The glitz and excitement that filled Downtown Poplar Bluff for the premiere of “HERD” was about more than 97 minutes of entertainment or any individual’s vision of the story it brings to life on the big screen.
It was about a Poplar Bluff native’s desire to do his best to leave something behind for the community where his family has deep roots.
Steven Pierce shared that Saturday evening before the film he directed and co-wrote was shown to a theater full of area residents who helped make it possible — either by appearing as extras in the film or helping support the production.
“I say this with the most true love and intent that I can possibly give,” Pierce said, taking the stage moments before the opening credits began. “Whether you like the movie or not, is irrelevant to me. There are teams of people who put together tons of work... to just give, because I asked all of them to help us support this room so that when we walk out of here, this movie really isn’t my movie.
“This movie was a moment to help grow this community and my home.
“So thank you. Even you being here for a minute, in a small way, was a large part of me trying to do the best I could to leave something behind here, and I hope it’s not the last time I’m able to do it.”
Proceeds from Saturday’s activities help benefit the Rodgers Theatre, which board members believe saw record-breaking fundraising efforts last week. The Restore the Rodgers banquet held Thursday raised approximately $25,000, while Saturday included activities Downtown, a VIP party at Haff Whiskey, the showing of “HERD” at the theater and signings by cast and crew afterward. Proceeds from Saturday’s events also go toward the restoration.
“HERD” filmed in the Poplar Bluff area in March 2022. It includes scenes shot in Downtown Poplar Bluff and along the historic Hargrove Bridge in Butler County. Many Downtown buildings are recognizable in the feature film, which has also premiered in London, and other parts of the country.
The Framework Productions team held auditions for extras, including those playing the infected and the militia in the film.
They were in scenes alongside the film’s stars, Ellen Adair (Jamie Miller), Mitzi Akaha (Alex Kanai), Jeremy Holm (Big John Gruber), Matt Walton (Gov. Diraldi), Corbin Bernsen (Robert Miller), Amanda Fuller (Diane) and Timothy Murphy (Sterling).
Adair, Akaha, Holm and Walton attended Saturday’s events, along with Pierce and co-writer James Allerdyce.
Pierce’s parents and family members were also in the audience Saturday.
He apologized to his father, because the movie would be played loud and his father doesn’t like loud movies, and to his mother for the language.
Pierce wore a T-shirt made for the night, bearing the slogan “Pierce Propane Company,” a business started by his parents in the 1970s.
His mother and father grew up on farms in the Broseley and Fisk areas, picking cotton alongside other families.
His father’s house didn’t have indoor plumping until he moved out, and had one electric outlet for 12 children, Pierce said.
“I once told my dad, blue collar workers worked their entire lives so their children can be white collar workers and white collar workers work their entire lives so their children can be artists,” he said.
“They embodied that in one movement. They went from the hardest life possible to allowing me...,” Pierce said, trailing off to the applause of the audience.
Pierce thanked everyone for attending and for supporting the film, which hit Apple’s New and Noteworthy menu after only one week.
It is currently available on multiple streaming platforms and hit No. 16 on the Indie Charts Top 50 in Horror, actor Matt Walton shared before introducing Pierce. Walton held trivia contests with the audience and gave away merchandise from the film prior to the beginning of the show. He plays Gov. Diraldi in the film, who updates the public about the state of the infection.
Reaching this point while competing with other horror films during Halloween season is amazing, Walton said.
The trailer has already been viewed by more than 500,000 people, he added.
“All of this is unheard of for an independent, entirely self-financed movie,” Walton told the crowd. “We could not have done this without the people of Poplar Bluff.”
Walton also shared how other locations had been discussed for filming, but that Pierce was determined to return to Poplar Bluff.
Thanks to Pierce, Missouri now has passed filming tax credits that can help bring additional industry to the state, Walton said.
“We hope to see a film and TV manufacturing boom happen right here in Southeast Missouri,” he said. “We’re so thrilled to be back here again... You helped us with your goods and services, your accommodations, your hospitality, your generosity and your unending kindness. Not only did you help us make it, you helped us make it a big, instant success.”
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