Blue Hour Cinema, the filmmaking team behind the award-winning feature docudrama “Boomtown: The Story of Downtown Frederick,” announced that its inaugural narrative feature, “Prime Suspect,” has officially been greenlit following the successful completion of equity financing. The milestone marks the formal launch of the new Maryland-based motion picture company, which is dedicated to producing commercially successful, story-driven films.

The psychological crime thriller is based on the novel “Prime Suspect” by Frederick author, attorney and Frederick County Circuit Court judge Scott L. Rolle and will be filmed almost entirely in historic downtown Frederick.

The production has been made possible through a landmark equity investment by Maryland businessman and philanthropist Randall S. Simpson, whose support previously helped finance “Boomtown.” Simpson has now committed an additional mid-six-figure equity investment to launch Blue Hour Cinema’s first narrative feature, representing one of the most significant private investments in an independently produced narrative film based in the Frederick region.

The announcement also marks the public introduction of WLR Promotions Inc., a newly formed affiliate of WLR Automotive. Founded by Simpson, WLR Promotions was created to support strategic investments in entertainment, marketing and community-focused initiatives.

“As someone who was proud to be part of Boomtown’s journey, I’m excited that WLR Promotions is now helping finance Prime Suspect,” Simpson said. “We remain committed to supporting bold ideas, fostering economic growth, and creating experiences that leave a lasting impact on our communities.”

The investment follows the success of “Boomtown,” a feature docudrama celebrating Frederick’s downtown revitalization. The film premiered to sold-out audiences and continues to earn recognition on the international film festival circuit, including Best Historical Film at London’s Film Fest Fusion and an Honorable Mention at the Richmond International Film Festival, among others. Its success helped establish the foundation for Blue Hour Cinema’s next chapter.

“Prime Suspect represents much more than our first narrative feature,” said Salyer McLaughlin, writer, director and founder of Blue Hour Cinema. “It represents the beginning of a long-term commitment to producing exceptional motion pictures in Maryland while helping establish Frederick as a destination for independent filmmaking.”

AN EXPANDING PRODUCTION TEAM

As “Prime Suspect” moves into pre-production, Blue Hour Cinema is assembling a growing team of film, production, marketing and industry professionals.

Joining Blue Hour Cinema as executive producer and distribution adviser is Sebastian Twardosz, founder of Savant Artists, bringing decades of entertainment industry experience to the company as it develops its distribution and marketplace strategy for “Prime Suspect” and future productions. His addition represents an important step in Blue Hour Cinema’s evolution from a successful independent filmmaking team into a company developing an ongoing slate of commercially positioned feature films.

The “Prime Suspect” production team currently includes Salyer McLaughlin, writer, director and producer; Rhonda McLaughlin, producer and production designer; Donald Imm, producer, unit production manager and line producer; Michael Tuthill, first assistant director; and Emily Holland, production coordinator and publicist.

Principal photography on “Prime Suspect” is expected to begin in January 2027, with the production employing regional cast and crew, using local businesses and locations and working closely with community partners throughout the Frederick region.

“Prime Suspect” is the first project in a growing slate of feature films currently in development, which also includes a forthcoming biographical feature about trailblazing American fashion designer and Frederick native Claire McCardell. Learn more at bluehourcinema.film.

This article was originally featured in The Frederick News-Post.