The Meadows to be site of movie locale

Shannon’s Rainbow, a theatrical film about a grieving teen who learns valuable lessons by caring for an injured Standardbred, has begun filming in western Pennsylvania—and The Meadows is one of the movie’s principal locales.

Shooting at the track, which will take place following racing and qualifiers, is set for July 16 and again from July 23 through July 26. The production has issued a casting call for Meadows trainers, drivers and pacers.

John Marshall, vice president for racing at The Meadows, said, "Shannon’s Rainbow should be a tremendous showcase for our industry. It’s an inspirational story that depicts harness racing warmly.”

Claire Forlani (Meet Joe Black) stars as the teenager estranged from her mother, played by Julianne Michelle (The House is Burning). The two rediscover their mutual feelings while rehabilitating the injured horse, named Rainbow.

Summit Works Films and Supernova Media are producing the film, which has attracted an all-star supporting cast that includes Daryl Hannah, Charles Durning, Michael Madsen, Eric Roberts, Joanna Pacula, Steve Guttenberg and George Lopez. Frank E. Johnson directs while Dean Cundey, whose credits include Jurassic Park, Apollo 13 and all three Back to the Future features, serves as cinematographer.

The story was conceived a number of years ago by actor/writer John Mowod, who got the idea while observing his brother, former Meadows trainer Joe Mowod, nurse a Standardbred back to the races. John Mowod wrote the script with KDKA radio/TV personality Larry Richert; the pair serve as Pennsylvania producers for the project.

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