‘Last Vampire’ focuses on young relationship

By Guy D’Astolfo

YOUNGSTOWN — Shooting wrapped Tuesday on “The Last Vampire on Earth,” a movie that was filmed in and around Youngstown over a two-week period.

“Vampire” was written by Mandie Abraham, 24, of Cleveland and directed by Vitaliy Versace.

The story, which is more romance than horror, revolves around two college students — Chloe, a pastor’s daughter, and Aurelius, a pale loner.

The two have little in common but meet in a college class and begin a relationship.

Chloe is suffering from a life-threatening ailment, and Aurelius is a vampire who will live forever.

“It’s like ‘A Walk to Remember’ meets ‘Twilight,’” said Abraham. “Vampire” is the first script she’s written that has been published and filmed.

Chloe is played by McKenzie Grimmett, 15, of Cortland, a sophomore at Lakeview High School. Aurelius is played by Michael Bole, 23, of Poland, a student at Youngstown State University.

The film will be released in the spring, said Abraham.

“We will be having a premiere for the cast, crew and some guests in Youngstown sometime in December,” she said. A location has not yet been chosen for the screening.

The filmmakers shot in several locations, including the Butler Institute of American Art, McDonough Museum of Art, St. Patrick Church and the Lemon Grove cafe in Youngstown; and St. James Meeting House in Boardman Park and the Holiday Inn in Boardman.

Versace, a native of Russia, is a producer, director and actor who has worked on more than 200 television shows and films.

The 30-year-old founded Versace Entertainment in Hollywood, Calif., in 2008, with a goal of shooting 10 films a year.

Abraham said he asked her to write a script, and the result was “The Last Vampire on Earth.”