Supporters of a proposed film museum to document the industry’s history in the area are in the midst of gathering ideas.

“At the moment we are getting input and feedback from people in the film industry to see how they would like to make it function,” said Rich Gehron, president of the Cape Fear Independent Film Network. “We have some ideas based on how other museums look and the resources we have. We are looking for donations and grants.”

He said setting up a film museum in Wilmington is an idea that’s been kicking around for quite a while.

“Jeff Goodwin, who is a makeup effects artist, went to Italy for several years and came back to Wilmington to work on Under the Dome. He said, ‘Remember that idea we had years ago?’ A lot of people had wanted it, and no one had stepped up. We said ‘We’ll step up and make it happen,’” Gehron said.

He said organizers are hoping to put the facility somewhere downtown to capitalize on tourist traffic. He added most of the films that came to the area to shoot in the past 14 years have had some component in downtown Wilmington.

“There is so much history and material here that we have access to,” he said. “We want to create a good visitor experience, so we’re looking at emerging technologies that might enhance a user’s experience.

“We have several people who have items that they might donate or loan to put in the museum. We’re looking at different possibilities for new technologies like a phases of film wall. We would have pictures of people who have worked on any major
project and post them. It would have a touch wall – when you touch it, it will tell all about it. You can search by a person or film or building name.”

Gehron said attention would be paid to the museum’s design.

“If we get the financing and space, it would be free of charge in the main area, with special areas and events that would have a fee,” he said. “We’re still early in the process working toward the end goal. In this process of finding a permanent home, we are putting together an exhibit to put in a temporary space to give the public an idea and build interest around it.”

Kathleen Gehron, education director of the Cape Fear Independent Film Network, said she, Joyce Fernando and Jennifer Mullins also are working on the project and  hope to expand the board and create an advisory committee.

She said the group took on the idea “in hopes that we can create a free museum that captures the history, people and places of film in our area and compliments all of the programming and businesses that promote film and film history in our state.”

A planning meeting is scheduled for July 11 for those interested in learning more. It will take place at 6 p.m. at Giant, 1200 N. 23rd St.