KAUKAUNA, Wis. - It’s lights, camera, action for the Fox Cities. Independent filmmakers focused their lens on local areas for a movie based in the town of Freedom, Wisconsin.

What You Need To Know

  • Writer/director Molly Preston attended Lawrence University and lived in Wisconsin for seven years

  • She now lives in Oregon while pursuing her film career

  • 'Freedom, WI' is a dark comedy/coming of age film based in a small Wisconsin town

  • Scenes for the movie are being shot throughout the Fox Cities area

 The Oregon-based crew is led by writer/director Molly Preston who attended Lawrence University and spent 7 years in the state before leaving to pursue her film career.

“Wisconsin is amazing,” said Preston, who’s directing her first feature-length film. “I feel like my heart will always be in Wisconsin.”

She recently shot scenes in downtown Kaukauna as she pieces together her vision of small-town Wisconsin for her film.

“The film technically takes place in Freedom, Wisconsin but we’re kind of using different towns in the Fox Cities to create my 'idea' of Freedom, Wisconsin,” said Preston.

She describes ''Freedom, Wisconsin’' as a dark comedy, coming-of-age film based in a small town. It’s clear Preston loves the state she once called home.

“Everyone has just been so kind and gracious,” said Preston. “We had a farmer give us free corn when we went to scout his farm. That’s an example of how kind Wisconsinites are.”

When the time came to pick a backdrop for her downtown scenes, Preston and her team zeroed in on Kaukauna and reached out to the mayor’s office.

“A producer out in Oregon that inquired about shutting down the street to shoot an independent film here,” said Kaukauna Mayor Tony Penterman. “They thought the buildings were unique.”

“Downtown Kaukauna is just so beautiful and it’s perfect for our film,” said Preston “We’re very happy that they let us film here.”

So a block of 2nd Street closed down and Kaukauna was ready for its closeup. The mayor even joined in the fun as an extra.

“It is my film debut,” said Penterman. ”It’s exciting to have an independent film company come here.

Preston’s director of photography for the film, Kevin Forrest, doubles as her husband. A trip back home is a chance for her to show off her old stomping ground.

“I have very fond memories,” said Preston. “One of our locations is a place that I used to work. We have another location that I used to shop at all the time. I’m excited to be supporting local businesses and places that I loved when I was living here and still love today.”

Preston’s putting the spotlight on area small towns. ‘'Freedom, Wisconsin’' will continue filming through mid-September.

They plan to return to the state next summer to hit Wisconsin Film Festivals and screen the film.

Preston said there still may be opportunities for extras to appear in the film. Those interested can email the team. freedomwifilm@gmail.com