Blind Pass sets its sights on Clare

SOME leading American actors will be coming to Clare next month as some of the shooting of a new independent movie will take place in the county.
The movie, Blind Pass is being produced and directed by Steve Tatone, who announced last week that Shannon man James Sexton will be an associate producer and Ireland location supervisor. Mr Tatone said he was pleased to have him involved.
“After meeting with James we all felt that he had the flair, passion and ideas we were looking for. He also had a great knowledge of the country and during our location trip with James around Ireland last week, everywhere we went someone seemed to know him and they were more than willing to accommodate us in the shooting of this exciting production. I think people will be dazzled by the amazing Irish locations that James and other members of my team have chosen.”
Speaking to The Clare Champion James said, “We’ll be shooting in Clare and Dublin. More than likely we’ll be in Spanish Point and in Dublin we’ll be at St Stephen’s Green and at a house out in Clontarf.”
The production will include actors such as Frances Fisher, who played the mother of Kate Winslet’s character in Titanic. Also in it are Armande Assante who is best known for his performances in films such as Judge Dredd, Private Benhamin and American Gangster. Chris McKenna is playing the lead role and he is known for his role in the drama 90210 and has had guest roles in things like NCIS:LA, Private Practice and Prison Break.
James said he has quite a bit of work to do in the next few weeks. “I’m locations manager for Ireland so I sourced all the locations here. I’m also involved in a small way in the production of it. Yesterday, I was sorting out the house we are using in Dublin. I’ve been getting extras and I have to audition two actors for one part in Dublin. Also, I’ll be taking care of transportation, lighting, sound equipment, extras, make up, that kind of stuff.”
He says that the makers are hopeful the film will be a big hit. “What happens is that the film will be released next March. Steve’s big ambition is for it to hit the cinemas but worst-case scenario it will be on DVD in shops across the States. He will be putting it on general release across America and with the actors he has and the storyline, he’s hopeful it’ll go worldwide and be a big hit.”