Jul. 1—LIMA — It was all there: the cameras, the stars and even the red carpet.
A new movie, "Up the Score," premiered Saturday evening in Lima Saturday, one that was truly a Lima production with a local cast and a local writer set in the city. Community members gathered at the Veterans Memorial Civic Center to be the first to enjoy the creativity of Matthew Sanders.
"I am excited because the film was formed and directed here in Lima, Ohio," attendee LaShonda Thompson-Napier said. "My sister is one of the characters along with many others. I'm so excited to have our small city involved in such a big event. I know that Lima has many talents here so I am excited to see that expressed here tonight."
With only a select number of seats available, tickets were quickly sold out. Sanders said the cast worked 18-hour days to bring the movie to Lima.
"I'm very excited," lead actor David Fox said. "This is a very great opportunity. I appreciate it and everyone involved. I am just happy to be here."
Fox also said this is his first film role.
While the premiere provided the film with a Hollywood-style kickoff, Sanders emphasized that the momentum behind the movie ist just beginning. At the Mayor's Press Conference Wednesday morning, Sanders said that within the next couple of months, "Up the Score" will be showcased around the world.
"We do have a distributor that loved the movie already," he said Wednesday. "We signed a three-year contract with Homestead Entertainment, [so] we will be on Tubi, Maverick TV, things like Amazon Prime and other platforms. So about August, it will be released to the world."
The proceeds from Saturday evening's ticket sales will aid in the marketing of "Up the Score." Community members were able to have a question-and-answer session following the movie to hear from the creator. Sanders said he enjoyed showcasing local actors.
"I just hope we can inspire and motivate and let people know that Lima has talent," said Sanders. "We have an artistic, creative aspect and I wanted to highlight it."
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.