- November 28, 2024
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Since Lightening Bolt LLC started production on "Ashley's Shadow" in 2013, they've encountered lawsuits, stolen scripts, sickness, accidents — and even death.
Taking on a film made with no budget and all volunteers, Director of Photography John Johnsen knew he would face some obstacles bringing this mystery novel to life, but now he believes there was something else at play.
"This production has been cursed and haunted from day one," he said, while he and the crew were on set at a house in Ormond Beach. They're filming the final scenes in this three-year long project this month.
The movie was adapted from the book "Ashley's Shadow: From a 1934 Murder Comes a Haunting Romance," written by paranormal author Charlie Carlson, who is also responsible for the books "Weird U.S.," and "Weird Florida." Carlson died from cancer in 2015.
The story focuses on Brad Kirby, an unsolved mysteries reporter, who investigates the 1934 murder of Ethel Allen, a waitress in Eau Gallie, Florida. Her ghost guides him along his investigation.
Kirby is played by Ormond Beach resident Martin Jackson, who agreed to star in the film despite having no acting experience.
"It's a bucket list thing," he said. "Something I've always wanted to try."
Ormond Beach resident and songwriter Donna Fant also participated in the movie to check off an item on her bucket list. She had four lines as a librarian and wrote two songs for the movie.
"I decided I don't really want to be in a movie," she laughed. "It's one of those things you think you'd like to do, but it's really hard."
The movie is set to release through the Daytona Playhouse in the fall of this year.
