Nazareth's Michael Owen uses town as set for independent film, "Control."
Downtown Nazareth traveled back in time Thursday as the production of an independent film lined South Main Street with classic cars and actors clothed in 1960s garb.
"Control," a movie based on the changing roles of women in the early 60s, was written and directed by Michael Owen, who moved to Nazareth in 2012.
The movie follows the lives of five women, dealing with everything from marital problems to homicide and detailing the choices they had to make to take control of their lives.
Although Owen has been in the spotlight before, this project is a particularly special one as the idea derived from his own experiences.
"I grew up with a single mother," Owen said. "I saw her struggle with a male-dominated workplace as a script writer and how upset she got. That was in the 70s."
He added that the 60s was an even worse time for women. The goal of the movie, he explained, is to portray the choices women faced and the ways in which they chose to challenge their assumed submission.
Although a short film of about 25 minutes, producer Beth Clausnitzer emphasized the relevance and importance of the plot's message.
"Sixty years later and (women) are still facing many of the same struggles," Clausnitzer said.
The movie's website talks about President Eisenhower administration's new interstate system making it easier for people to venture farther than they ever had, which is something that Clausnitzer views as symbolic to the steps toward equality that women make in the film.
"I think the role of women is so important and, as a woman, I'm proud to be a part of this," Clausnitzer said, adding there are many women on the set who are strong-willed and determined in pursuing their dreams.
The plot wasn't the only part of the movie that reflected Owen's life, however. Originally from the South, he chose to film in Nazareth because its "quaint and friendly nature" reminded him of home.
Being from the area, Clausnitzer expressed her appreciation for the borough's hospitality in filming. Not only was everyone welcoming and accommodating -- especially the South Main Street merchants -- but it also gave them the opportunity to showcase local businesses and help local aspiring actors to get in front of a camera, as many were asked to be extras.
Not all actors were local. Mark Kochanowicz, who played the role of Detective John McMahon, came from Philadelphia to audition for the film when he heard about it from Owen, who used to be his agent at the now-closed agency, Heyman Talent East. Owen opened the agency in an effort to get local talent recognized.
Nazareth talent agency on the hunt away from big city
The filming took place on South Main Street and inside the old Nazareth Bank. Downtown Nazareth will also be part of the third sequence of filming at the end of June, along with Clausnitzer's family's ice cream store, The Cup, in Bethlehem.
Editing is expected to take about six to eight months, with a 2018 premiere anticipated. The film then will be submitted to film festivals such as Sundance.
Alyssa Mursch may be reached at amursch@lehighvalleylive.com. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.