|  MCGREGOR, Iowa, Nov. 18, 2007 - Gabby McNally, a Luther College junior majoring in theatre/dance is making her debut on the silver screen in "Duck Farm No. 13," a feature-length motion picture about a girl growing up in small town Iowa.
"Duck Farm No. 13" is a coming-of-age story and a romantic comedy. The story of a girl on her 16th birthday, the film takes place at the end of summer at a small town ice-cream stand. The unfolding events take place one Saturday in September, connecting several supporting characters with the main character, Kate.
McNally’s role is Terry, the older sister of Kate. Terry is a mother figure for Kate, because their mother died when the sisters were young. There is a rebellious edge to the character, who resents her obligations as a parent and sister.
McNally said she felt comfortable playing Terry, because it related to her own experience.
“I grew up in a small town, and I was always kind of the edgy kid, so that was basically me just over-exaggerating myself," she said. McNally is from Luanna, a northeastern Iowa town of about 250 population.
The movie was filmed Oct. 14 - Nov. 2 in McGregor, Iowa. It was written and directed by Becky Smith, whose most significant previous work was in television, with the series "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."
With the filming finished, the project is currently in post-production and editing. More information on the movie and lead actors can be found at http://imdb.com<http://imdb.com/>.
The lead actress, playing Kate, is Hallee Hirsh, who has previously worked in several television series, including "JAG," "Grey’s Anatomy," "ER" and “Saturday Night Live." Other prominent television actors in the film are Jaime Gomez of "Nash Bridges" and Carson Kressley of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."
McNally said she was able to talk and interact with the other actors in the cast during her five days on the set. Some days demanded more than 12 hours on the set, with plenty of down time.
“I was able to talk to and make good friends with the other actors, who I never would have met otherwise," McNally said.
Previously a stage actress and the star of Luther’s production of "The Boy Who Fell Into a Book," this film is McNally’s first time on the silver screen.
Describing her involvement in her first film production, McNally said, "It was totally random chance - I just showed up at the audition and they must have liked something because they cast me."
Even though it was her first time in front of the camera, she said she didn’t feel out of place.
“I felt comfortable on film because I could express myself much smaller. People can see my acting in my eyes, not my hand and body gestures," she said.
McNallly said she believes that all people will enjoy "Duck Farm No.13" and she also believes in its message.
“It shows people what it is like to live in small town. And it shows that we should all respect each other and help each other," she said.
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