Filming continues for second ‘Mickey Matson’ movie

On the bow of the City of Milwaukee

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.

MANISTEE — Filming continues of the locally written and produced movie “The Adventures of Mickey Matson and the Pirates’ Code.” The film is the sequel to the popular “The Adventures of Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy.”

The mad Syrian scientist

The film is being directed co-produced by Harold Cronk of Amber Township. Cronk also co-wrote the film and wrote the first film solo. One of its other producers is Edgar Struble. As most people know, Edgar is a native of Scottville. He has spent most of his career in the music industry, including several years as Kenny Rogers’ music director. He currently resides in southern California but owns a home in Ludington.

“We seem to have created a successful franchise with the first film,” Edgar said. “We are hoping to build on that success with this second film. We believe the first film was a great movie, but this film will be even better.”

Edgar said the Mickey Matson team has learned a lot since the first film and those lessons show in this new movie.

Jim Pinkerton of Ludington as one of the many pirates.

The first movie has seen success in the fact that it was picked up for exclusive distribution this summer by Wal-Mart. In addition, Red Box has purchased a copy of the film for each of its 30,000-plus locations.

The film’s actors include Christopher Lloyd (“Back to the Future”) and Tia Carrere (“Wayne’s World”).

Director Harold Cronk

The film is being filmed exclusively in Manistee, Mason and Muskegon counties, including the S.S. City of Milwaukee, West Shore Community College and the USS Silversides submarine.

10 West Studios, the film’s production company, received a $232,090 incentive from the Michigan Film Office. The amount will offset the projected $766,151 of in-state expenditures.

Producer Edgar Struble hanging out with Tia Carrere.

“Mickey Matson and the Pirates’ Code” is expected to be released in spring 2014.