COLUMBUS, Ohio — Earlier this month, the major independent film "Down to the Felt" wrapped principal photography here in central Ohio.
The film was written by Columbus-based filmmakers Jon Osbeck, Ralph Scott and Dino Tripodis who, instead of selling the script, decided to raise the money and produce the film themselves here in central Ohio with local talent behind and in front of the camera. Only a small number of professionals came in from outside of central Ohio.
One of those is the lead actress of "Down to the Felt," Scottie Thompson. An indie film veteran, Thompson may be most recognizable to 10TV viewers from her work on CBS shows like NCIS, the CSI franchise and MacGyver.
"It's been wonderful being here and working with the writers and Jon, the director," said Thompson. "I'm having fun with the character and I'm having fun with my co-stars and it's just amazing when people are so passionate about creating the best product and telling the best story."
One of the creatives on both sides of the camera is creative producer and actor Cullen Douglas.
"Working with the actors we have brought in and seeing them work with the local talent, there's no division," said Douglas "It's really a beautiful thing to witness."
"On my end, I've been doing theater for 20 years here, so I knew every actor in the city," explained co-writer, producer and actor Ralph Scott of how the team was able to fill out the cast so easily.
One of those local actors is Todd Covert, who has appeared on stage and screen with Scott many times over the years.
"It's unbelievable how big the production is for Columbus; it's one of the first big films being shot here with everyone local," said Covert. "It's just been an unbelievable experience to this point so far."
"I'm really loving being here in Columbus," said Thompson of her time on set as well as getting out in the central Ohio community.
"There's been so much upheaval in the business in the last couple of years between COVID and the strikes, so it's just been really nice to land in a space with professionals who have a good attitude, who are grateful to be working, who are excited about the possibility of productions coming in and creating that community. And I think that the 'Down to the Felt' team - Jon and Dino and Ralphie and everyone that they've assembled - has got a really cool vision and this is a great jumping off point because it seems to be going pretty well from where I'm sitting," she said.