Reel scary

PIEDMONT- Perhaps few people across America have ever heard of the tiny little town called Piedmont in Jefferson County. Stepping into the local hangout there, Piedmont Store, is like stepping into a time capsule of long ago.

That made it a perfect spot for a local writer to recommend to her production manager for filming of a movie that is set to hit the big screen next year.

The small town got to see a taste of the big world when a movie crew spent all day Saturday filming scenes for the trailer of the movie Broodx Magicada.

The crew said they will return to the site for several scenes for the actual movie.

STJ Productions representative Jennifer Maner of Knoxville said she was "freaked out" when she realized what a great place the little town was for the movie.

"This town is so perfect for this movie. When I read the script, this is what I pictured so I never imagined there was a place this perfect for our movie. We are excited about this project and even more excited now that we have found this great spot in East Tennessee," Maner said.

Combining her love for writing and horror films, Jefferson County native Shannon Grier’s script is based on true events that occurred in what Southern Living magazine dubbed the new "Ghost Town," located in Elkmont, a town near Cades Cove.

Shannon said she was intrigued when she started learning the strange events that happened back in the 1980s in Elkmont. She was especially intrigued by the cicada insect, which comes around every 17 years.

Thus, the film’s name Broodx Magicada. Grier said she thinks the insects will serve to give the film the zest it needs to make the real life happenings come alive for today’s movie crowd.

The cast includes Traci Hovel, an actress from New York, who has a long resume of film experience including appearing in Law and Order, and several soap operas and commercials.

Nine-year-old Bill Hale of Morristown, who attends Lincoln Heights Elementary School , auditioned for the movie. Hale said he was very excited to get the part and to have the chance to appear on the big screen.

Jan Reagan, who owns the store where the action took place, also got a small part in the movie.

"I am thrilled to let them use my store, but I am also excited about being a movie star. I’ve told all my friends and family. Everyone I know is excited about my new found celebrity status," Reagan said.

Grier said she is happy to return to Jefferson County, where she grew up.

"I’ve been traveling since graduating several years ago, but when I decided to do this project I knew this was the place to bring it alive," Grier said.

Visit the film’s Web site at Broodxfilm.com.