'Basement Bob' co-director looks forward to shooting feature film in Beaufort
Location scouting and casting has begun for "Basement Bob," the latest feature film to be shot in Beaufort.
The movie trailer will be shot within the next month or so, co-director and producer V.W. Scheich said Thursday at a meet and greet for the Beaufort Film Society.
The film will star co-director Gary Weeks as Bob, a man who lives in his ex-wife's basement.
"When she decides to sell the house, Bob will go to every ridiculous extreme to keep from losing her forever," the film's website states.
Scheich and Weeks are both Beaufort International Film Society alumni.
Beaufort's passion for movies was a key factor in wanting to film "Basement Bob" here, Scheich said.
"Everyone is helpful and friendly and artistically minded."
Scheich and his wife, Uyen Le, who is a producer for the film, recently moved to Beaufort from Los Angeles.
If you wanted to use someone's driveway for a scene in L.A., for example, the owner would likely charge you around $3,000, Scheich said. But in Beaufort, someone will offer up their driveway in an instant, and then ask what kind of snacks and drinks you want.
"Who wouldn't want to come here?"
Location scouting in the heart of downtown. It almost smiles back at you. :)Posted by Basement Bob on Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Of course, there is the issue of the lack of basements in Beaufort, as local Facebook commenters have been quick to point out.
Someone suggested the title "Attic Bob" or "Front Porch Bob" would have been more appropriate.
"The idea of shooting a movie about a basement in a town where there isn't one is hilarious," Scheich said. Although he did add that he has found at least one in town.
However, due to production demands, like the need for hanging lights and space for cameras and equipment, filming in an actual basement won't be possible, he said.
Funding for "Basement Bob" is coming entirely from DVD sales and pre-sales, Scheich said. He and Weeks did not apply for any state incentives programs, which offer wage rebates to production companies for TV shows and movies made in South Carolina.
The "Bob" crew also plans to hold workshops in town that will teach people about getting ideas from their head to the screen, as well as more technical lessons on sound and production.
If someone shines in the workshop, the directors might employ them to work on the movie, instead of bringing in a crew from L.A. or elsewhere.
Location scouting has been ongoing around Beaufort County, not just Beaufort, Scheich said.
There will be a Facebook contest asking people for location suggestions and what memorable experience they had at that place.
Whoever's idea is picked will be a featured extra in the movie.
Related content
- New movie 'Basement Bob' set to film in Beaufort this fall, February 12, 2015
- 'Basement Bob' website:
- 'Basement Bob' on Facebook
This story was originally published May 9, 2015 at 10:00 AM with the headline "'Basement Bob' co-director looks forward to shooting feature film in Beaufort."