Filming Of Movie Took Place In Overton and Putnam Co.

Parts of Overton and Putnam Counties will make the big screen this summer in a major motion picture.

Salvage Yard Shine Boys is the first of a faith-based, family film series that tracks a young country western singer’s journey to stardom.

Life long Upper Cumberland resident Kenneth Mahan is an actor in the movie. Mahan said residents might see some familiar locations while watching.

“We’ll be filming in my place, which like I said, is on the edge of White and Putnam County,” Mahan said. “It’s a Cookeville address, but it is White County property. It’s right on the line, and we have been filming there. We will also be filming in Livingston at the Steel Coop Restaurant, and then, we’ll be filming in Monroe, Tennessee, which is Cooper’s Recycling.”

Director Chris Hensel said the inspiration from the film came from his time on the Dukes of Hazard and hearing stories of the area through Mahan. Hensel said while writing the script, he knew he had to get away from Hollywood to show that values still matter.

“I wanted America to see that families still love each other, work together, play together and take care of each other,” Hensel said. “That you can still leave your keys in your car and don’t lock your doors. That America isn’t bad. The United State of America is great.”

Hensel said his crew will be in town for the week to film the establishing shots, but this will not be the last visit to the Upper Cumberland. Hensel said seeing the interest from the community has led to Tennessee being the main location for the two sequels.

“We’ve worked with a couple of the sheriffs and the mayor of Livingston, the Chambers of Commerce,” Hensel said. “They’ve all been very open. Because, we are still looking for now and future investors, because why not have the local companies and personal investors here make all the money that Hollywood used to make.”

Hensel said he is aiming for a July 4th week release in theaters.