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Feature film to shoot in Henry County seeks local props, lodging and volunteers
Summary
Producers introduced a feature film titled Yo Yo that will shoot July 29'Aug. 12 in Henry County and requested local support: rooms, equipment, meals, a set medic and small items for the production and cast hospitality.
Filmmakers told the Henry County Board of Supervisors on July 22 that a feature film titled Yo Yo will begin principal photography in the county on July 29 and asked residents and businesses for local support, from lodging and vehicle rentals to donated meals and set items.
Sarah Hodges of the Martin Hill Henry County Economic Development Corporation introduced the production team and said the project has backing from the Virginia Film Office. Filmmaker Lexi (last name not provided) described the film as a family story about reconnection that is "loosely" based on her own experience and will feature local and visiting cast and crew. She said the production plans to screen locally and in Richmond after completion.
Lexi listed specific local needs: an RV with air conditioning and a generator for cast rest during hot-weather shoots; a box truck or cargo van (noting many Ford cargo vans are under recall); an ATV to move cast and crew around large farm locations; three matching picnic tables for a July 31 scene; coolers, pop-up tents, and additional plastic tables; and donated meals or small-business promotional items for welcome bags. She also said the production secured a lifeguard but still requested a set medic, preferably a volunteer firefighter with paramedic certification, because the shoot will include campfire scenes.
"We are trying to spend as much locally to support the economic development of the area," Lexi said. The production expects more than 50 people on various days and has secured locations including Patrick & Henry Community College, private homes and farms in the Rangeley area, and Scott Vernon's property near Ridgeway. Lexi encouraged residents with available rental rooms not listed on commercial sites to contact the production.
Ending: The film team left contact information with tourism staff and the county's economic development office; officials asked local businesses and residents interested in lending items or offering services to reach out through the tourism office for coordination.
