A small-budget, independent movie shot in Roanoke last year debuted at a sold-out Grandin Theatre recently, as the film’s producers continue to look for wider distribution. “Crossing Streets” – described as a buddy-cop drama – was produced by Alexander Films, which is based in the valley. The Straight Streets ministry on Luck Avenue figures prominently in the plot and will benefit from some of the revenue the film makes, primarily after its DVD release and via video on demand.
Marc Hutchins was the writer-producer-director of “Crossing Streets,” which used about 30 Roanoke City police officers on the project – some with speaking roles. “We could not have done this film without the support of the Roanoke City police and we wanted to use as many officers as we could in the film,” said Hutchins.
“Crossing Streets” is the story of a Roanoke City police detective, “unwillingly partnered” with an African-American minister as they attempt to solve a gang-related murder. “The timing probably is spot-on with everything going on in the news [nationwide],” noted Hutchins, “but a year and a half ago as we started writing this we had no idea what was coming around the corner.”
Hutchins noted that the Roanoke City police department already spends a good deal of time trying to reach out to the local community, trying to break down that wall between residents and law enforcement.
Kathyrn Hattam, also a producer for Alexander Films, worked on “Crossing Streets” after it was shot, “doing a lot of the background … making sure we have all the missing pieces. We really [want] to generate some great funds for Straight Street as the film is a non-profit endeavor.” Hattam wants other Straight Street ministries around the country to have access to the film if they want to show it, also hopping it “kick starts” a conversation about the at-risk teens that Straight Street focuses on.
Hattam, who recently moved back to her native Roanoke Valley from Washington DC, is also getting ready to reopen the Virginia Blue Ridge Film office locally; a related film festival will follow as well. Hattam says the debut showing at the Grandin was so packed they actually resold some tickets when the original purchasers did not show up.
Hutchins said there is no plan in place yet for further showings or the DVD release for “Crossing Streets;” in the mean time post-production work on “Where Are You, Bobby Browning?” filmed largely in Vinton and Roanoke within the past year continues.
He also says establishing a local, permanent movie production office “has been tough” since it involves teaching the local public about how such an office works – and how they might be able to get involved as an actor, an extra or a crew member.
Hutchins wants to build and train a crew here so he doesn’t have to bring in people and house them from out of town. Alexander Films would like to bring a weekly television production to the area, saying that could lead other productions to follow – much like Tyler Perry has done in the Atlanta area.
Hattam says the beauty of the Roanoke Valley and surrounding region makes “a prime location to be the next Wilmington [NC],” where movies and popular TV shows like Dawson’s Creek were filmed. She hopes there will be enough work that young people interested in a TV or a film production career could stay here. “One day we will have sustainable production in the area.” Good word of mouth about the experience in shooting “Crossing Streets” and “Where Are You Bobby Browning?” could only help.
By Gene Marrano
