SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Mass Studios continues showcasing the glitz and glamour of media productions locally. The studio recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, concluding filming on its latest project, “A Mind Made for Murder.”

Springfield Mass Studios President Bryan James McFarland spearheaded the studio’s debut project, a high-concept sci-fi series titled “Chronos Mercury,” in 2022 as an executive producer. The series was filmed throughout Springfield, Chicopee and West Springfield, showcasing the talents of numerous locals in front of and behind the camera.

“We have such a wonderful surplus of intelligent and creative people in our local communities. The actors, cast and crew are local. The production companies are local. The musicians gathering to create the scoring are local. The artists are local … [There’s] so much local talent around here. We are saturated with it,” said McFarland.

After a successful production process, Springfield Mass Studios celebrated the premiere of “Chronos” in September 2022. Chapters one and two of the series are free to stream on Vimeo, with the show’s first three chapters set to be available on IndiePix and Amazon Prime soon.

The triumph of “Chronos” is now leading to the studio’s first movie production, “A Mind Made for Murder.” The film is set in modern times yet has a flair for the vintage in many scenes and props. McFarland describes the film as not your typical murder mystery. He said it features unique filmmaking styles and builds toward an unexpected twist ending.

“A Mind Made for Murder” is written by Ken Harris. His first short film, “That Gone Darn Scam,” won the 2021 Audience Choice Award at the F-5 Financial Focus FilmFest. “Chronos Mercury” Director of Photography Anthony Zalowski is the film’s director.

Notable filming locations include Jackalope Restaurant in downtown Springfield and Gasoline Alley in Springfield. Filming ended earlier this month and the film is currently in post-production. The film is expected to release this fall.

For the production, McFarland said the studio integrated around 50 people in various roles. The set featured a harmonious dynamic between its participants.

“Many of these people are from such different communities that if it wasn’t for the film projects, they might not have even met each other. Everyone has worked together exemplary, and that hasn’t even been one personality clash. That’s saying something when it comes to film,” said McFarland.

Harris said he was “in awe” of the positive experience on set. He aspires for the final product to connect with a wide array of audiences.

“As an experienced actor and writer, I am in awe of the experience of seeing this production come to light behind a marvelous crew, in front and behind the camera. It is breathtaking and I am confident it will have broad appeal. Springfield Mass Studios and Cellar Door Productions deliver,” said Harris.

“A Mind Made for Murder” Director of Photography Aiden McDonald praised the creative team’s seamless collaboration.

“Any time we are on set it has been nothing short of magic. The way that everyone comes together and knows exactly what they need to do has been incredible to witness,” said McDonald.

Glynis Jazz Phillips, an actress in the production, also highlighted the “film family” that formed throughout the production process.

“I love working with this talented crew. Everyone is friendly and encouraging. We bring out the best in each other and have a wonderful film family,” said Phillips.
Going forward, McFarland envisions continued growth for Springfield Mass Studios. He stressed that several other projects are in the early stages of development.

“We aren’t stopping anytime soon either. We have several projects slated for production over the next few years and one by one we will produce these and the studios will grow,” said McFarland.

Readers can learn updates about Springfield Mass Studios by following the studio’s Facebook page at fb.com/SpringfieldMassStudios. In addition, locals are encouraged to submit an online application when the studio opens their next recruitment window for a new production.