Creator of popular ‘Walking Dead’ filming a new show in Rock Hill
A television show based on the demonic possession of a teenage boy is taking over parts of South Carolina.
Robert Kirkman, creator of the popular comic book series and TV show “The Walking Dead,” is producing the show “Outcast,” based on his comic book series of the same name.
“Outcast” publicist Denise Godoy said the show is set in West Virginia, but the filming and production is based out of Rock Hill.
She said the crew also frequently films in Chester and York. Godoy said filming for the show started in July and will wrap up around December.
Produced for Cinemax by Fox International Channels, the show follows a young man named Kyle Barnes who is plagued with demonic possession all of his life. He finds help through THE Rev. Anderson, a preacher with his own personal demons. The two embark on a journey to find answers but end up making startling discoveries. Some of the actors starring in the show include Patrick Fugit, Philip Glenister and Gabriel Bateman.
Cinemax announced the 10-episode drama series in February and will premiere it next year.
Barbara D’Alessandro, the show’s South Carolina-based production manager, said the production team chose the Rock Hill area because they needed an area to double as the fictional town of Rome, W.Va., and because of the proximity to Charlotte.
“This area has a similar topography to West Virginia,” D’Alessandro said. “We were also looking for a good rebate program for film and needed to be near a big city for our production needs for things like the airport and resources. Finally, most importantly, we needed access to a solid film crew base that North Carolina and South Carolina have.”
Dan Rogers, project manager for the S.C. Film Commission, said the production team converted aRock Hill warehouse into a soundstage, where they record interior shots.
Rogers said other projects currently filming in South Carolina include HBO’s “Vice Principals” in Charleston, the independent film “Sophie and the Rising Sun” in McClellanville and CBS’ “Inspectors” in Charleston.
The extra casting coordinator for “Outcast,” Tona Dahlquist, said both “Outcast” and “Vice Principals” are always looking for extras of all ages and looks. She said the best way to find out about openings is by checking out the Facebook page for Tona B. Dahlquist Casting.
Dahlquist said she has worked in film for more than 20 years and has seen ups and downs in the industry in South Carolina. She said the state has a good location for films because of its diversity, with beaches, mountains, cities and rural areas. She said revived state film production incentives have also helped the industry.
“At one time we were really super busy,” she said. “... It looks like now we’ve kind of got a little more stable. We’re in the rebuilding process.
“I think we’ve been doing really well with the films that are coming in,” she said.
This story was originally published September 14, 2015 at 9:51 PM.