New Film Starring Bradley Beal to Film in St. Louis

"The First Pick" a film about a basketball star struggling to find his way, will start shooting in St. Louis in late August. The film stars University City native and Chaminade graduate Bradley Beal.

The film is co-written by McCluer graduate Craig Thomas, who will also direct the project and play Beal's brother in the film. The boys' mother will be played by Vivica A. Fox.

Fox, a co-producer on the film, told Patch she was drawn to the project's message.

"It's going to be a good family film — educational, entertaining and fun," she said. "This is something you can take the kids to go see."

Fox was presented with the script by Larry B. Scott, her acting coach and a co-producer/writer on "The First Pick." She said she was drawn to the story of an inner-city kid trying to survive making it to the NBA and the trials and tribulations that can go along with it. 

The plot of the film revolves around a potential first pick in the NBA Draft (Beal), who experiences an emotional tug of war between loyalty to his fellow teammates and his bond with his childhood friends. 

Despite the main character being an NBA draft pick, the film does not revolve around basketball. Thomas said there will be very little basketball shown in the film.

"It's not really about the basketball," he said. "It's about this major decision that he has to make." 

"The First Pick" will be Beal's first acting experience, but Thomas isn't worried about working with a novice.

"Larry's been working with him and I know he will be ready," he said. "I'm such a fan of his — he is such a great kid who deserves every opportunity that comes his way." 

Shooting in St. Louis

Thomas said he is excited to shoot in his hometown. 

"I want to paint a good picture of the city," he said. "There are so many negative images out there. I hope we can change that." 

Locations haven't been finalized but Thomas said they are looking at spots in O'Fallon, Lake Saint Louis and Chesterfield. He added that he has some scenes written that take place in the Delmar Loop in University City.

Thomas and Scott hope to open a production office in St. Louis to create a steady film industry in the area.

"There are people looking to invest in this area that have just been waiting for the right opportunity," Thomas said. "We hope this kickstarts that." 

To see April Simpson interview Beal, Fox and Thomas on Fox 2, click here.