‘Gone Hollywood' movie being filmed in Elsa

McALLEN — Movie magic is making its way to Elsa with the help of hometown actor Valente Rodriguez, most famous for the popular sitcom George Lopez Show, and Edcouch native and writer David Rice.

The next few weeks are very crucial to the duo and all of those on board. The filming of two movies will take place both with a positive message and an allegiance to Valley life only a few have been able to experience.

“Gone Hollywood” is the title of one film to be filmed in Elsa, about a man who inherits a bar called the Golden Cue and is reintroduced to his culture and family. The second is “Scavengers”, which will be filmed in Monte Alto. This project is about a group of kids who don’t fit into Boy Scouts, decide to follow their own beat and start their own group where they have their own adventures.

Rice alongside producer David Haines were animated over the two films, and the goals they hope to meet. Haines who currently resides in Los Angeles admits that he understands the stories better now that he has visited the area that inspired them.

“I wasn’t sure how it would work in this region, but now after coming here I get it now I get the physical environment, I get the community, and I get the characters,” Haines said. “I see a piece of him (Rice) in every character he writes, from the kids to the adults.
Rodriguez and Rice are just two hometown guys coming back, and wanting to give back to the community.”

Auditions for the film “Gone Hollywood” took place on Thursday and Friday at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Those who auditioned had to know both English and Spanish, due to the fact that films will be shot in both languages.

One of Rice’s goals was to shed light on a life he knows so well.

“I am Mexican American, I am proud that I have that culture in me,” Rice said. “We are good, hard working people down here. We are honest people, yes there is some crime and there are narcotic problems that shouldn’t be going on, but that is a small percentage.”

Although they are receiving some support from Los Angeles, at least 80 percent of their help is local. Thirty-five locals who applied for jobs were hired on the spot, which had Rice and Haines ecstatic.

“I don’t want to sound corny, but this is one of the best projects I have worked on,” Haines said. “This can exemplify to the world the sense of family, community and connectedness that is here.”