Feature Film Being Shot In Old Town
There is movie magic being made in Pocatello. An independent film crew has set up shop in the old Scott’s Ski building in Old Town to shoot a movie called “Serpent in the Bottle.”
The crew has been in Idaho for almost a year, but just recently started shooting. When the director, Emmett McKinley, came to Idaho last year, he was sleeping in a barn near Lava Hot Springs while he waited for investors to chip in.
For McKinley, seeing his words come to life is all worth it.
“And to see it like this is better than I ever could have expected. I literally there are times when I — It’s hard not to cry. I’m like, ‘Wow.’ And then I get giddy and jump up and down and spin a little circle,” McKinley said.
He found the Scott’s building through family members living in the area, and shooting there actually saved the crew a bunch of money.
The film uses all five floors of the building, including an apartment with removable walls that was built specifically for the shoot. Even the old elevator shaft has a starring role.
Obviously the real stars are the actors. “Serpent in the Bottle” is a psychological thriller, and McKinley said he pulled influence from Alfred Hitchcock and South Park. Kimberly Laferriere plays the female lead, and said working on the film has been a fresh adventure.
“It’s exciting. Everybody’s so nice and they’re so dedicated. And I love indie films because you have so much more creative control in the project. And yeah, they’re amazing,” Laferriere said.
The crew has filmed in several spots all over town and McKinley said he’s made a lot of friends he’s going to miss.
“Pocatello’s been a blast. The people have been amazing,” McKinley said.
So where can local people see the movie? McKinley’s hoping it will be in Park City, Utah.
“I think we’re hoping for a festival run, and maybe more,” Laferriere said.
“I want to win Sundance. Or Cannes. Yeah, I want to win Sundance,” McKinley said.
The film is being produced by Thunder Basin Pictures. They’ll be shooting until March 2.
