Eddie McClintock back in Stark County seeking actors for his life story movie 'Takedown'

A Hoover High grad who's been featured in movies and TV shows is heading home to direct and star in a film based on his life growing up in North Canton, and he's looking for Stark County residents to appear in the film.

Eddie McClintock, who starred in Syfy Network's "Warehouse 13,” is looking for performers for his upcoming production. An open audition will be held Saturday at Stark Library Jackson Community Branch, 7484 Fulton Drive NW in Jackson Township.

Audition times are 9 a.m. to noon for actors age 11 to 20 and 2-5 p.m. for those older than 20.

Several actors are needed, including at least 25 teens, producers said.

Eddie McClintock's 'Takedown' movie

"Takedown" is based on McClintock's early life in Stark County.

According to information from JCfilms.org, the film production company, the movie looks at his "high school years as a troubled teen balancing life between the wrestling mat and his passion for the arts."

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McClintock was encouraged to write about his life by Jason Campbell, JCFilms' president and founder.

"He finds my backstory interesting," the 56-year-old said in an interview from his Los Angeles home. "He said, 'Write your story.' I did, and I am pretty amazed. I did it. (The script is) 76 pages long. I'm really happy with the script."

While the film is based on his life, McClintock said, he took some creative liberties to make his message clear.

"Names were changed to protect the innocent," he added with a chuckle.

The story examines phases of his life and the trials and tribulations he underwent from attending Catholic school and later transferring to North Canton City Schools, as well as his mom's mental health and how it impacted her, McClintock and the rest of his family.

He hopes his story can destigmatize issues surrounding mental health and encourage others to talk about it.

"The message (of the film) is we, as people, are not defined by obstacles we face in our life. But with faith and believing in ourselves and with the willingness to get out of our own way, we can overcome," McClintock said. "I want to give people hope and a way to live successful lives."

JCFilms, he said, wants to tell stories that help people live a better life by having faith in a higher power.

"We are not going to beat you over the head with religious dogma," McClintock said. "It's just a spiritual component."

Actors wanted - no experience needed

Greg McFee, a production manager with JCFilms, said McClintock's movie is the first of as many as 10 to 12 films the company hopes to produce in the North Canton area.

JCFilms is a Christian-based independent film company. It has produced more than 80 films that focus on faith and family, he said. Clubs, like the North Canton JCFilms Club, produce movies for the independent film company all over the United States and internationally.

"The clubs mainly give young people a Christian avenue to get into acting and filmmaking rather than going to Hollywood," said McFee, a North Canton resident.

While the films feature mostly local and unknown actors, stars like McClintock and Dean Cain are in many JCFilms productions. Cain, best known for "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," will join McClintock as part of the cast of "Takedown."

The movie company will utilize students from local universities to create the film, McFee said.

Actors selected at the open auditions on Saturday will not be paid.

"They don't need any acting experience," McFee said. "We are a not-for-profit company, and they will be not compensated, but they will be able to build up their resume."

McClintock will be at the auditions on Saturday. He encourages anyone to audition no matter their experience level.

"There is going to be some heavy stuff (in the film)," he said. "The more people we have to choose from the better. Even if you don't know what character you want to audition for, come down."

The film will include several locations as well as flashbacks.

"It's going to be hard work but we got good people," McClintock added, noting that 80% of the people who work on the film are volunteers and want to help out.

This is not the first film McClintock has directed for JCFilms. Among his directing work is "Miracle at Manchester," based on a true story of how a community comes together to organize a miracle for a teen battling brain cancer.

The actor, writer and director said he enjoys all aspects of filmmaking but really enjoys directing and being able to help create a scene.

When actors get stuck, McClintock likes to help them relate to the characters.

"It's great when you see the lights come on," he said. "When I hear directly from them that (my wisdom) really helped."

Those who want to audition will receive materials when they arrive. Actors will have time to prepare the few lines, which do not have to be memorized. Auditions will be held privately in front of McClintock and casting agents. To learn more about available roles, visit the Canton - JCFilms Production Club Facebook page.

In addition to reading the audition lines, actors can read a prepared monologue. Audition time is less than four minutes per person.

Actors can also audition by visiting www.jcfilms.org/casting.

McClintock said the shooting schedule is not yet set, but he hopes to be filming by the spring.

He's excited to return to his hometown.

"I may live in California, but my heart is in Ohio. I am an Ohio boy. I love the Buckeyes and the Browns."

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Eddie McClintock to direct movie about his early life in North Canton