Production Begins for Reckoning!

Day 1 – Sapphire, NC

There is nothing like day 1 of an independent film production. Day 1 of any film production is a big deal, but with indie filmmaking, a lot of responsibility rests on the director. In addition to normal director tasks, today it’s call times, craft services, transportation, camera operation and production sound mixing. ARGH. But it’s exhilarating.

Oddly day 1 of shooting is also page one of the script. Not normal, but just how it happened this round. At the beginning of Reckoning, two men stumble across an abandoned cabin that’s also the current hideout of an outlaw name GHOST. Unfortunately it doesn’t go well for one of these mountain men. But hush! No more spoilers.

Our two actors on horseback are Kayren Hinkle, owner of Whitewater Equestrian, and Rick Roepke, a family friend from Bowling Green, KY. Kayren not only allowed us to shoot for free on his property with his horses, but he was willing to be in the film! Rick and his wife Kathy drove down from Kentucky to participate. Both men did incredible!

Filmmaking Detail: Even though the opening of Reckoning happens in one physical location, we had to shoot the scene in three separate areas to get the cabins, horses and confrontation scene all the way they needed to be!

If you’re in the Highlands/Cashiers area and want to enjoy horses, nature and incredible guides, Whitewater Equestrian is the place! Check out their website. And when you get there, make sure Kayren gives you an autograph—He’s famous now!