Indie movie made by locals starts filming in SLO County. Here’s how you can be involved
Filming started in San Luis Obispo County on July 28 for an independent movie created by Cambria natives.
“Hidden Creek” is directed by Coast Union High School graduates Julian Mercado Avila and Darien Jewel. They’re producing the low-budget film with another Coast Union grad, Magnus Marthaler.
The three attend film school at Woodbury College in Burbank. Their other projects include “Astray,” “Christmas Couple Unwrapped” and the award-winning “The GOAT.”
Steve Brody, a longtime Cambria psychologist and former local newspaper columnist, wrote the “Hidden Creek” script.
According to the movie’s website, “Hidden Creek” offers “a modern spin on the old rancher’s story,” tackling such subjects as Alzheimer’s disease and disagreements over land preservation.
The rancher at the center of the story suspects his son and daughter of furthering his dementia so they can sell the ranch out from under him, the site says.
“Rancher Jimmy Tucker has just lost his wife. Now he fears he’s losing his ranch ... and his mind,” the movie’s tagline reads.
“It’s great having a clinical psychologist writing about dementia,” Mercado said.
The “Hidden Creek” film shoot is expected to last into mid-August, with locations including local ranches and downtown Cambria spots.
A big City Council scene near the end of the production schedule will feature about 30 people, Mercado said.
According to the “Hidden Creek” production team, an actors’ union strike strike threatened to derail the filming schedule.
SAG-AFTRA went on strike July 14 over an ongoing labor dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, an act that coincided with a Writers Guild of America strike.
“Hidden Creek” can continue its shooting schedule because the producers filed for a special contract allowing them to operate during the strike, under the condition that they agree to all the demands made by SAG-AFTRA.
Mercado said the crew is happy to be filming in Cambria.
“This is what we love to do, and we’re glad we’re able to do our work in the town we love,” Mercado said. “It’s what got us to where we’re at. We now live now in Los Angeles, but always remember here as the origin of our Slabtown Studios and of us.”
Mercado and his collaborators are raising money for the “Hidden Creek” production via an Indigogo fundraising campaign, with perks including hats, T-shirts and appearing as an extra in the film.
As of Wednesday morning, donors had contributed more than $9,300 toward a $20,000 goal.
For more information about “Hidden Creek,” go to hiddencreekmovie.com.
This story was originally published July 28, 2023 at 2:46 PM.
