MILFORD — The owner of Ace In The Hole Productions, a new film company operating out of Milford, plans to begin shooting his first short film titled “The Destination.”

“We’ve chosen an area in the Smoky Mountains for some of the work,” says AC McCray, owner. “That area has a certain feel to it that will support the message of the film. Some of the work will be done closer to home. We will be working with local actors we have worked with on other projects.”

AC has a long and varied background in artistic productions. He enjoyed his experiences “on the boards” when in high school so much that he took a year to study the profession of acting. That led to a successful three-year stint as a professional wrestler.

“I used the name ‘Ace,’ which contributed to the name of the film company,” he explained. “That work was very different than playing to the far row in a theater. In that venue — and make no mistake — it was acting. The audience is right there! It was a lot of fun.”

He later went on to become president of the Lake City Players in Warsaw. Other experiences have included acting parts with other local film production companies.

“I am a real movie buff. Movie production is very different than live theater,” McCray said. “Much can be done around the schedules of the people involved. There is more flexibility.”

The film was inspired by the deaths of his great-grandmother, his father and his infant son all within a 12-month period. The story is an exploration of the continuation of life, and what meaning can be found for our existence.

The project was part of his grieving and became a way of reaching out to help others who grieve find comfort. The film ends when the lead character takes the hand of Jesus who then tells him, “Your life on earth was only the journey. This is the destination.”

“In the process, I decided life is just too short! If there is something you want to do, do it! And do it now! Don’t wait! Have some fun and go ahead. It isn’t about making millions of dollars. It’s about doing what is good — what you enjoy,” McCray said.

McCray hopes to distribute the film through local churches, and is willing to come and speak, providing the testimony of his journey through grief.

“We have a couple of other projects in the works,” McCray said. His description of them promises works reflective of his love for the media, as well as his knowledge of the power of artistic expression, and his quirky good humor.

Cast & Crew

Writer/director: A.C. McCray, Milford. McCray has more than 15 years of experience. He has been an actor, producer, director and consultant for many local theater productions, and co-founded the Firehouse Theater, formerly located in Fort Wayne. A.C. has acted in film, but this will be his first time behind the camera.

• Playing the lead role of Ash is Chase Lemons. He is currently a high school student, and has appeared in local commercials and films, including the short, “Billy and the Corpse.”

• Chase is joined by his father, Craig Lemons, who plays Bob. Craig has appeared in national film and TV projects, including Main Street Mysteries for Investigation Discovery and the film “Elsewhere,” which stars Academy Award-nominee Anna Kendrick. He has also appeared in several local film, TV, and stage productions.

• Erin McCray plays the role of Jane. Erin has been in a few local stage productions and has worked behind the scenes as well. She will serve as executive producer.

• Rounding out the cast as Jesus is Kris Underwood. Kris is better known as the popular midday personality “Coyote” on Willie 103.5 FM in Warsaw, where he is also the production director. Behind the scenes, he serves as a location consultant for the film.

Writer and director A.C. McCray has over 15 years of experience. He has been an actor, producer, director and consultant for many local theater productions, and co-founded the Firehouse Theater

Music will be composed by Thomas Eisenhour. Thomas is a musician currently attending Vincennes University. For more information about Thomas and hear samples of his music, go online to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thomas-Eisenhour/246477474055

To participate

Anyone who would like to be a part of “The Destination” can visit the project page at http://www.indiegogo.com/the-destination or contact A.C. McCray to see how to help.

Those who are interested can also visit the production company’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/aceintheholefilms for updates on “The Destination” and other upcoming projects.