Town of Graysville hosts Seann William Scott + more for Hollywood production

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Graysville
Left to right – Macee Busby, Seann Williams Scott, Mallory Stewart Macee works for Gas & Water; Mallory works at City Hall. They’re sisters. (Mallory Stewart)

Major motion pictures can have a lasting impact on small towns—and that is just what has happened in the small Jefferson County community of Graysville.

For 4 weeks, scenes from the movie “Bad Man” starring Seann William Scott (American Pie) were filmed in this small town of 2000 residents, 16 miles from downtown Birmingham.

Didn’t know there was a movie production a stone’s throw from the Magic City?

Graysville Mayor Julio Davis and the City Council tried their best to keep star-gazers in the dark.

“With this particular film being shot in Graysville, we worked with the director and producers on keeping the details of the movie private as they were filming here, as requested, to ensure their privacy was protected during the shoot.” 

Mayor Julio Davis
Mayor Julio Davis. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Mayor Julio Davis. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Graysville main street becomes a movie set

In a description provided by the website The Cinnemaholic, the film  “Bad Man” revolves around Deputy Sam Evan, a once-admired local sports star who is thrust into the heart of a murder investigation despite having fallen from grace in the eyes of his community. Struggling to be taken seriously, Evans faces an unexpected twist when hotshot Bobby Gaines, an undercover agent, swoops in as the town’s new hero.

Based in a fictional small town in Tennessee called Colt Lake, Graysville’s idyllic main street and southern charm made the production an ideal location.

“It was really fun and impressive to see how the community went from main street to movie set.  The actors and crew were so giving with their time and everyone, including the main stars, was down to earth. I hope we will experience more movie sets coming here.”

Kayla James, Maurice C. West Community Center Director

What to Watch In “Bad Man”

Graysville groundhog Smith Lake Jake with a fan.
Graysville groundhog Smith Lake Jake with Seann William Scott and Ginger Whitworth (Ginger Whitworth)

There will be plenty of “Graysville” scenes to look for when the movie comes out besides Main Street. For example, there is an appearance by one of Graysville’s most popular residents—Smith Lake Jake the groundhog. He is featured alongside Seann William Scott.

In fact, a portion of the film was shot at the home of Ginger and Heath Whitworth, two Graysville residents who take care of Smith Lake Jake. 

If you want to get a closer look at Graysville, the town is hosting a Groundhog Day reveal featuring Smith Lake Jake tomorrow, Feb. 2 at 8AM. Festivities will be held at the Maurice C. West Community Center and breakfast is served on a first-come, first serve basis.

Pat Byington
Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

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