On Sept. 19, the normally quiet Old Jefferson Cattle Pound was the background for a scene in a professional film company’s movie. Damian Vieulleux, writer and director of the film, had spotted the Cattle Pound several years ago on a trip around Maine and knew that it would be the perfect setting for one scene in his upcoming psychological thriller, “The 18th Hour.”
He contacted the town office in August, came before the selectmen’s board meeting, and explained how the area would be used for the film. The board approved the filming and the Jefferson Historical Society agreed to have some of its officers and members present during the filming to ensure the safety of the structure.
A permit was obtained by the Jefferson Fire and Rescue so that the fire, contained in a backyard type metal fire pit would be approved.
The scene was a conversation among eight costumed actors and actresses standing around the fire inside the stonewalls. The technical set up of the scene took two hours with the repetitive filming of the scene (to obtain all the close-up reactions of the participants) adding another several hours.
The filming involved a half dozen technical crew for lighting, cameras and sound. Actors from other scenes also visited the set. All participants impressed the JHS members with their professionalism and respect given the historic structure and all persons involved. The movie has been filmed in other locations and should be ready for the International Film Festival in Waterville in early summer, 2011.
The Cattle Pound was built in 1829 by Silas Noyes for the sum of $28. The beautifully constructed six-foot walls are still amazing in their size and durability. It is one of the best surviving pounds in the state and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
