The old Woodford County High School building, opened in 1963, has been long classified as out-of-date. For upwards of three decades before the move to the modern installation, students and staff alike complained of issues with structural integrity, poor quality facilities, and leakage in the ceiling and windows. Though these signs of age make the building obsolete in an educational sense, the uniquely retro and well-loved ‘60s architecture recently lended itself to a new purpose: the old WCHS was the set of a movie scene, and a cast of extras were pulled from those who once attended school there every day.
Though the title of the movie in question is currently unreleased to the general public, the premise of a “1990s teen slasher-horror” was offered to WCHS students alongside a sign-up for extra—background character—casting. The opportunity, which eventually selected around forty individuals, came thanks to Woodford County’s assimilation with their old building and the ease of access for filmmakers in the area. It was a surprising, though welcome, evening project for the film-savvy. “It was a great experience to see behind the scenes of a movie production,” stated senior Lilliana Ward, one of the students chosen to take part. “I’ve never been on a movie set before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I initially didn’t have a ton of information … so I was mostly anticipating a local indie film … but when we got to the old school I was impressed by how large-scale it seemed.” Ward, alongside all her peers, are unable to share many specific details of their experience due to a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for the prevention of spoilers before release, but she was enthusiastic to provide what she could nonetheless. “All of the details were amazing and really well done,” she assured audiences. “I am so excited to see what becomes of it.”
The film crew occupied the old WCHS for only a short period for the shooting of a “school dance scene,” and according to the extra cast, what little time was taken was well spent. Iris Divine, a sophomore and film industry aspirant, highlighted: “We stayed until two o’clock in the morning, but I’d say it was worth it because as soon as I walked in to start filming, I felt a burst of energy.” She depicted the experience as “vibrant” and “lively,” emphasizing the excitement of it all. “Lively” hasn’t been an adjective to describe the old building since the students left for the new high school, so the extras reflect fondly on the fact that it’s having a dazzling hurrah onscreen. To them, it was like giving an old friend a visit. As Divine put it, the filming was a “great experience” for both the students and the high school itself.
For now, there are few details available about the movie’s schedule or release date, but according to Ward, the professionalism of the crew promises both efficiency and high quality—traits befitting of what was once such a beloved and high-caliber institution. So, when the film releases, Woodford County locals should search for a glimpse of the building that raised them, alongside the familiar faces of those who helped it to be treasured one last time.
