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Film shines spotlight on La Grande, EOU

Film shines spotlight on La Grande, EOU: Photos

‘Walking Dead’ actor to star in Oregon drama

LA GRANDE, Ore. – If you saw the cameras and crews around La Grande you know something big was happening in the valley.

Principal photography for a motion picture, set in La Grande, began in February for a dramatic feature, a film written and directed by H. Nelson Tracey. The film will be titled “Breakup Season.”

“I first visited La Grande, in the fall of 2019 for the annual Eastern Oregon Film Festival. I immediately saw the Grande Ronde Valley as having untapped cinematic potential, and shortly thereafter began developing a project tailor-made for this location. Pairing a cast this strong with a spectacular and unique setting will create the cinematic magic that makes us all love film.”

H. Nelson Tracey

The film focuses on a young man who brings his girlfriend to his hometown in Oregon to introduce her to his family for the first time.

That young man is being played by actor Chandler Riggs, most notably known for his eight-year run on The Walking Dead.

His girlfriend will be played by actor Samantha Isler. The Oklahoma native got her start playing “Ellie Harrison” in the NBC series “Sean Saves the World.” She’s also had recurring roles in the CW’s “Supernatural,” and ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy.”

EOU’s alum and founder of the Eastern Oregon Film Festival Christopher Jennings has added producer and actor to his resume as well. Jennings has been integral to bringing the production to La Grande and involving students and programs in CAHSS including our very own Theatre Department.

Film crews were seen filming in Downtown La Grande, The Liberty Theater Cafe, the EOU campus and Morgan Lake.

Eastern Oregon University is a proud supporter of “Breakup Season”, being produced by Static Films.

Chandler Riggs and Samantha Isler star in “Breakup Season,” shot in La Grande. (Photograph by Michael K. Dakota)