Production crew films coming-of-age drama based on all-deaf Oregon track team

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A production crew is currently filming a movie centered on a historic Oregon sports team.

“Flash Before the Bang,” directed by deaf filmmaker Jevon Whetter, continued production in Salem and Gresham this week.

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“Inspired by a true story, this coming-of-age drama follows an all-deaf high school track and field team from the Oregon School for the Deaf,” Em Fergusson, behind the public relations for the film, wrote in an email. “The team bravely overcame significant challenges, including discrimination and ableism, to win the 1986 Oregon State Track and Field Championship.”

In May 2023, entertainment magazine Deadline reported that filming was slated to begin in Georgia later that fall. Fergusson told KOIN 6 that production has since moved to the Beaver State because filmmakers “wanted to keep it authentic and it made more sense for them to film where the events actually took place.”

Earlier on Friday, the film crew shot scenes at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham. They have also filmed several scenes in other Oregon cities, including Salem — where the Oregon School for the Deaf is located.

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“Flash Before the Bang” filming at Gresham’s Mt. Hood Community College (KOIN)
“Flash Before the Bang” filming at Gresham’s Mt. Hood Community College (KOIN)
“Flash Before the Bang” filming at Gresham’s Mt. Hood Community College (KOIN)
“Flash Before the Bang” filming at Gresham’s Mt. Hood Community College (KOIN)

“It’s an awesome experience for the community and it gives us the opportunity to give Mt. Hood more exposure,” MHCC Head Track & Field Coach Fernando Fantroy said in an interview.

Although the Oregon Association of the Deaf issued a call for Portland background actors of all ages, it’s unclear who is still set to star in the drama. Deadline initially announced that “CODA” actor Troy Kotsur, “America’s Next Top Model” winner Nyle DiMarco and Deanne Bray of “Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye” would lead the film.

The outlet later reported that “Honey” lead Jessica Alba, “Fargo” star Russell Harvard and Daniel Durant — who acted in the Academy-Award-winning “CODA” as well — had also joined the cast.

“Flash Before the Bang” is filming just a week ahead of the premiere of another Oregon-made movie. Netflix will release “Night Always Comes,” based on the novel from Portland author Willy Vlautin, on Aug. 15.

The film starring “The Crown” actress Princess Margaret follows a Portland woman who tries to collect $25,000 in one night so she and her family can keep their house.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.

‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’

‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com ’