Cinematographer sets sights on Maine for new film studio

CAMDEN – A cinematographer from Maine hopes to bring a state-of-the art film and television production facility to the midcoast that would rival such big silver-screen players as DreamWorks.

Rob Draper, who has been director of photography on films such as “The Spitfire Grill” and “Halloween 5,” has sought money for his project and is hopeful the center can be fully operational by June 15.

Draper expects to have a Hollywood-sized studio within 12 to 18 months.

“In five years, we want to be as recognizable as DreamWorks,” he said.

Draper began working on the project – which has been named Visionmill – more than four months ago. The plan is to use the production center as a base for making feature films to compete with New York and Hollywood productions.

Though Draper is prohibited from commenting about the proposed location of Visionmill’s offices, town officials say he is negotiating a deal with MBNA for space at the Knox Mill in Camden.

Andy McPherson, president of the Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce, said Draper wants to occupy part of the Knox Mill. MBNA owns and restored the mill when it moved to Camden in the early 1990s.

McPherson said the move would be complementary – the area is already rich in intellectual institutions and celebrities. Authors Richard Russo and Tess Gerritsen live in Camden.

“We believe this area can be a cultural and educational mecca, not just for Maine but for all of New England,” McPherson said.

The Maine Film Office also hopes that Draper can implement his vision. Office director Leah Girardin said the facility would be a first in Maine.

“We hope he succeeds,” she said. “It would be a great thing.”