WC Entertainment, a burgeoning name in the film industry, proudly announces its latest venture, “Honeysuckle,” a drama film written by Summerville resident and Berkeley County native William Brian Baker and directed by Alan Ray. Starring Baker alongside an award-winning ensemble cast, the production marks a significant milestone for the South Carolina-based company.

Baker, who attended Stratford High School, was the lead actor and executive producer of his first independent movie, “Gives,” which was released in 2010.

“I have always been interested in vampire stories, but I also wanted something that made sense to the modern world,” Baker said. “A lot of times, we have vampire movies that are just action-packed love stories, like Twilight for modern times. I wanted something more of a drama based on the person rather than the vampire, a person who happened to become a vampire.”

Principal photography on the film began in April and “Honeysuckle” unfolds against the backdrop of Charleston and Myrtle Beach, promising captivating visuals and an immersive experience for audiences.

At its core, “Honeysuckle” delves into the story of Craig, a car salesman living in 1972. His life turns unexpectedly when he is transformed into a vampire, shattering his dreams of a conventional family life. As Craig grapples with profound loss and embraces his newfound existence, the film offers an exploration of societal norms and personal identity through the lens of folklore.

“It traverses decades because we’re used to hundreds of years with vampires and Victorian times and such, so it just kind of spans him dealing with it over the course of decades and how he kind of lives a boring life,” Baker said. “He’s a person who happens to be a vampire, and that is how we’re going to pitch it. But we’re trying to work with some mystery elements without saying what the elements are.”

In a testament to South Carolina’s talent pool, the production boasts a cast comprising local actors such as Adam Ray, Alexsis Durham, Ashley Perry and others. Additionally, including talent from Los Angeles, Atlanta and Finland underscores the project’s global appeal.

Atlanta-based composer Erik Grant Bennett crafts the film’s musical score, adding further depth to the cinematic experience. With a repertoire spanning commercial projects and Emmy-nominated work, Bennett’s involvement is an example of the caliber of talent attracted to “Honeysuckle.”

Award-winning singer-songwriter Celeste Stoney lends her talents to the film’s soundtrack, while Charleston’s The Explorers Club contributes its hit single “Forever.”

The film’s cinematographer is Bradley Shuffler.

Another collaboration is with Vampire Family Brands LLC, which permitted the inclusion of its Vampire Vineyards products in the film to enhancing the authenticity of the vampire experience on screen.

Pet Helpers, a local organization dedicated to animal welfare, allowed filming at its facility. This partnership underscores the production’s commitment to community engagement and support.

Founded by Baker, Amanda Kapuscinski and Alan Ray, WC Entertainment aims to carve a niche in the independent film landscape through compelling storytelling and innovative projects. With “Honeysuckle” poised to captivate audiences, the company continues expanding its industry footprint.

Alan Ray said he is excited about directing the project because it differs from most vampire movies.

“It’s not your typical vampire movie with the girls looking into the vampire’s eyes and falling under his spell, and the vampires have white, pasty skin,” he said. “It’s a drama film that follows a man-turned-vampire just trying to figure out how to get along in life, like how to get a job when his ID says he’s 80, but he looks 30. It’s really not a horror film at all.”

For those eager to track the progress of “Honeysuckle,” follow Honeysuckle’s Facebook movie page at {a class=”editor-rtfLink” href=”http://www.facebook.com/HoneysuckleTheMovie/” target=”_blank”}www.facebook.com/HoneysuckleTheMovie/, which offers behind-the-scenes glimpses and updates about the film’s development.