What filming in Augusta was like for Colin Ford, who stars with Dennis Quaid in 'The Hill'
At 26-years-old, Colin Ford has played a variety of characters from a young swashbuckler in "Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates" to a post-apocalyptic leader in "Daybreak." His next big project will bring an inspiring true story and the City of Augusta to the big screen this weekend.
Ford stars in "The Hill" which was filmed in Augusta and tells the story of Rickey Hill, a baseball player that had to overcome physical disabilities for a chance to compete in the majors. The Augusta Chronicle spoke with Ford about what it took to play this role and what it was like to meet the real-life Hill.
"Rickey and I got to get together beforehand and work on some baseball stuff, and then he would pop by when we were filming periodically," Ford said. "He was a funny guy who always had all kinds of stories to tell us and he never was empty of energy. He always had a full tank of gas when he came to set."
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Ford described how he felt a responsibility to get his portrayal right, and having Hill so involved was really helpful for capturing his physicality and persona. This included the parts where he had to play baseball. Without the use of Hollywood magic, Ford is fairly confident in his hitting skills, less so in his pitching skills.
Augustans will particularly be excited to see how much of the Garden City and its neighboring communities are featured in the movie. Ford said they were in town shooting for about two months, of which he spent about 30 days. During his off-time, he found a local antique store that he loved: Mema Had One.
"I can't wait to come back and go shopping," Ford said. "I was born in Nashville, I found this cool little Tennessee metal thing that I pinned up in my office and I found some antique coffee cups and all kinds of weird knick-knacks. I got a metal bird for my mom."
When the cameras were on, Ford got to watch and act alongside some major names like "The Parent Trap" lead Dennis Quaid and "Daredevil" guest star Scott Glenn who have been in hundreds of movies and shows over the years.
"Dennis' presence on set and his demeanor, and Scott's as well, their professionalism was just something I really looked up to and something I'm going to carry with me in my back pocket," Ford said.
Ford looks forward to sharing this new film that he loves with an audience. Looking ahead, he's interested in getting another chance at a comic book adaptation after playing a small role in "Captain Marvel" in 2019. However, he hopes to one day be the one with the super powers.
"The Hill" will be available to watch at Riverwatch Cinemas, Regal Augusta Exchange and Evans Cinemas as early as Thursday. For more information, go to thehillmov.com.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Colin Ford on 'The Hill' starring Dennis Quaid, filming in Augusta, Ga.
