Town resists idea of Sandy Hook-inspired movie - FOX 35 News Orlando

Town resists idea of Sandy Hook-inspired movie

The producers of a movie called "Illness" are hoping to film some scenes in Connecticut, not far from where the Sandy Hook massacre happened.

"Illness" is the story of a 13-year-old boy with a mental illness and the fear of his parents after they learn about the shooting in Newtown.

The filmmakers -- produced by Carina Rush and directed by John Bucari -- say their movie won't be about the Newtown shooting, but instead about mental illness in the wake of the school massacre that killed 20 children and 6 adults. They want to film in Ridgefield, about 20 miles southwest of Newtown.

But some people in Ridgefield say it is too soon and too close to home.

Rush declined an interview to discuss the project and said the team is focused on shooting quickly. But filming won't happen in Ridgefield if First Selectman Rudy Marconi can help it. He said the production company, Demian Pictures, has not applied for a permit to shoot in the town and he hopes the company picks somewhere else.

Many locals agreed that with less than two months since the shooting, it is too soon for a movie related to Newtown. But some Ridgefield residents we spoke are willing to hear what the filmmakers have to say.

The producers of "Illness" say they plan submit the film to film festivals later this year. They say they will donate any proceeds or prizes to establish a foundation for families with children struggling with mental illness.