities and one restaurant even opened its doors to the cast and crew after midnight.

She said the owner of Fresco’s was still in the restaurant when she went looking for a place for the actors to use a restroom, even though she was sure she wouldn’t find any place open.

He graciously opened the business and allowed the use of his facilities, despite the early morning hour, she said.

Another business, The Malt Shop, became the de facto headquarters for the crew during its stay in Burleson, she said.

“The Imposter” tells the story of the lead singer of a popular, faith-based band who is dragged down by drugs and ego who eventually finds redemption, according to a press release.

Information on the movie and tickets may be found at www.theimpostermovie.com.

Some of the extras and members of the production crew were also Burleson residents, she said.

Shimamoto said group rates are available for churches, and the movie is suitable for viewing in churches.

The film was produced by Serendipitous Films of Bedford. The Arlington location of Studio Movie Grill is located at Interstate 20 and Matlock.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.