Norwalk school wanted as setting for feature film
By SARA SLEYSTER ssleyste@dmreg.com
May 15, 2009 11:54 AM

A California movie production company is scouting out Norwalk to be the location of its next film. GigaPix Studios wants to use Norwalk High School for its upcoming film "Field Trip," said Dorrance Brezina, a location specialist for the company. The movie is a family flick about the pirate Blackbeard, and the school would be used to represent a junior high. "We're going after Norwalk because of the small town atmosphere," Brezina said. "Norwalk really has the look for this movie and we're really liking the school."

Norwalk High School Principal Dale Barnhill was surprised to learn that the movie representatives wanted to use his school. He showed them around the building and grounds earlier this month. They were interested in using one of the high school's classrooms and the cafeteria at the Eastview 8/9 School. "I think it would be great for the community," Barnhill said of filming a movie in Norwalk. Once location agreements are made, Brezina expects the film crew to spend five weeks in Norwalk this summer. The movie's cast will be announced in the coming weeks, but local actors might also be needed.

"A lot of kids will be needed for extras," Brezina said. GigaPix officials are also looking at the Cumming area for some scenery shots. Plans also include building a pirate ship for the movie that will become a permanent fixture at Southridge Mall in Des Moines. "Warren County is a very attractive place to do filming because it's very picturesque, it's very photogenic," Brezina said. "Field Trip" will be the second major movie filmed in Warren County this year. This winter, the A&W in Indianola was used for the upcoming film "Ticket Out" starring Ray Liotta. The movie also includes scenes of rural Warren County. The movie is about an abused woman who gets help from Liotta's character and is expected to hit theaters this fall, Brezina said.