Two James Franco movies to be filmed in Tri-State area

The Tri-State area is getting some serious love from James Franco in May, as the Hollywood actor-director is slated to film not one, but two movies in Cincinnati and Butler County next month.

The Greater Cincinnati Film Commission announced last week that James Franco’s production company, Rabbit Bandini, would be filming “Goat” along with Killer Films in Cincinnati, as well as “The Long Home,” which will shoot in the Queen City and other Butler County locations beginning May 4. Franco will direct and star in “The Long Home,” as well as co-produce both films.

Though Rabbit Bandini is based in California, two of the company’s producers call Hamilton home. Jay Davis and Vince Jolivette are both Hamilton High School graduates, as well as cousins, and were excited to turn the films’ shootings into a homecoming.

Davis said that once he read the script for the film, he realized that the 1940s period piece could be perfectly set in the Tri-State area.

“There are a lot of options around here for old farm houses and places that have an old-time feel,” he said.

Shooting locations haven’t been finalized yet, so don’t call in sick in May just yet, but production has set up shop in Hamilton ahead of a planned three-week shooting period for both films, Davis said.

“Goat” is described as a major motion picture, and is the third major film that Killer Films’ Christine Vachon has brought to the Cincinnati area. Vachon also produced “Carol,” the movie starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara that was filmed in Cincinnati, Hamilton and Lebanon in early 2014, as well as “The Blunderer,” a movie starring Jessica Biel and Patrick Wilson that was filmed in Cincinnati last summer.

Meanwhile, Davis describes “A Long Home” as “James’ (Franco) passion project, a low-budget indie film that we are pulling a lot of favors with friends and people that we work with to make.”

Release dates have not been set yet.

If you're a college student (or can still pass for one) looking for a chance to get yourself on the silver screen, don't miss the opening casting call for "Goat" tomorrow. Get details on how to go here.

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