Watch A Scary Movie
- Thomas Smugala
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
We at 573 Magazine love all our communities in the region. Developing a united community has always been our goal here. Over the last 20 years, we have seen great and positive growth in Cape, Perryville, Farmington, Ste. Genevieve, Fredericktown, Park Hills, Ironton, and all the other towns in the region. We have held special events in all our communities, such as Film Festivals, Chalk Festivals, Mud Festivals, Art Shows...but our biggest effort has been promoting and elevating local arts—we love the arts and do what we can to make the 573 a special place in the world.
Over the past few years, we have been working with many communities to develop a film shooting environment we call NoWhereWood, a place for low-budget indie films to be made, and it has been a great success. Recently, we assisted in the development of FilmFriendlyPerryville.com, a hub of information and support for filmmakers inside and out of the region and state. Along with the program, we began production with our film company, Motion Dog Films, to make a scary movie—it turned out great. With the help of our partners, we were able to make the film on a low budget, but it looks and feels like a big-budget film. Welcome to The Spring!
If you like scary thrillers, welcome to The Spring!
The Spring, a historical supernatural thriller produced by 573 Magazine and Motion Dog Films, is a stunning indie film that showcases the haunting beauty of the 573 (a.k.a. NoWhereWood). Directed by Thomas Smugala (a.k.a. Supreme Leader), with co-producer LA-based producer John Steven Schneider, this project was crafted outside the Hollywood system right here in NoWhereWood! Our team, relying on local talent and crew for filming, created a visually captivating film with remarkable production value, proving that indie cinema can rival mainstream releases.
The trailer is a great represetation of the feature lenth movie without giving anything away.
The Spring leverages the region’s natural charm and historical ambiance, and 573’s high-quality production spirit, to create an immersive experience. The use of mostly local actors brings authenticity, while the Supreme Leader's meticulous attention to detail and passion for “NoWhereWood” shine through in every frame. The film’s gripping narrative, blending history and the supernatural, keeps audiences engaged, making it highly watchable and memorable.
Seasoned actor Mary Michelle plays Realene in modern times and the evil Phidora in 1870.
The City of Perryville and FilmFriendlyPerryville.com played pivotal roles in the film’s success, providing support that enabled this homegrown production to flourish. The community’s involvement underscores the collaborative spirit behind The Spring, elevating it beyond typical indie fare.
Local Perryville actor Chad Sutterer gives a great performance as Realenes detective ex.
Local Cape actor Eli Tallent plays Major Gould, the provost marschal assignwed to keep ex-slaves safe after the Civil War.
Farmington actor Skyler Gollaher plays the fiesty Violet in 1870.
We covered a street in Perryville with dirt and debrie to show a post-flood scene.
Sikeston based actor, Catherine Foster plays Lacy, who is trying to stop the murders in 1870.
The Spring is filled with detailed historical settings, props and wardrobe.
An advance screening of The Spring is set for July 26 at the Perry Park AMC Theater, kicking off with a VIP meet-and-greet before the 7:00 PM showing. Following the screening, an after-party hosted by executive producer Carisa Stark at The Warehouse in Perryville promises to celebrate the film’s achievement in style. This red-carpet event highlights the dedication of Smugala, Schneider, City of Perryville, the sponsors, and the entire team, marking The Spring as a triumph of independent filmmaking and a testament to Motion Dog Films’ growing role in the industry. Come on out to meet the producers, cast, and watch a scary movie. FREE to attend. Click here for tickets.
OK, who’s the next to be featured in the 573? Click here to submit a suggestion.
Get Out There! Create something. Start that new business. Start a garden. Do something. Do anything. What one person can do, another can do. That sunken sofa will be fine without you.
Be sure to visit all of our awesome sponsors who make these stories possible!
