By Madonna Wilson
Contributing Writer

(October 2016) – As a small boy, Tommy loses his parents in a traumatic accident, leaving him to struggle with the issues of life and death. His grandfather, hoping to bond with Tommy and ease some of his burden, believes time spent in the woods will be good for them both. During the fateful outing, Tommy hears his grandfather being attacked and killed. Everyone says it was a wild animal – everyone, that is, except Tommy.

Darrin Means

Fast forward and now Tommy is in college. His psychologist is certain the traumatic event that took the life of his grandfather is a false memory created to deal with his emotions. Believing that Tommy must return to the scene of the death, he convinces him to return to the woods. Recruiting his friends, Tommy heads back to face his fears. However, sometimes the things you fear are in your head, and sometimes they are in the woods.
“Gnawbone” is an independent film written and directed by Madison, Ind., area high school friends Darrin Means and James Thompson. The film will have its national premiere at 6:15 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at the Ohio Theatre in Madison.
The idea to create a horror film in the style of the 1980s slashers started more than three years ago with Means, visual arts and communication teacher at Southwestern High School, and several of his students. The idea came back to life when his former classmate, Thompson, contacted him about doing something “fun” again.
According to Means, Thompson even provided the story line. “As a kid, his mom would take a walk in the woods at night after work. To try and scare her, he created a story about a creature that lived in the woods and liked to gnaw on bones,” Means said.
Using professional actors from Indianapolis, filming took place in Jefferson, Scott and Jackson counties. Locals may recognize scenes of Hanover College and Clifty Falls State Park in the distance.

"Gnawbone" Movie Poster

Growing up in the ’80s, Means and Thompson were inspired by slasher movies and the weekly antics of Sammy Terry’s “Nightmare Theatre.”
“We wanted to do a film that uses a mixture of ’80s horror styling and current filming techniques,” Means explained. Staying true to the filming methods of the ’80s meant that only practical effects were used. “We did not use computer generated images, not even with the monster. All effects are accomplished with make-up, latex costuming, and handmade illusions.”
For his first venture in feature filmmaking Means called on friends to round out the crew – Joe Sailer, director of photography, and Trent Persinger, editing and Mean’s go-to-guy. The cast and crew will be on hand at the premier for question-and-answer periods and photo opportunities.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for the 6:15 p.m. showing, followed by a signing party and meet-and-greet with the cast and crew. There will also be a cast and crew meet-and-greet after the later showing.
“We are proud to have an opportunity to support local art in our community, and we’re excited to host a movie premiere that was filmed in our region,” said Elizabeth Auxier, president of the Friends of Ohio Theatre group.

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