Actor/Director Corbin Bernsen introduces the promotional poster for “3-Day Test”, a Christmas movie which he intends to film in Kipling this winter. At left is Loretta Demyen of the Kipling Film Productions board. At right is Wally Start of Angel Entertainment. Several young carollers also took part in the ceremony held Dec. 5. ALICIA KOCH of THE CITIZEN

Excitement is building in Kipling about the prospect of its becoming a movie production site.

Another step toward that goal was taken Tuesday evening with the official launch of a company to finance the movie-making as well as the release of the poster for its first project.

Production of “3-Day Test” is scheduled to begin in February. Written and directed by Corbin Bernsen (L.A. Law, Major League), the film is to be produced by Bernsen’s Public Media Works and Saskatoon-based production company Angel Entertainment.

Bernsen himself, along with Wally Start of Angel Entertainment, were on hand to introduce the poster design Tuesday.

“The Town of Kipling wants you to take the 3-Day Test,” the poster proclaims, “….coming Christmas 2007″. It features Bernsen, who will also star in the film, sporting a Santa hat/and flanked by two homes brightly lit and decorated for Christmas.

Bernsen said 90 per cent of the cast for 3-Day Test will be from Kipling and area. Several likely candidates were identified through an open casting call conducted during the past summer for another Public Media Works production, Donna on Demand. Those auditions resulted in Nolan G.L. Hubbard’s selection for a major supporting role in that upcoming film.

Mayor Kevin Hassler said the prospect of filming here presents a major opportunity for the town and its citizenry.

Economic activity during production, along with the publicity it will no doubt generate, will be great for the town, he said.
He added that mixing progressive ideas with small town values will make this and hopefully other film projects in Kipling a success.

Bernsen said the production group will draw from many sectors, citing carpentry, wardrobe, makeup and food services as some examples.

In order for the movie to be released in time for next year’s Christmas audience, filming needs to be done this winter, hence the February production start.

Prior to that, about $400,000 is needed to finance the venture. It is hoped that much of this will come from local investors.

To that end, Kipling Film Productions Inc. has been formed. The opening of its office at 515 Main Street, and the official unveiling of its new logo, were also a part of Tuesday evening’s ceremony.

A Board of Directors has been named which will oversee the operations of Kipling Film Productions Inc.

Several options were considered for the company’s structure. That selected is the so-called “friends, family and close business associates” makeup. As prescribed by regulation, investment will be limited to those who have one of these relationships with a member of the board.

It was announced Tuesday that the board members will be Glenn Kuhn, Brian Manns, Loretta Demyen, Abdoul Teuw, Duane Leicht, Scott Kearns, Pat Jackson, Mark Edmonds, Marsha Rolufs, Shelley Krecsy, Pat Beaujot, Kelly Kish, Karen Kish, Ian MacDonald, Graham Dayle, Perry Hubbard, Chris Weeding, Drew Balfour and Brad Kearns.

Since time is of the essence, those interested in investing in Kipling Film Productions Inc. are encouraged to convey their interest to a member of the board.