(WKYT) – Winter clothes, in April, in Kentucky. That’s not something you’d expect folks to be wearing this time of year.
But the Christmas spirit is high in Paris as crews film the movie Silver Bells Christmas.
Huge lights, professional cameras, and a full crew filled Oasis Special Event Productions in Downtown Paris.
“This is the real deal,” Chris Haley, owner of Oasis Special Event Productions said.
His business has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland for Thursday’s big shoot, complete with Christmas trees, a stage, and decorations.
Thursday night, dozens lined up in Downtown Paris for their shot as an extra on the big screen.
That includes Paris resident Cindy Kaiser.
“I’ve done this in the past in places like Georgia but never here in Kentucky. I’ve never done that before. So it’s really exciting since I live here and they’re really bringing something local for us to do,” Kaiser said.
Casting director Bill Marinella said because of Kentucky’s film tax incentives, it’s more stable for independent filmmakers to shoot projects here in the Commonwealth.
He also said shooting a Christmas movie during warmer weather is strategic.
“Usually inclement weather does not do us good outside, cameras freeze, people freeze,” Marinella said.
Haley had a very important role in making April’s weather look like a winter wonderland.
“Right now there is a 100% chance of snow in Paris, Kentucky tonight,” Haley said. He’s in charge of the “snow” machine.
Betty Ann Allen with the Paris Bourbon County Tourism Commission said the production brings publicity to small town Paris.
“We’re known for our horses, history and hospitality so this just fits in almost everything,” Allen said.
As actors and extras take their places, a Christmas wonderland is brought to life.
Silver Bells Christmas will come out this winter and will air on the Great American Family Network.
Marinella said he’s still looking for paid extras. He said you can apply on his website.