Following the attention gained from the summer hit "Public Enemies" and classics such as "Hoosiers" and "A Christmas Story," it seems the Hoosier state may once again serve as an appropriate setting for a film. No details as yet, but if you have — or know of — a useful site, you might contact the state:

Film Indiana and Hickory Pictures will be conducting a statewide search for isolated, undisturbed, privately owned or public lands possessing an early frontier atmosphere to be considered for locations in an upcoming Hollywood family movie to be filmed in Indiana.

Hickory Pictures is particularly interested in properties possessing the following qualities:

Vast and heavily timbered old growth forests containing hardwoods, especially Oakwood, Dogwoods, Hickory, Elm and Maple trees, spacious prairies and meadows with tall grasses and un-manicured topography, lands containing a small creek, an area possessing deep ravines, hollows and caves, under a canopy of trees, access to a large river, such as the Ohio River, where the nature of the riverbanks has been virtually uninterrupted. Other enchanting locations appropriate for the time period interested participants should submit pictures of their property, a description and contact information to Erin Newell of Film Indiana (enewell@iedc.in.gov) or to the following address:

Attn: Erin Newell
Film Indiana/IEDC
One North Capitol Ave., Suite 700
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

While details of the project and its filmmakers are being kept confidential during the development process, Erin Newell, director of Film Indiana, said, "We are excited to be working with these highly regarded filmmakers and feel this project is an incredible opportunity for Indiana to show all that we have to offer the film industry and all that it can do for our state."

NOTE: Speaking of the Hoosier/Hollywood connection, my girlfriend and I saw Indiana actor Vincent Ventresca at Steak ‘n Shake on Keystone Ave. in Indianapolis a few weeks ago. (He’s probably best known to many as "Fun Bobby" from TV’s "Friends.") Exciting stuff.