Josh Duhamel and James Franco Wrap Production on Action-Thriller Runaway

Production Wrap and Cast Details for ‘Runaway’

Production has officially concluded on Runaway, an indie action-thriller produced by IndustryWorks Studios and Play x Play Studios. The film features a lead performance by Josh Duhamel (Ransom Canyon) as Lou Coleman, a veteran detective. The plot centers on Coleman’s decision to protect a teenage runaway, played by Summer H. Howell (Amazon’s upcoming Carrie TV series), who possesses evidence capable of exposing the town’s crimes. This choice pits the pair against a corrupt small-town sheriff, portrayed by James Franco (127 Hours), and his militia. As the narrative describes, Escape becomes survival; survival becomes a reckoning.

The project also stars Adam Beach (Flags of Our Fathers) and Alex Essoe (Doctor Sleep). The film’s screenplay was written by the team of Jason Carroll, Marc Petey, Danny Mac, and Paul Birkett. Jonnie Broi and Marc Petey served as producers for Play x Play Studios, while executive producers included Evan Tylor and Caterina Scrivano of IndustryWorks Studios, Keli Price of Price Productions, and Zach Steele. EP Keli Price negotiated the deals for Duhamel, Franco, and Patton with CAA, UTA, and Gersh on behalf of the production.

The talent involved maintains representation across several major agencies. Josh Duhamel is represented by UTA, Range Media Partners, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller. James Franco is represented by CAA, Anonymous Content, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern. Paula Patton is represented by Gersh, Management Production Entertainment, and Ziffren Brittenham. Summer H. Howell is represented by The Characters Talent Agency and Link Entertainment. Adam Beach is represented by Red Management, Buchwald, and Kleinberg Lange Cuddy & Carlo. Alex Essoe is represented by Red Management, Vault Entertainment, and Brecheen Feldman Breimer. Director James C. Clayton is represented by Innovative, The Characters, and Luber Roklin.

Maple Ridge as a Cinematic Hub

The production of Runaway took place in the dense forests of Maple Ridge, a location that has seen a significant surge in filming activity. The city recorded a record-breaking 260 shoot days this year, which is more than double the count from the previous year. This growth is part of a broader trend in British Columbia—often referred to as Hollywood North—which continues to attract both major studio blockbusters and independent features.

The economic impact of this activity is substantial. The local economic impact for Maple Ridge is estimated at $7.62 million, nearly triple the figure from the prior year. This surge in production activity has created a ripple effect that benefits local businesses and expands the city’s profile within the global entertainment industry.

Celebrity Endorsement and Local Authenticity

The production drew attention when Josh Duhamel shared his positive experiences filming in Metro Vancouver’s Allco Park via his Instagram account. His comments, which reached his 2.5 million followers, highlighted the natural beauty of the region. During the shoot, the actor remarked on the scenery while visiting local landmarks such as Hell’s Gate, famously shouting, British Columbia, baby! over the rapids.

This public enthusiasm underscores the symbiotic relationship between the film industry and the local communities that host these productions. The city of Maple Ridge has acknowledged this endorsement, viewing the film’s presence as a partnership that benefits both the filmmakers and the local economy. The versatility of the British Columbia landscape—ranging from dense forests to churning rivers—continues to be a primary draw for filmmakers who seek environments that can serve as authentic, untamed settings for their narratives.

Sources: Deadline, europesays.com.