ATHENS, Tenn. — A McMinn County native came home this week to shoot a short film on location in Athens.
“I really wanted to do the film in a local Southern city, and Athens was perfect,” said Zack Akers, a senior at New York University Film School.
He said he wrote and is directing the film, “Go Down to Jordan,” which he called a Southern spiritual tale with a backdrop of violence and degradation. The story line involves two friends in a small Southern town who decide to steal money to cover medical expenses for a brother.
Two New York actors have the primary roles, but local residents have been cast as well. Athens City Councilman Dick Pelley will play a bank manager who is robbed.
“People have been bending over backwards to help us,” Mr. Akers said.
He said the project is part of a one-year course in advanced film production. It’s similar to a senior thesis, he said, and will be marketed at film festivals. He hopes the work will help him get started in a career writing and directing.
The New York University Film School is one of the most prestigious in the United States. Its graduates include Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, Oliver Stone and Ang Lee.
The class has 20 students, but only 10 are selected to make films, Mr. Akers said. NYU Film School provides some money and equipment, and students are encouraged to raise more funds or use donations to offset costs.
Filming is taking place at Citizens National Bank between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m. The windows are blacked out and the interior is lit to simulate daytime Mr. Akers said.
As director, he oversees the shooting and gives instructions. Most scenes take a minute or two to shoot, then there are delays while crew members reposition equipment and get ready for the next shot. Actors spend the down time going over lines, snacking and watching the shoot.
“Making films can actually be boring,” Mr. Akers said. Once shooting is complete, there are many other steps including editing and sound work, he said.
Co-producer Matthew Patches said he and fellow student Elena Stratigos have worked with Mr. Akers on their projects. He said they are enjoying their time in Tennessee and like the night shoot.
“Most projects are filed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and you go home and sleep,” he said.
This schedule gives him time off during the day, Mr. Patches said.
Ellen Kimball, director of the Athens Area Council for the Arts, said she has known Mr. Akers since his school days. She remembers his being active in the local arts community.
“I have a nephew who is a screenwriter, and I have watched him go through this process,” Mrs. Kimball said. “It is exciting when someone from our community pursues their passion in the arts and comes back to share it with us.”
Mr. Akers’ mother, Connie Akers, a school nurse, said her son always has set goals for himself.
He began planning a writing and directing career in junior high school and dreamed of attending NYU, she said.
“I thought, ‘You don’t have the right last name,’ but he got in,” Mrs. Akers said.
