STANLEY, N.C.,None — An independent film company from Charlotte is shooting a movie called "Redneck Roots" in downtown Stanley, and many area residents are hoping it will have a positive economic impact.
IMAGES: Stanley Featured In 'Redneck Roots' Movie
"We could use a boost," Ed Bingham, an employee at Allen Drug, said.
Bingham said business was booming at Allen Drug when the textile mills were operating. As the mills have shut down over the past 10 years, though, Bingham said business has dropped by about 25 percent.
"All that has moved out and jobs are down," he said.
The Stanley City Council approved the shoot because the film mentions the town by name. Mayor Chad Brown said he hopes moviegoers will see Stanley on the big screen and view it as a quaint, quiet place to live and grow businesses.
"'Hey, I remember that town,' or ‘I saw this town.' If our economy can grow in just a small bit -- every little bit helps now in the way that our recession is," Brown said.
He added that he hopes the movie will spur more filmmakers to choose Stanley as a backdrop.
The production of "Redneck Roots" brought in about 100 people, who will eat at local restaurants and spend time in local shops.
"We are trying to put ourselves on the map in this movie industry and this is the first way we can do it," Brown said.
Robin Grey, the executive producer of "Redneck Roots," said Stanley has thus far been a great setting for the production.
"It has a great look," Grey said. "It is the perfect little town with fantastic people who have just opened the doors for us and invited us in."
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