They need a large, older-style home that’s so secluded, neighbours won’t hear any screaming.
Producer Rick Dugdale and writer/director David Raymond arrived in the North Okanagan Thursday to scout locations for their next film, Nomis.
“It’s a psychological thriller similar to Seven. It’s a dark thriller,” Dugdale told The Morning Star.
Because of the film’s theme, there is a need to locate a vintage house sitting in the bush or not near any other homes.
“If you stood on the lawn and looked around, you can’t see anything,” said Jon Summerland, with the Okanagan Film Commission.
It’s anticipated filming for Nomis will begin in late August or early September, and while other communities are being scouted, the North Okanagan is the likely choice.
“We’ve done it twice here before and in the independent sector, you need comfort with where you are,” said Dugdale.
An Enderby native, Dugdale is preparing to unveil Blackway (formerly known as Go with Me) June 10. It was shot in Enderby, Armstrong, Lumby and Vernon in late 2014.
“We will be able to put the band back together,” he said of using the crew from Blackway.
“It makes economical sense, which makes it work for us.”
Another major factor is the low Canadian dollar makes it cheaper to work here than in the U.S.
“The film commission has also been great to deal with. Jon Summerland works hard,” said Dugdale.
Four to five lead actors for Nomis will come from Los Angeles.
“It will be cast at the same level as Blackway. You’d definitely recognize the talent. Everyone knows who they are,” said Dugdale, without providing further details.
Blackway starred Anthony Hopkins, Ray Liotta, Alexander Ludwig and Julia Stiles, and some of them may be back in the North Okanagan for the film’s release.
“It will play in the Okanagan and we will have a big spectacle event,” said Dugdale. “We are working out what cast can attend.”
This is the first time in the North Okanagan for British-born Raymond, who is best known for The Other Man, Sins and Absence of War. He has been impressed by what he sees and he insists Dugdale is committed to the region.
“You hear a passion from him. It seeps into everyone involved. It makes it personal,” said Raymond.