Left: Psychologist and Screenwriter Steve Body. Photos courtesy of Slabtown Studios. Right: Actor Mike Farrell in negotiations for a film with Cambria Studio
By Connie Pendleton
A crew of Cambria filmmakers are currently working on the film “Final Decision,” which they begin shooting in March. The intriguing story is one that many people will find hits close to home as it centers upon struggles that occur in the last few days of one’s life.
The screenwriter is psychologist Steve Brody, PhD., who feels it’s important to write about subjects that have “heart and meaning.” Co-directors are multi-award winners Kyle Plummer and his brother, Carlos Plummer, owners of SuperImage, Ltd. Award winners, Julian Mercado-Avila and Darien Jewel, are co-producers. They own and operate Slabtown Studios, derived from Cambria’s original name until 1870.
The independent filmmakers are in negotiations with well-known actor Mike Farrell to star in the movie. Farrell is best known for his portrayal of Captain B.J. Hunnicutt in the renowned television series, “M*A*S*H*.” Actress Suanne Spoke, who played Aunt Emma in the 2014 film “Whiplash” has a prominent supporting role.
The film is a very emotional piece, according to director Kyle Plummer. It is inspired by the heart wrenching final days of Brody’s actual father. The screenwriter created a character study of a man’s enthralling love and loss. After being diagnosed with a terminal illness, “Herb” decides to seek end of life care on his own terms while attempting to set things right with his estranged sons. The drama focuses on the family’s complex struggles surrounding free will, end of life care, healing and interpersonal relationships.
Brody, who practices in Cambria, also wrote the multi-award-winning film, “Hidden Creek,” about the many struggles of dementia his own mother suffered. Premiering in January 2024, it was produced and directed by Jewel and Mercado-Avila. The film garnered honors for best indie feature and best first-time director(s) of a feature from the Los Angeles Film Awards. Actor John Henry Richardson was named best actor. The Plummer brothers were a collaborating force behind the film in postproduction.
“Hidden Creek” was filmed throughout Cambria especially the Fiscalini Ranch. Brody was a network television reporter for 20 years contributing psychology-related features for CBS and NBC News. He appeared on “Oprah,” several times.
Brody is also author of the suspense novel, “The New Commandments” (2004), and co-author of “Renew Your Marriage at Midlife” (1999) with his wife, Cathy Brody, a marriage and family therapist. He met actor Mike Ferrell years ago and together created a situation comedy for television with Universal Pictures. He is past president of the American Psychological Association’s media division.
Cambrians Kyle and Carlos Plummer started producing short narratives and documentaries at a young age. They were recognized by the Chicago International Film Festival for “The Magic Hat” (2010) at ages 12 and 8 (respectively). They received The Best Child-Produced Film Award. The brothers have since received honors for a series of documentaries. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) praised their film, “Korea Remembered” (2013), as part of the War’s 60th Anniversary Initiative. The film became a permanent addition to the DOD’s historical records.
The Plummers were awarded Best SLO County Film for “Touched by Fate” (2014) from the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival as well. The multi-award winning, “Becoming Rich” (2018), was produced by Carlos and edited by Kyle. “Harvest Calls” (2024), directed by Kyle, received an Audience Award from the SLO Film Fest that year. It was also featured Jan. 25, 2025, as a special presentation at the Cambria Film Festival.
Kyle Plummer has been on the board of directors of the SLO Film Fest since 2020. He is on the board of the Central Coast Film Society, a non-profit 501(c)(3) that supports area filmmakers. Having produced a variety of films together for the SLO Film Fest, the Plummers want to expand the scope of what filmmaking looks like on the Central Coast. Darien Jewel and Julian Mercado-Avila are also collaborating with Steve Brody on “Tranquility Bay,” an emotional thriller about global warming’s affects experienced first-hand.
“Think of Hitchcock’s, ‘The Birds,’ only with mosquitoes,” the screenwriter said. He remembers being in Belize with his wife years ago and seeing mosquitoes all over the windows, which gave him the idea. The summer film, in preproduction, will be shot entirely in Belize. Jewel and Mercado-Avila are the producers of “Hell Burger,” which is currently in preproduction. Mercado-Avila was also production manager for the multi-award-winning film, “The Greatest of All Tina” (2022). Slabtown Studios now operates out of Los Angeles. “Final Decision” will be filmed in and around Cambria.
The public is invited to get involved and may request more information from the producers by e-mail at hiddencreekmovie@gmail.com or Darien Jewel, (805) 550-7216.