By Liz Moomey
liz.moomey@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A film production company will scout locations for an independent feature produced and written by Kevin Willmont, known for his collaborations with director Spike Lee, including on last year’s “BlacKkKlansman.”

The film will be based on the Houston riot of 1917, also known as the Camp Logan riot, which involved 156 soldiers with the all-black Army’s 3rd Battalion. The overnight riot on Aug. 27, 1917, left four soldiers and 14 civilians dead.

The film will be racially sensitive, according to Linda McElroy, the city’s communication director, but it will not reflect on Salisbury. Salisbury was chosen for filming because it has an excellent backdrop of historic preservation, she said.

The production staff has begun visiting locations in Salisbury, notably the Depot and a home in the Brooklyn South Square neighborhood, McElroy said. Businesses may be used for filming and would be compensated if it affects sales.

Production of the film will begin in early June and take 20 days, if there are no delays.

The film will bring more than 70 people to Salisbury. Local residents will be hired as extras and may audition for small parts in the movie.

McElroy said having a film shot in Salisbury is a great thing and will be an economic boost, bringing money and jobs to the city. It also may encourage future filmmakers to choose Salisbury as its set.

The film crew is working with the city to obtain a special events permit and also working with the Salisbury Police Department.

McElroy said the city will be diligent in letting residents know through Nixle, social media and news media about the possible impact filming will have on traffic.

The names of the film or the production company have not been released.