BALTIMORE, MD (April 28, 2021) — Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz today announced that “The Road to Galena,” an independent film that follows one man's pursuit of personal fulfillment over traditional success, is filming on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The film, which began shooting earlier this month, is set in Galena and also features some areas of Chestertown and Church Hill. The film is receiving financial support from the Maryland Small Film Tax Credit Program.
“We are excited to welcome the cast and crew of “The Road to Galena” here to Maryland and want to thank them for shooting this film here to showcase the unparalleled beauty of our Eastern Shore,” said Secretary Schulz. “We are particularly pleased that they are utilizing our Small Film Tax Credit, created to nurture and support the growing independent film industry and attract more of these films to our state.”
The story follows Cole Baird (played by Ben Winchell, known for his role in “Max Steel”), who has everything - a beautiful wife (played by Alisa Allapach in “Light as a Feather”), successful career, large home and membership to an elite country club. However, he is falling ever behind in the pursuit of his life's dream. Not strong enough to confront the expectations of his father (played by Jay O. Sanders in “JFK”), he left his true love (played by Aimee Teegarden from “Friday Night Lights”), his best friend (played by Will Brittain from “Kong: Skull Island”), and his vision of life in small town America and set off on a legal career - intent to, one day, return to the community that raised him. Now a rising star in Washington social circles, and the youngest managing partner in the history of a powerhouse DC law firm, he is given the choice - continue the path of success in a life to which he never aspired or pursue his dream.
“While the story of “The Road to Galena” is set in Galena, Maryland, the production considered several locations in different states for the shoot. None, however, matched the natural beauty, unique character and diversity of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The gracious welcome we’ve received from the towns of Galena, Chestertown, Church Hill, and the surrounding communities, has been extraordinary,” said Joe Hall, the film’s writer and director. “We could not have asked for better partners on this project than Jack Gerbes and Catherine Batavick with the Maryland Film Office.”
The film expects to wrap in the middle of May. While on the Eastern shore, “The Road to Galena” is casting local residents as extras and utilizing local businesses and restaurants.
The Maryland Film Office is an arm of the Maryland Department of Commerce. Its mission is to attract productions to film on-location in the state of Maryland, as well as support the State's local film community. The goal is to make filming in Maryland as easy as possible, and create jobs and generate economic activity with film production.
