Fan party announced for “Mayberry Man” movie to be filmed in Danville
The producers of the new “Mayberry Man” movie scheduled for filming in Danville during this year’s Mayberry in the Midwest festival are inviting fans to celebrate the start of their fundraising campaign at Mayberry Cafe in Danville on January 15 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Cort Howell, Producer (left) Stark Howell, Writer-Director (right)
The event will include Mayberry tribute artists portraying characters from “The Andy Griffith Show” along with prizes and opportunities for fans to appear in the movie.
The independent production is scheduled to film for approximately two weeks in and around Danville in May to coincide with the annual festival that celebrates “The Andy Griffith Show.”
Additional filming will occur in Mount Airy, North Carolina, Andy Griffith’s hometown, and in Los Angeles.
“Mayberry Man” is a modern-day feature-length family comedy that will include stars from the original 1960s classic television series.
Mayberry actors committed to appearing in the film include Betty Lynn (“Thelma Lou”), Clint Howard (Ron Howard’s younger brother who played “Leon”), Maggie Peterson (“Charlene Darling”), Ronnie Schell (two episodes, also “Duke Slater” in spinoff series Gomer Pyle, USMC), and Keith Thibodeaux (13 episodes as “Johnny Paul Jason,” also played “Little Ricky” on I Love Lucy).
Several children of original stars are also involved including Dixie Griffith (Andy’s daughter), Karen Knotts (Don’s daughter) and George Lindsey, Jr. (son of George “Goober” Lindsey). Stark Howell and Cort Howell, sons of Hoke Howell who played “Dud Wash” in the original series, will be directing and producing.
“As a filmmaker from Los Angeles now residing in the Indianapolis area, I’m excited to bring such a unique project to the Midwest,” says producer Cort Howell, a Carmel resident who loved the idea of filming in Indiana. “Danville is a modern day Mayberry and a perfect fit for the film.”
Fans can pledge support for the project on Kickstarter.com beginning. They can claim rewards, including the opportunity to get their name in the credits, passes to a red carpet premiere, or be in the movie.
Mayberry Cafe owners Brad and Christine Born are excited about all of it. They opened their family restaurant in Danville because it reminded them of Mayberry.
For more information about “Mayberry Man” visit http://www.mayberryman.com
