Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Cardinal Gym Used To Film Movie
FARMINGTON — More than 600 extras filled the Farmington High gymnasium Saturday to film an emotional scene for “Greater,” a movie about the life of former University of Arkansas football player Brandon Burlsworth.
Jason Turner, assistant location manager for Greater Productions, said the Farmington gym was used to film Burlsworth’s funeral and memorial service and Burlsworth’s high school graduation ceremony.
Burlsworth went from a walk-on for the Razorbacks to an All-American player drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. He died tragically April 28, 1999, at the age of 22, in a vehicle accident near Alpena.
Burlsworth graduated from Harrison High and his memorial service was held in the Harrison High basketball gymnasium. Turner said he selected Farmington’s gym for the scene because it is similar to Harrison’s gym in 1999. The production company wanted a gym with a foyer that had windows looking onto the gym floor.
“The entire gym will be full with people,” Turner said, adding he has a friend who attended Burlsworth’s funeral and remembers it was standing room only inside the gym, as well as people lined up outside showing their respect to the Razorback football player, known not only for his playing ability but for his faith and hard work.
Turner said the movie focuses more on Burlsworth’s older brother, Marty, and his struggle in dealing with why something like this would happen to his brother. Turner said the movie has a religious theme and shows a struggle between heaven and hell.
The set was closed to everyone last week, except the production crew, actors and extras. No one could take photos inside the gym, including crew members, and the actors did not give interviews. Turner said media was not allowed in the gym and all doors had staff posted to keep unauthorized personnel out.
Turner said the actors portraying the main characters were on site in Farmington.
Marty is played by Neal McDonough of Desperate Housewives and Band of Brothers. Leslie Easterbrook is playing Burlsworth’s mother, Barbara, and Michael Parks is Burlsworth’s father, Leo.
Crews came in early last week to prepare the gym for filming. Blue contact paper was used to cover up Cardinal Red inside the gym and other parts were repainted blue. Everything was returned to its original condition following the shoot.
“Greater” also will shoot a scene on the Lincoln town square. Turner said Lincoln will be used to film the unloading of Burlsworth’s monument. This is scheduled for June 15.