Johnstown provides setting for film

Film crews closed Main Street in Johnstown for most of Friday while they used the historic downtown as a backdrop for their movie.

The film, “Adeline,” will tell the tale of a beautiful horse and her efforts to save people – both figuratively, through her work as a therapy healing horse, and literally, during a tornado, according to film producers.

The story is based on a true one about a real horse named, Adeline, of Serendipity Stables in Union County. It's one central Ohioans might be familiar with as the community raised more than $15,000 for one of the animal's surgeries after a 2004 article on the horse ran in The Dispatch.

“She does a lot of amazing things to help people,” said Myrrha Satow, a producer with the independent film and a central Ohio resident. “She helps a boy with autism, a family.”

The project has been in the works since director Greg James learned of the creature nearly two decades ago. James has roots in Holmes County and has lived in Johnstown.

The village was thrilled to be a part of the heartwarming film, according to Johnstown manager Jim Lenner.

“We have such a wonderful space downtown to show off,” said Lenner, adding this is the first time he's ever been involved in movie production. “Any opportunity to drive people's eyes

to our village is worthwhile.”

The movie's crew filmed a conflict between two characters, including some stunts, on Main Street on Friday. it also used the area's famous wellknown Dashing Diner Uptown and the salon Hair After as settings in “Adeline.”

Lenner said they'll be filming in the village offices next week as the building will be transformed into a sheriff's office.

Mayor Chip Dutcher said he even got to play an extra in the film.

“It sounds really interesting,” Dutcher said of the movie. “I know some kids on the autism spectrum, and I think

this will be a really great story.”

Satow said she wanted to get involved with the film as she's worked in the past with troubled kids, just like the ones Adeline helps in the film. Satow's son Jake, 14, is one of several actors with central Ohio ties who are cast in the movie.

The movie is expected to wrap filming in the next few weeks and be released in the spring, she said.

“It's a wonderful, inspiring film at a time when we need to be inspired,” she said. award@dispatch.com @Allisonaward

DAN PARSONS Jake Satow, 14, plays a boy named Jason in the film “Adeline.” Jason befriends a horse named Adeline, who helps him through difficult times.