Karen Allen Directs Film Based on Carson McCullers Short Story

Award-winning actor, theatrical director, and writer Karen Allen is directing her first film based on the Carson McCullers' short story, "A Tree. A Rock. A Cloud." The production is currently being shot in Sandisfield, MA with many other local crew and talent including Producer Diane Pearlman, Director of Photography Richard Sands, Co-Producer Amy Lynn, and Set Dresser/Prop Master Paige Carter, Asst. Production Coordinator, Laura Gratz and actors Terry Holland, Kale Browne, Karen Beaumont and Jackson Smith (as the young boy). �

Also starring in the film are Jeff DeMunn ("The Shawshank Redemption," "The Green Mile," TV's "The Walking Dead") and James McMenamin (TV's "Orange is the New Black"). Allen's dear friend and Academy Award nominee, Kristi Zea is the Production Designer ("The Departed," "Silence of the Lambs," "Philadelphia,"�"Goodfellas,"�"Broadcast News"). Brian Long, Allen's East Coast Manager, is also a producer on the project.
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Allen is extremely excited about shooting her film here, saying, "I intend to stay very close and true to the story Carson�McCullers wrote and to illuminate in the film the characters�she has so beautifully drawn in the pages of this story. And the Berkshires is the perfect place to make this happen."
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Pearlman adds that many Berkshire businesses will benefit from the film including caterers, restaurants, as well as lumber, paint and hardware stores. Local artisans and production personnel have lent their talent to the project as well including scenic artists, painters, carpenters, and graphic designer.

"Even small films like this boost our local economy, and are especially beneficial in the off season," said Pearlman. The shoot will take place over six days and is set in 1947.�Several local vintage cars will also be used in the filming. �
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Post production will begin right after filming is complete with the target of submitting to the Sundance Film Festival in September. The film is a not-for-profit project supported by the Independent Film Project (IFP). There is still an opportunity to participate with the project and help with funding for completion -- all monies raised are contributions and are fully tax -deductible.

The Columbus State University's Carson McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians is one of the sponsors of the film and the production team hopes to bring this and other works of Carson's back into the educational spotlight. They will be showing the film at the 100th birthday celebration for Carson McCullers both at the Columbus State University (Feb 18-20, 2017) and at the International Carson McCullers Conference at John Cabot University in Rome (July 14-16, 2017). Apparently, Carson had quite an extensive following outside of the United States!
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As filming continues, Pearlman adds, "We are so grateful for the local support we've received, especially from the Town of Sandisfield. This has truly been a community effort -- so many people have given their time and talent to make this film happen."