Commissioners approve contract to allow ‘Bass Reeves’ filming

During its Jan. 24 meeting, the Ellis County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a contract to allow “Bass Reeves” filming within the historic Ellis County Courthouse.

Set in 1875, “Bass Reeves” will star David Oyelowo and tell the story of the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River, according to IMDb. The eight-episode show is a “Yellowstone” project and will be a spin-off series of “1883,” which is a prequel to “Yellowstone.”

County public information strategist Corey Rogan explained to the court how a few months ago he gave a courthouse tour to Roger Sterling, a key assistant location manager for “Bass Reeves.” Sterling felt the current courtroom for Justice of the Peace, Pct. 3, was “exactly what they were looking for.” “I think this is an unprecedented, really unique opportunity to promote our community, our historic architecture (and) our heritage before an international audience, (and to) boost a sense of civic pride in the community,” Rogan said. “I think it’s a really exciting opportunity to help with the film industry here in Ellis County.”

The show will film at the Rogers Hotel and the Ellis County Courthouse on Feb. 13-14 with preparations beginning Feb. 8. On Jan. 17, Waxahachie City Council approved closing parking spaces in the inner ring of the courthouse square and closing the 100 blocks of S. Rogers and W. Main streets.

Scenes for the show will be filmed in the JP courtroom, a clerk’s office and the county judge’s office. Sterling explained that they plan to make several minor changes to the spaces they are filming in, and they are working on an application to the Texas Historical Commission to get permission to do so.

The changes proposed are painting the county judge’s office green, changing out the modern lighting fixtures in the courtroom to ones of that time period, and more. Sterling said every change will be reversed after filming and that they are speaking with the architect, who worked on the courthouse’s restoration years ago, to make sure everything is done correctly, and nothing is damaged.

It was stressed to the court that the filming would not and could not interfere with official county business. District Attorney Ann Montgomery said it will be written into the contract with the filming company. County Judge Todd Little said the commissioners courtroom will most likely be used by Justice of the Peace Dan Cox during the filming period.

Details, like which entrance to use, are still being determined and will be communicated by Cox’s office for those who may have a hearing or a wedding, he said. There will also be Ellis County Sheriff deputies on site to direct visitors on county business. “In the end, to me, there’s a creative side where we want to satisfy these creative elements for our people,” Sterling said. “We want to be good neighbors and good participants in this process. We understand the impact, especially with parking.”

Sterling explained that the parking needed to be closed not only for filming but also for safety.

“I really appreciate that y’all are going to bring him to the screen,” Commissioner Paul Perry said to Sterling. “He’s (Bass Reeves) an important figure, and more people need to know about him. I thank you for working with us. We have both statutory and constitutional obligations to operate, and that’s got to be our primary concern. At the same time, it’s a great opportunity for Waxahachie, Ellis County, everybody, for y’all to be here.”

Apply to be an extra

Interested in being an extra for the upcoming “Bass Reeves” show, which will film in downtown Waxahachie in February?

Create a free profile with two photos, a headshot and a full body shot, on https://mycastingfile.com and apply to be a part of “Bass Reeves.”

MyCastingFile connects talent and casting companies to help people “get onto film and TV sets all over the country,” according to its website.

For more information: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15399640/ Originally published January 27, 2023 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/arts_and_entertainment/commissioners-approve-contract-to-allow-bass-reeves-filming/article_64036ea0-9e8d-11ed-a23b-7f3311f7229d.html