For the cast and crew of “The Sound and the Fury,” the final day of filming at Cotesworth, located just outside North Carrollton, was capped Saturday and celebrated later that night with a wrap party featuring hallmarks of Greenwood.
The party was held at Turnrow Book Co., which is managed by Jamie Kornegay. His wife, Kelly, served as a local liaison for the production coordinators of the movie while it was being filmed.
“They were looking for a way to send everyone off and a different and unique venue,” said Kornegay. “Everyone seemed to be having a good time. Most were based here in Greenwood and went to Carrollton every day, and they didn’t have a chance to explore Greenwood. For many, that was their first experience here.”
Everyone participating in the film and a few local people gathered at the book store, including director and actor James Franco.
“He was gracious,” said Cameron Abel, co-owner of Turnrow Gallery. “He was very personable to everyone.”
The actor spent most of the night on the second floor of the store, where the gallery and cafe are located, chatting with cast members and even posing for pictures with Greenwood residents such as Judy Nail and Allison Faulkner.
“He blended in well with everybody,” said Faulkner.
Franco also signed copies of his book, “Palo Alto,” which are available to buy at the bookstore.
“Our interest is they are making a movie about a book we love, and it’s directed by an author himself,” said Kornegay.
Faulkner’s band The Firm played during the event. Their set list included Motown, hits from the 1990s and present pop songs, as requested. Other members of The Firm are Glenn Nail, Steve Kelly and Stacy Wrenn.
“I got a call from the mayor Friday afternoon, and she asked if we were busy,” said Faulkner. “When I got the call, I orignally thought the party was going to be at 7 p.m. The rest of the band was concerned about missing the Ole Miss game.”
The late-night party, however, allowed the band to catch the game and play for the stars and crew of the film.
“It was really exciting and an honor to play,” said Faulkner. “The acoustics in that building are unbelievable. I think everyone had a good time. There were a lot of people interested in the music (who) stopped by to listen.”
The band kicked off the performance with “Ode to Billie Joe” by Bobbie Gentry. A film titled “Ode to Billy Joe” also was filmed in the Greenwood area in the 1970s close to where the singer grew up.
The event was catered by Spooney’s Bar-Be-Que and Taylor Ricketts, chef of Delta Bistro — one of the crew’s favorite places to dine in Greenwood.
Yalobusha Brewing Company, a start-up brewery from Water Valley, supplied samples of its river ale, which will not hit store shelves until later this fall.
“We are pleased whenever an endeavor like this occurs in Greenwood or is attached to Greenwood,” said Abel. “It’s nice to have recognition for this community. There is a lot of effort put into attracting these productions to Greenwood. Everyone profits, not just financially. It’s an amazing thing to have our town connected to something like this.”
The party finally ceased at about 3:30 a.m., and several of the out-of-towners spent their last hours in Greenwood outside soaking in the Mississippi Delta.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
