Film officials decide to talk

The Benton Courier is now reporting on the Hank Williams movie.

And local TV has been on the set in Benton today shooting stories to air tonight.

After my blog post on Tuesday and a KUAR story Wednesday in which I reported that Arkansas Film Commissioner Christopher Crane would not discuss the movie project, Crane was apparantly swamped by other reporters wanting details. That prompted him to request permission to discuss the film with local media, which he recieved last night.

First thing this morning, Crane was on the phone calling to provide me with further detials, though not too many. He confirms Harry Thomason is directing and shooting will last about three weeks in Little Rock, Benton and elsewhere in central Arkansas. He says the movie will have a theatrical release in about a year.

We still don't know the budget for the project or which studio will release the movie.

Crane also would not confirm that former child star Henry Thomas is playing Hank Williams, though reporters visiting the set today would obviously be able to determine that fact.

Anyway, I am thankful the story on this project is finally getting out. As I say below, the best way to promote Arkansas as a filmmaking destination is to openly talk about it as such.