Movie to be filmed in downtown Bonners Ferry

A movie crew will be in Bonners Ferry this summer and extras will be needed.

“Started by a Mouse” written by Grant Smith of Coeur d’ Alene will be filmed on Main Street in Bonners Ferry on July 11 and 12.

Janice Jarzabek, chairwoman of Sandpoint Films, is directing and co-producing the 15-minute film for the non-profit organization.

“Started by a Mouse” is  about a young girl, who takes off with her mother’s video camera and makes  her own film.

The set downtown will look like a carnival and include stilt walkers, jugglers and clowns.  Spectators will be allowed to as long as they are quiet, Jarzebek said.

Smith will co-produce and Esther Johnson is the director of photography for the film.

Casting for additional people will be held in Bonners Ferry in May.

“Come one, come all,” Jarzebek said.

 The organization will need extras, and Jarzebek said they would love to get local Bonners Ferry people in the film. 

“Everyone in Bonners Ferry has been so nice and welcoming about the idea of making this film downtown,” she said.  “We are very excited.”

When the film is finished, it will be viewed at the Schweitzer Lake Dance in September.

Sandpoint Films caters to the local area providing film making experience to North Idaho. The organization encourage people to send in their movie ideas.  The board will read them and if interested, will ask for a full script and “make it happen,” Jarzabek said.

“Anyone is welcome to participate in the organization even if they don’t have any filmmaking experience.” said Jarzebek.  “It is a learning experience and we are here to teach the art.”

She said  she knew little about filmmaking when she joined Sandpoint Films four years ago, and  has learned so much.

“We are also in need of a board member as one of our members sadly passed in February,” Jarzebek said.

Anyone interested in becoming a board member, sending in a film idea, or for information about the upcoming production, contact Sandpoint Films at 290-0597.