Under the Western Sun, a new feature movie that is scheduled to start filming in Smithville in April, is already creating a buzz. The movie’s producers are effectively using social media to promote the film and solicit funding to shore up financing shortfalls due to the economic downturn.

Local restauranteur Troy Streuer and city councilman Robert Tamble, who play leading roles in the film, are getting national attention on the movie’s Facebook Web page through short video clips that give fans a look at their characters and provide a peek at the storyline.

The movie’s Facebook community has tallied almost 400 “friends” in under a month.

Writers and producers Danny Cameron and his fiancé Miranda Laurie describe their film as a “light-hearted comedy with family values, a character-driven piece that could have been made by Frank Capra.”

“We are shooting in downtown Smithville, mostly on Main Street and in some of the empty buildings,” Cameron said. “Other locations include the B and B Ranch, Pocket’s Grille and the American Legion Hall.”

The production will begin filming during the Jamboree parade in mid-April.

As writer, producer and director, Cameron is also managing funding for the production, which has gone through some recent changes.

“We started out with a very good amount of money, then a few investors backed out for economic reasons,” Cameron said. “It’s funny and a bit ironic because the movie is partially about losing money.”

Cameron said the company has launched a fundraising project online at www.kickstarter.com, where anyone can pledge and get something back for their investment. Pledges start at $5.

“This project will help to give us that extra push we need to complete production,” he said.

Under the Western Sun is set in the small town of Mahoney, Texas, which was inspired by the time Cameron and Laurie spent in Smithville while working on the production of “CELL,” a psychological thriller that Cameron starred in.

Smithville becomes a major influence in the movie through its ambiance and its history. In a video clip on the movie’s Facebook page, Laurie describes Mahoney’s history as a town that was created by the railroad and was originally named Gazley. The description will sound familiar to Smithville residents.

The story involves a billionaire who, after going bankrupt, reunites with his son, a journalist, who agrees to help his estranged father but may just be after his story. They travel to a small town to escape the media. But finding what you’re looking for is not always easy, especially in Mahoney.

The movie is populated with strong characters and Cameron and Laurie have assembled a cast that is both accomplished and eclectic.

“They look the way I imagine the characters to look and I believe they can deliver,” Cameron explained.

Mark Scheibmeir is playing lead character John. He is a UT grad student in the theater program and recently starred in a movie called “Artrois the Goat” which was also shot in Smithville. Newcomer Troy Streuer will play the character of John’s father, Frank. Robert Tamble will be playing Frank’s rival Martin. Pam Eichner, who will play Frank’s ex-wife Betty, supports them. Pam is coming from Utah and has acted alongside Meryl Streep in a Sundance award-winning film called “Dark Matter.”

“Then we have Trenton Rostedt, an accomplished Austin actor who will be playing Clark, John’s cousin.  Clark Davis, who blew us away in auditions, will be playing the part of Warner, the local newspaper owner,” Cameron said.

Wilder Smith, a well-versed actress in theater and film will be join the group from Los Angeles and will be playing Natalie, John’s ex-girlfriend. Kevin Debacker, who has a growing career on the New York improv scene, will play John’s best friend Ryan, providing much of the comedy relief. Laurie will play Lucy, John’s love interest.

“The cast also includes talented Smithville local Mike Shell, Texas native Bull Marquette, and finally, Austin actors Rob Mahoney and Kirk Preston,” Cameron said. “As you can see, it’s a big cast.”

Streuer, owner of Pocket’s Grille, is one of the original members of the Smithville Music & Film Commission. He has had non-speaking roles in several productions shot in Smithville.

The role of Frank was originally cast in Austin but no one seemed to fit according to Cameron.

“Troy’s audition was a surprise, he really brought the role to life,” Cameron said. “Troy started his audition and we were completely blown away at how natural he was. Instead of ‘acting’ he had the ability to just ‘be’.”

Streuer expressed pleasure and nerves about his upcoming role.

“I’ve had action roles before, in Five Time Champion and in a Valero commercial,” Streuer said. “But this is my first talking role. I’m excited and really nervous. There is a lot of pressure. Its not easy being ‘natural’ when a microphone is two feet away and a camera is in your face. Acting is hard work.”

Tamble, a second-term city councilman, has worked as an assistant locations manager and appeared in several films shot in Smithville. He will play Martin Crowe, the bad guy in the movie.

“Robert Tamble landed the role of Martin, the ‘villain’ in our film,” Cameron said. “He did a very strong reading of the role, giving it conviction and more of a backbone.”

Cameron is encouraged by the positive response of fundraising efforts and says things are looking up.

“Smithville rocks for filmmakers,” Cameron said. “It’s the perfect place to live, work and play. Enough said.”

Pledges for Under the Western Sun can be made at www.kickstarter.com/projects/DannyCameron/the-return-of-classic-comedy-movies-under-the-wes

More information about the film is available at www.underthewesternsun.com/

Follow updates about the film on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Under-the-Western-Sun/288426616510?ref=ts