By Lisa M. Onorato

The Hype

It's lights, camera, action for Palm Bay residents Ray and Migdalia Etheridge.

The micro-budget B filmmakers recently began shooting "He's Dead," the third movie the duo has filmed since moving to Brevard County in 2007. "He's Dead" will be the sixth film the couple has shot together.

Other film credits include "Dying for Dollars," filmed last year, and "The Vacant House." Both movies have been recognized by the industry.

"Dying For Dollars," was awarded the Florida Filmmaker's Choice Award at last year's Treasure Coast International Film Festival, and "The Vacant House," has been submitted to 18 film festivals and selected for screenings at three festivals to date. It received an honorable mention award at Asheville's Twin Rivers Media Festival.

All of the films were shot locally, with the majority of filming occurring at the Etheridge's home in Palm Bay. All of the films have been made on less than $5,000, hence the "micro" budget moniker.

"He's Dead" is a "whodunit" mystery, said Mr. Etheridge. The story centers around a millionaire businessman whose yacht burns up while vacationing in the Bahamas. Soon after his assumed death, his business associates are called together for a meeting, where each is given a "mysterious" envelope containing keys. The keys open boxes that contain a video of the dead millionaire. He soon informs his associates that there is a thief among them and whoever is the first to discover the offender will be rewarded in the will.

Mr. Etheridge said the entire plot is driven by the millionaire's butler.

"The butler acts as a sort of ringmaster. He's the only one who knows what is going on," Mr. Etheridge said.

Mr. Etheridge said that what his film lacks in exotic locales, it makes up for in a complex storyline.

"We have seven main characters in the same room for most of the movie," he said.

"It's difficult to come up with a (micro-budget) film that can hold it's own with a simple plotline."

A total of 16 actors were cast in "He's Dead," with 12 from Brevard County.

"Three of the main characters are from two of our other movies," said Mrs. Etheridge, who is the producer.

Returning to the big screen are Bill Carter, who appeared in "Dying for Dollars," and C.J. Swensen and Patrick Campion who appeared in "Vacant House."

With a six-week production schedule, the film should wrap up in September.

For information, visit http://hesdead.angelfire.com.

This weekend

. Blues: The Josh Miller Trio will perform at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at the Dog 'N Bone British Pub, 9 Stone St., Cocoa. Call (321) 536-2828.

. Blues/rock: Stoney and the House Rockers will perform at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at Earl's Hideaway, 1405 Indian River Drive, Sebastian. (772) 589-5700.

. Blues and more: The Usual Suspects will perform at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at the Key West Bar, 2286 A1A, Indian Harbour Beach. Call (321) 773-1577.

. Friday Fest: Blox Electric will perform at Melbourne Main Street's Friday Fest street party from 6-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, in historic downtown Melbourne. Other highlights include vendors, children's activities and extended shopping hours at area boutiques. Call (321) 724-1741.

. Jazz: Sybil Gage will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at Galaxy Grille, 147 Fifth Ave., Indialantic. Call (321) 728-5888.

. Rock: Pinch will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Brevard Zoo, 8225 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. Call (321) 254-9453.

. Rock: Vintage will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2605 N. A1A, Indialantic. Call (321) 777-4100.

Contact Lisa M. Onorato at (321) 751-5965 or thehype@hometownnewsol.com.s