Good morning my loves. The morning began with sadness and our hearts are aching for those who knew and loved Shannon Rippy. Her body was discovered in Hampstead yesterday.  James Opelton Bradley, who has been convicted of murder in another county in 1990, is being held in the New Hanover County jail on a charge of first-degree murder. Bradley will make a court appearance 2 p.m. today. READ MORE NOW

Schedules might be changing due to the weather today, but here is where you might spot some action:

• How and Why should be shooting at the 6th St bridge and driving around Roland Grise Middle School
• The Sin Seer – Front St and 2nd St
• Under the Dome is staying dry on the sound stages
• Max Steel – Somewhere mysterious in the downtown area.

Yesterday, the news came out about our Christmas in Conway star, Andy Garcia, making his way back to Wilmywood for Max Steel!  A HUGE thank you to the production team.  Check out their slate!

Here’s a fun little tidbit.  For two days we will be having 5 productions running at one time, but it could possibly be 7 units shooting at once.  That is crazy and I love every minute of it!

Now, I have been waiting, keeping my ears open about this one, but I have officially heard the same rumor three times now.  Word has it, Loomis Fargo might be heading west of the state to Asheville and only utilizing Wilmington for a few shots.  Now, this might be devastating to some, HOWEVER, if this does happen, it could be a really good thing.  Wilmington cannot have all the projects.  The more we spread the shows out, the more other counties see how good film is for their area.  Still waiting for more details, but that is all I know for now.  You know the film biz is a crazy biz, things change everyday.  I will keep you posted.

One Tree Hill‘s Lee Norris heard about our NC Film Rally and took the time to send a message our way.

“Hey Sheila! I really wish I could get to Wilmington this Sunday, but please know that I will be there in spirit and am encouraging all of my NC family and friends to attend via social media and however else I can. Thank you for all of your hard work, I know it will be a success!!” -Lee

NC FILM RALLY: The count is also just 4 days away and WE NEED YOU!  Film Fans, Small Businesses, Vendors, Crew, Background, ALL of you!  This Sunday at 5pm on the Riverwalk Downtown.  Bring your signs, wear your film shirts!  Let’s do this! CLICK TO say you’re going!

Check out this local Kickstarter campaign by Josh Cohen, Writer/Executive Producer for his live action short film, Stinky Feet. Stinky Feet will take the audience on the life journey of a sock. From a little cotton seed to the factory and beyond. LOVE IT!  Directing is Michele Seidman and Babette Shioban is DP.  Follow the film on FACEBOOK and show your support for these NC indie filmmakers!  As they say on their kickstarter page, “Don’t you always wonder where your socks go over the years?”

What isn’t there to do from Thursday until Sunday in Wilmywood!  It’s gonna be hard to get track, so let’s review.

3rd Annual Surfalorus Film Festival

(Totally stole this from their site)The 3rd annual Surfalorus Film Festival is proud to announce its partnership with the Wrightsville Beach Museum and the Wrightsville Beach Longboard Association in founding the Inaugural Wrightsville Beach Waterman Ocean Festival, held May 1-3. Surfers, nature lovers, water weirdos, cinephiles and fans of everything aquatic will enjoy three days of screenings, soirees, and contests exclusively in Wrightsville Beach – bringing people from Southeastern North Carolina together to celebrate low country coastal culture. The Surfalorus you know and love will still feature the hottest new surf films and docs and will include the outdoor Board + Beach Expo a Tidal Creek Co-op.  With 3 nights of free screenings and 4 days of sun soaked action, this year’s festival is sure fire fun. Visit the Surfalorus website for more information.

The 2014 Cape Fear Independent Film Festival will take place in downtown Wilmington on MAY 1st – MAY 4th.  Screenings will be at THE BROWNCOAT THEATRE (111 Grace St.) and THALIAN HALL (310 Chestnut St.) I’ve got passes to give away!  So tune in to “What’s Up in Wilmywood” at 8:30am tomorrow on Sunny 104.5.

MOST POPULAR BLOGS THIS WEEK: 

• BREAKING: Stage Set for Film Rally in Wilmington, NC
• Officials say body of Shannon Rippy found
• Wilmywood Pilot Updates
• New Extras Casting Director Named for Sleepy Hollow
• EUE/Screen Gems Studios Tours Begin April 26, 2014
• Wilmington, N.C.: Small city behind big TV shows [EW]
• Going ‘Under the Dome’ for season 2 with EP Jack Bender[EW]

That just about does it for me; I will have more Wilmywood updates for you tomorrow morning (unless something breaks) and every weekday morning we do “What’s Up in Wilmywood” at 7:30am & 8:30am LIVE on Sunny 104.5.  And on Thursdays during Cape Fear CW‘s Primetime News at 10!  Got Scoop?  Email me:  sheila_brothers@yahoo.com.  Or message me on Wilmywood’s FB  or on Twitter.  You can also just post your comments below!  Until then, that’s a wrap!!