Reporter: Mark Kelly l Videographer: Parker Slaybaugh
Hardy, VA - Hollywood landed at Smith Mountain Lake Friday.
It was the first screening of "Lake Effects," a movie filmed at the lake. It wasn't just shot at SML; its producer is from Moneta, it has actors from Virginia, and a Roanoke guy did the poster for it. Because of its roots in our area, Friday's screening got a lot of local fans turning out to see it.
"Lake Effects" has been a year in the works. In fact, it was this week last year when crews started filming at Smith Mountain Lake. Actors in the film say the theme is to look deeper at life, remembering what's important - family, friends, and community. One famous actor, you might remember him from Boy Meets World, loved filming in our area.
"Everyone's very helpful on the shooting of the film. Everyone kinda pitched in and lent a hand. And, it was really nice to feel such a sense of community," said Ben Savage, actor.
"Lake Effects" is a family comedy-drama that revolves around a woman, played by Jane Seymour, and her two daughters, who go on a journey of rediscovery after the patriarch in the family dies. Sadly, during production, writer Scott Winters passed away. The money raised Friday will go toward a scholarship fund in Winters's name.
"His family was in the theatre watching it with us. It's really sad that he can't be here to watch it and the audience's response," said Scottie Thompson, actress.
If you missed Friday's screening, you can catch more Saturday at the Westlake Cinema in Hardy.
