Some Mid-Missouri locals have made a horror, suspense creature feature that will be released next summer.
Colt Imler is the director, producer and writer for "Hell and High Water," a film that was shot in Springfield, Jefferson City, Linn and other locations in Mid-Missouri. The film's plot has three friends going on vacation and then running into an evil from their past that has come back to finish the job, Imler said.
The crew wrapped up filming Sunday, and it is now in post-production, which means editing and getting the final product ready. The producers have not decided if they will release the film for purchase or tour some horror film festivals, said Walter Andrus Jr., assistant producer and publicity coordinator.
Both Imler and Andrus are from Jefferson City.
"I do all the special effects creation as well," Imler said. "My influences come from all over the place. I have always been a real lover of the horror genre, and '80s and '90s practical effects over today's CGI and animated effects."
He said a large influence for his special effects was growing up watching Dick Smith, who worked special effects for "The Godfather," "Taxi Driver" and "The Exorcist."
Imler was heavily involved in making the feature and had nothing but compliments about the cast and crew.
"These guys with the film were fantastic. Most of them were young actors or right out of school," Imler said. "They were great. They all have a lot of talent, and they blew me away every time they would come up with something that I wasn't expecting, and I would be like, "Perfect, that was absolutely great.' I am very pleased with the outcome so far."
Imler has been doing special effects and makeup for several years, he said. The film is being made by Carnage Entertainment, and the special effects company is Dark Moon Studios. The film's teaser trailer is available at www.newstribune.com/trailer.