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Film Commission Releases Initial Details For Recent Production Filming in Shasta County

As filming wraps on The Dresden Sun, the largest scale production in Shasta County on record, the Shasta County Film Commission confirms initial details regarding the project, its impact, and the stars seen around town.

Once filming made a footprint downtown, community awareness and excitement for the film project increased. The film, now confirmed as The Dresden Sun, is the second project Los Angeles-based Director Michael Ryan and Producer Tyler Lockamy with Archetype Pictures, have selected to film in Shasta County, and has been in the works for several years.

Shasta County was not the only location considered, especially when the film commission lost funding for the local incentive program, which the production team had been hoping to utilize. Ryan was set on Shasta County due to our "scenic backdrops, relationships built in the community, and the growing infrastructure locally." The expanded flight service between Redding and Los Angeles also made the process easier and more economical for the inbound production. This particular team flew people in from Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Vancouver, B.C.

At completion, The Dresden Sun will have filmed throughout Shasta County in 15 locations, making up more than 75% of the film's locations including many private and public settings. Managing those locations is Logan Van Ert, Redding local, who has worked closely with the film commission throughout the process. "Film Shasta, the City of Redding, and the many residents who have assisted our efforts to film here have been so amazing, and I am excited for the prospect of future film projects here in Shasta County" states Van Ert.

With multiple scouts to the area, nearly two months of preproduction, and eight weeks of filming, this project has contributed greatly to the local economy. This production has utilized local lodging properties, caterers, machinists, various retail stores, vehicle and locational rentals, and many other businesses during what is considered Shasta County's off season. In addition, the production team was intentional about hiring as many locals as possible for their key crew roles from Shasta and Tehama County, and casted approximately 50 extras on the film with unique opportunities to work with well-known talent including Christina Ricci, Mena Suvari, Stephen Ogg, Samantha Win and Linus Roache.

"This kind of endeavor truly takes the whole community to be successful," states Sabrina Jurisich, Shasta and Tehama County Film Commissioner. "The response from city and county leaders, permitting agencies, business owners, and community members has been overwhelmingly positive."

Between 2017 - 2021, Shasta County has hosted over 200 productions contributing over $6 million in local economic impact. Notable projects include Dog, Top Gear, Nature Valley, Subaru, Prudential, House Hunters, Ford, and Homestead Rescue. Economic impacts from 2022 productions, including The Dresden Sun, will be included in our upcoming quarterly and annual reports. Links to released projects can be found at www.FilmShasta.com/about

Behind the scenes photos provided by Tyler Lockamy, Archetype Pictures.


Scenic backdrops, relationships built in the community, and growing infrastructure in the region were all selling points for filming in Shasta County Local.


Local lodging, caterers, machinists, retail stores, and rental companies all benefit from local productions during the slower off-season.


The production team hired as many locals as possible to key crew roles, as well as 50 extras to appear on screen.


The 15 locations throughout Shasta County will appear as the backdrop to more than 75% of the film.

Bios

Michael Ryan, Director

Michael Ryan is the President/Founder of Archetype Pictures. He is a Director, Producer, Content Development professional, Screenwriter, Editor, and Cinematographer who has worked on both independent and studio projects in feature film, music video, television. With a passion for knowledge, he aims to tell stories that push the creative, social, and intellectual boundaries while entertaining and challenging audiences.

Tyler Lockamy, Head of Production

Tyler Lockamy is a multiple award-winning film producer based in Redding, Ca. Lockamy and Ryan's most recent film, Interpreters: a C & Earth Chronicle - quantum 1, has won 6 awards, including Best Picture at the Kapow Intergalactic Film Fest and Best Feature Film at the Idyllwild Int. Cinema Fest. Tyler has been on set as an actor, director, and all around "get it done" guy, as is common on many independent film sets. He has also assisted in story development and produced multiple short films, music videos and TV pilots.

Sabrina Jurisich, Regional Film Commissioner

Sabrina Jurisich has served as the Shasta County Film Commissioner (Film Shasta) since January of 2017 and recently expanded representation to Tehama County (Film Tehama) in June of 2021. She also serves as the Vice President of FLICS (Film Liaisons in California Statewide) -- a network of 42 film offices throughout the state. She earned Certified Film Commissioner status from AFCI (Association of Film Commissioners International) and is a business partner with LMGI (Location Managers Guild International). Jurisich also co-chairs the California On Location Awards (COLAs) show, which is the largest awards show recognizing location professionals.