By Rick Lott for the Effingham Herald

It’s not often you get a chance to help a neighbor achieve his dream, but that opportunity is right here, right now. Guyton resident Dylan Odom is in the process of making a star-studded motion picture, but he needs your help to make it a reality.

Odom’s vision is to create this film and have it shown in theatres for free. And that’s not all, he’s aiming to make the concessions free for families, too. Odom says this is something that’s never been done before. Trouble is – time’s running out and he’s still got a long way to go with his crowdfunding efforts.

Aug. 26 is the deadline to raise the rest of the funds necessary to have AMC Theatres show the movie for free. In a deal that would normally cost over $800,000 the theatre chain is only charging $100,000 for a run of three weeks. Odom has currently raised just over $8,000. Odom says he has faith that this will all work out, allowing families to see a movie and enjoy concessions for free. He said that with the way things cost now, it’s hard for a family to afford a night out together.

Odom has written a screenplay To Infinity, which is scheduled to begin filming Sept. 1 in Wichita, Kansas. The movie sets the stage for the Disney/Pixar Toy Story films and helps explain Andy’s love for Woody.

The film will feature Michael Wilson playing Woody the Sheriff, John Charles Morris as Andy, Richard Karn – best known as Tim Allen’s sidekick in TV’s Home Improvement -- and recently announced actor, Jon Bernthal, known for his roles as The Punisher, and Shane Walsh on the Walking Dead series.

This crowdfunding effort is necessary because of a stipulation by Disney/Pixar, creators of the Toy Story franchise, that any production be completely not-for-profit. Because of this, typical ‘sponsors’ can’t be sought because they expect a return on investment.

“Though we, ourselves may be able to afford this rising cost – this luxury that is a night out with your family at the movies, your contribution is helping the next family. Once we reach that finish line, your family’s included.” Odom explained, “The people that have helped so far, I feel this incredible responsibility to do the best thing with what they’ve given to us. We just simply wouldn’t be here.”

Odom said, “I’m proud of what we’re doing and I’m hoping that the community has the same sentiment. A short teaser film is available with a crowdfunding link and can be seen at “To Infinity” on Facebook; @toinfinityfilm on Instagram; and at @toinfinityfilmofficial onTikTok and YouTube.