The renovated Lamp Theatre, which screened videos in downtown Irwin for more than six decades before its end in 2004, is the setting for a film production this summer.
Independent director and producer Mark Cantu, 45, of McKeesport, said he will return to the downtown Irwin theater on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to resume filming scenes from his upcoming horror film, “Grind,” described as a cosmic horror comedy.
Cantu said he plans to shoot internal shots at The Lamp on Aug. 19, as well as nighttime filming on Main Street. He booked August 20 and 21 to film more indoors at The Lamp.
Irwin Borough this spring approved an agreement with the company to provide police officers to conduct security filming and authorized outdoor filming at the theater.
The Lamp serves as the setting for what is described as the Grindhouse Film Festival, produced through an organization of academics who notice an enigmatic arthouse horror film called “The Creeping Chaos. ” The academics screen the film and unknowingly trigger a series of horrible, supernatural scenes. occasions that wreak havoc on their lives and the festival.
“I’ve been to the Lamp Theatre a few times. That sounds great,” Cantu said of his choice for part of what is intended to be an 80-minute film.
Settling on The Lamp for the scenes in “Grind,” Cantu returns to the place where one of his previous horror films, “Massacre Academy,” had its world premiere in 2021.
Scenes will be shot in McKeesport and Pittsburgh, said Cantú, one of the film’s writers.
Bill Elder, director of the Lamp Theatre, said he was unsure what arrangements would be needed for the film’s production.
One of the fun things to keep in mind after the movie is done will be to point out where filming took place in the theater, said Elder, who noted that Cantú filmed at The Lamp about 3 weeks ago.
The Lamp will gain benefits from the film’s exposure, he said. It’s also helping the local arts scene.
“It’s a wonderful way to help local actors,” Elder said of the cast Cantú assembled for the production. “You need to make a smart movie. “
To take on any film project, independent or Hollywood, you need money. Cantú raised about $53,400 through a social media fundraising page, IndieGoGo, thanks to about 210 donors. Their “long-term goal” is $100,000 for the film produced. under the Cineworx umbrella.
Cantu said he hopes to have the film in condition to be released early next year.
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