Elon graduate's first film debuts in Burlington

Jonathan Campbell, a 1998 Elon graduate, hosted a public screening of his first film, "The Big White Wall," July 12 at the Paramount Theater in Burlington, N.C. Campbell's film deals with one man's bout with depression.

The inspiration for the film's title came during a random trip through downtown Burlington one day in spring 1998. Campbell happened to park in front of a large, whitewashed warehouse, which formerly housed Burlington Industries' Mayfair plant. He says the wall symbolizes the helplessness people sometimes feel when they face a problem which seems too large to overcome.

The 31-minute film was written, directed and produced by Campbell. Scenes were shot in Burlington, at Ace Hardware in Yanceyville, N.C., and on a set at Piedmont Community College in Yanceyville.

Campbell owns Emotive Media, a corporate and broadcast communications company in Burlington. He is preparing "The Big White Wall" for entrance into the Boston Film Festival and the New York Film Festival.

North Carolina is one of nation's top three film states. The production of films, television programs and commercials in North Carolina in 2001 generated an estimated $250.6 million in revenue for the state. Only California and New York rank higher.

Many small films are made in the state the majority of film revenue was created through the shooting of 12 theatrical feature films and 32 TV series episodes, including the popular "Dawson's Creek." Recent major features shot in the state include "The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys," starring Jodie Foster; "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood," starring Sandra Bullock, Maggie Smith and James Garner; "Black Knight," starring Martin Lawrence; "Shallow Hal," starring Jack Black and Gwyneth Paltrow; "Hannibal," starring Anthony Hopkins; and "Domestic Disturbance," starring John Travolta.

Since 1980, North Carolina has attracted more than 600 features, nine network television series, and more than $6 billion in production revenue. For more information, see: http://www.ncfilm.com.