When Alice Williamson told people she was starring in an independent film, the immediate assumption was that she was in a pornographic movie.
However, nothing could be further from the truth.
Local production company Hedges Pictures is currently filming the movie “The Lady is a Doll,” which is based on the famous comedic ballet “Coppelia.”
According to writer and director Travis Williams, the film is set in 1950s Baton Rouge and follows the humorous interaction between high school lovers Sabrina and “The Franz” that includes the mystery of a life-like doll made by the eccentric Dr. Coppelius.
The plot follows Sabrina’s jealousy and investigation into the attention she thinks “The Franz” bestows upon Coppelia.
The film includes more than 30 local actors, including several University students, who work on a volunteer basis.
Williamson, a food science sophomore, and Wes Brown, a general studies senior, portray the lead roles of Sabrina and “The Franz.” Craig Strasen, a theatre junior and Dana Perry, an ISDS freshman, also are featured in the movie.
Other roles include “Coppelia”, who is played by Brooke Frost, a Baton Rouge Magnet High School sophomore and “Dr. Coppelius” played by local actor David Randall.
Brown has the most experience of the cast, acting and modeling.
“I have a manager in Los Angeles, but I wanted to come back and finish school,” Brown said. “This movie was a good way to continue to get experience and exposure until I graduate.”
As “The Franz,” Brown portrays the coolest guy in high school similar to “The Fonz” and John Travolta’s “Danny” from the movie “Grease.”
Williams and cameraman Michael Westphal comprise Hedges Pictures, a company that has won several awards at the LSU Outhouse Film Festival.
Filming for “The Lady is a Doll” will wrap in March. There will be a local screening in August.
For previews and trailers of the movie, visit www.hedgespictures.com.