A flick with a bite
By: Beth Spencer
Issue date: 4/23/10 Section: News
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More than a year after its crew began filming in Memphis, the vampire drama "Daylight Fades" was screened Tuesday at Louisiana State University, where it was well received by its audience.
The movie - a character-based drama about mortality, love and loss, with several blood-sucking twists - is set to premiere in Memphis, where it was filmed, this June. It is a product of Old School Pictures, a four-person film company with three University of Memphis alumni.
LSU faculty member Kimberly Bourque said the movie's engrossing plot kept her attention, while the elements of horror provided additional amusement.
"It was a good story, well thought out with good plot changes and decent character development," she said. "It actually had a multi-faceted story rather than 'boy loves girl, boy hits conflict, they break up.' It had some really good twists."
Bourque said the film's trailer, along with her compassion for independent film industry, drew her into the Varsity Theatre for the screening.
"I tried to tell friends what it was about because I could tell from the trailer that it was kind of dark or sad," she said. "Then, a few days ago, I saw something about immortality written down and I said, 'Oh, it's a vampire flick.' I'm not really a vampire movie person, but supporting people who are trying to do what they love is great."
Audience member and film aficionado Damien Burdette said the plot development of "Daylight Fades" sets it apart from other movies in the independent genre.
"I thought the picture was really good, you know, for having seen a lot of independent films. I thought it was well put-together," said Damien Burdette. "I think it had good flow. Some of the other independent films I've seen took a long time to develop the story, but this one flowed well."
Because the "Daylight Fades" screening in Baton Rouge went well, executive producer Ryan Watt said he hopes Memphis crowds will appreciate its local charm.
"It was definitely a great experience, knowing people who aren't from Memphis gave it positive feedback," he said. "It definitely increased our confidence to set up screenings in Memphis."
Daylight Fades was shot in January and February 2009 in a handful of Memphis hot spots, including Young Avenue Deli, Senses, P & H Café, Ernestine & Hazel's and different houses in the Cooper-Young area.