After more than 18 months of scouting and numerous trips throughout the South, Alabama-based filmmaker Tonya S. Holly of Cypress Moon Productions (www.cypressmoonproduction.com) officially announced this week that she has selected to film scenes of the new feature film “The Story of Bonnie and Clyde” in Philadelphia and surrounding cities and counties. The news follows on the heels of a successful extras casting call earlier this month that attracted hundreds of local residents who want the opportunity to appear in the film. A session for speaking roles will take place in the near future.

“We are thrilled to announce that we will be shooting in Philadelphia,” said Holly, who wrote the original screenplay that she will direct and produce. “The locations are critical to the story and Philadelphia is a beautiful area rich with layers and history that are ideal for recreating the 1930’s time era. The community has pulled together to make this happen and I am so pleased to bring the production here.”

Bringing the production to Philadelphia also translates into increased commerce for the city with Holly planning on a minimum of six weeks pre-production and three weeks shooting in the area.

Holly plans to utilize a production team of more than 150 people, many who will be hired from the area. The community will feel the positive impact of the production as local vendors and businesses are utlized such as lumber companies, antique stores, office supply stores, hotels and restaurants among many others. Talent and crew will also contribute to the local economy by spending money on everything from entertainment to shopping. The exposure and publicity about all the area has to offer will also open the door to future film productions.

“This is a very exciting time for Philadelphia,” said David Vowell, president of the Community Development Partnership who has been instrumental in bringing the production to the area. “The Story of Bonnie and Clyde is a high-profile feature film that will be recognized around the world and Philadelphia will now be an intregral element of it. This is the first step of many in positioning Philadelphia and Neshoba County as viable locations for production.”

Among the many locations that Vowel has taken Holly and her team to scout for locations for the film are The Williams Brothers Store, The Fairgrounds, Sciple’s Mill, Yates Drugstore and several other buildings, barns and old gas stations.

The film is also set to shoot in Natchez. Holly also plans to film in Louisiana and has scouted such cities as Alexandria, St. Francisville, Donaldsonville, Sorrento, Arcadia, and Gibsland, to name a few as well as at Angola prison, which will be used to recreate the infamous Eastham prison – also known as “Bloodyham,” in which Clyde was incarcerated. Portions of the film will also be shot in Alabama.

The Story of Bonnie and Clyde is a new adaptation (not a remake) of the classic love story, which tells the thrilling story of the notorious fugitives. Taking place during the 1930’s Depression, the film follows the adventures of Bonnie and Clyde, uncovering many times in their lives that have never before been seen on the big screen. Holly is in talks with name talent to star in the film.