Roanoke Valley native Andrea Shreeman is back in town from Los Angeles, where she now lives, with a two-month-old son in tow. Shreeman, a Cave Spring High School graduate, is on a mission: she wants to raise two millions dollars to fund a film project – and she wants to shoot it here.
Veteran television and movie star Cloris Leachman (Mary Tyler Moore, Young Frankenstein, Raising Hope, etc.) has already signed on for “A Good Day to Die,” which is also billed as “an assisted suicide comedy.” Leachman saw Shreeman, an actress as well as a producer, in a California production. One of Leachman’s sons knows Shreeman, who cut her acting teeth locally at venues like Mill Mountain Theatre.
She made her opening pitch last week during a reception at the Patrick Henry Hotel, espousing the benefits of helping to fund A Good day to Die: 40-50 jobs created in this area for the month-long shoot, the chance to be one of the co-producers and the opportunity to showcase the Roanoke Valley. Shreeman said that since having her son – two-month-old Maverick Soul – she’s become “more of a producer.” Since she is nursing Maverick, he came east with his mother.
Shreeman noted recent films shot in the area, like Lake Effects. “We are becoming the place in the country to make a movie,” she noted optimistically; “lets put movie making on that list [of important economic drivers].” Shreeman made an auspicious big screen debut herself – appearing in Angelina Jolie’s first flick, “Love is all there is.” A documentary she worked on as a fund raiser, “Fuel,” was a winner at the Sundance Film Festival a few years back.
Independent films like Juno and Little Miss Sunshine have paved the way for A Good Day to Die, proving that indies can make money; Shreeman hopes that potential investors take note of that. Actor Gregor Collins, who has worked as a caregiver for an ailing, elderly person (Leachman’s role), will co-write the movie with Shreeman.
The French-made movie Amour, a recent Oscar winner, dealt with a woman who is dying and the spouse attending to her. “The topic of end of life is very prescient right now,” said Shreeman, who mentioned changes in health care laws that now require those over 65 to have formulated an “advanced directive,” indicating how they wish to be treated at the end of life. Shreeman is also partnering with Carilion Clinic on some events involving end-of-life planning.
Emily Lou, who directed an independent film called “The Selling,” is also on board with Shreeman’s project. With Baby Boomers grappling with the decline of aging parents, she wants to tackle end of life issues – by tickling the viewer’s funny bones. Several other actors of note besides Leachman have indicated an interest in signing on as well, according to Shreeman.
The Roanoke City Manager’s office has donated office space at the Fishburne mansion it owns; in-kind offers of transportation, crew housing, shoot locations and interns have been made available as well. “I am so inspired to bring this project to Roanoke…I was born under the star,” said Shreeman.
The Virginia Film Office has told Shreeman her project may qualify for some funding if A Good day to Die is shot here, but that Governor’s Grant would only come after the money has been raised elsewhere – and the amount offered as a percentage of the total budget seems to keep shrinking. So Shreeman says the clock is ticking, and there have been nibbles from other areas. “I am, of course, committed to Roanoke,” she added.
Investors would be “part of an amazing journey,” Shreeman promised – “We’re not just making a movie here … I’m committed to leaving a legacy.” Those interested in learning more about becoming an investor, or working on A Good Day to Die can call 310-877-5042 or e-mail [email protected].
By Gene Marrano
