All about fear & fleeing 'The Bill Collector' in Norfolk

Hampton Roads is a long way from Hollywood, but this weekend, Tinseltown might seem a lot closer to home.

"The Bill Collector," an independent film set in Norfolk and shot across the region, premieres Friday in Norfolk and Virginia Beach and runs through next Thursday.

The movie was written and directed by Cristobal Krusen, a Florida native who now calls the Port Norfolk section of Portsmouth home. It tells the story of Lorenzo Adams, a bill collector working in Norfolk. The tables are turned when he suddenly finds himself at the wrong end of the debt collection business with a Los Angeles loan shark on his doorstep.

It's part comedy, part drama, and Krusen said the film offers plenty of laughs and unexpected plot twists as Lorenzo tries to scam his way into some quick cash.

For locals, the plot may be secondary to spotting familiar landmarks. Krusen said viewers should be on the lookout for scenes from the Freemason Harbour and downtown sections of Norfolk, including Freemason Abbey restaurant. Olde Town Portsmouth is also represented, as is Town Center in Virginia Beach.

Krusen said he and his crew spent six weeks shooting the film in Hampton Roads in 2008.

"This is where I knew I would have a natural base of support, based on my friendships and previous work history," he said. "I also wanted to depict the charm and beauty of this area, which I have grown to love and appreciate."

Aside from the scenery, the film also features numerous local actors and actresses. The movie's bigger names include Danny Trejo, a longtime character actor, and Elizabeth Omilami, a Hampton University graduate who recently had a role in "The Blind Side."

Krusen said he enjoyed the opportunity to showcase the region and actors he believes are as good as any found in the big city.

"My favorite part was working with local talent in the area where I live and having the satisfaction of doing much with little. We had enormous support across the board, including considerable volunteer support, without which the movie could not have been made," he said.

Krusen said he hopes local buzz will be strong enough to help "The Bill Collector" earn a wider release.

"At this time, we're taking the 'platform' approach of releasing it city by city and, hopefully, building momentum," he said.

April Phillips, (757) 309-2916, apes1@cox.net