Video: Film Premiering Tonight Shot in Belmont Shore

You don't get more local than "Ben and Julie's Halloween Party", which screens tonight at The Art Theatre, which is owned by Belmont Heights residents. The film was filmed a half a block from Second Street, in the 200 block of Glendora Avenue, and the filmmaker and most of the crew and cast live in Belmont Shore. You might not have seen the production, as fillmaker Linda Palmer said it ran from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

But let her tell you about it:

"We shot the entire movie at our home on Glendora and my producer's home next door was used for our green room, craft services and costume.  The Loft On Broadway's owner, Tami Down, lives across from us and we used her house for makeup and hair and most of her stylists came over and worked on the film.  I have some great shots of all three places." (See photos here) 

"As far as the story, it's about a girl looking for love on the most deceptive night of the year.  It's a romantic comedy.  She is talking to a guy dressed as a homeless guy and when she sees her ex at her friend's party, she drags the stranger in with her.

"Turns out, he really is homeless.  Nice story about not judging others set in the middle of a whacky comedy filled with 29 original songs!  You can hear some of the original songs written specifically for the film at our website.  Just click on a category and most of them will play one of the songs.

"It's been a great ride, from writing the script in five months, filming in 12 days, 53 actors (20 of which are local friends that were basically extra party goers)."

The other Long Beach producers are Mark Cardone and Sandy Robinson. Their feature film is also pre-releasing in a few other cities across the U.S. to benefit the organization National Coalition of the Homeless, and a charity local to each city.

Palmer is hoping locals will attend tonight's show. "One of our musicians with six songs in the movie is going to be performing 2 of them at the show. We have some great raffle baskets to give away and the movie is a TON OF FUN!!!"

The screening will benefit the National Coalition for the Homeless.  (www.NationalHomeless.org)

http://patch.com/A-d4HjThe film's website: http://halloweenpartymovie.com/crew/