With two films under his belt and a third one under way, Oregon State University graduate Kyle Cowgill feels like he’s got some serious experience, but it’s hard to ignore the stars in his eyes. It’s clear that filmmaking is an addiction he doesn’t want to shake.

The 23-year-old just graduated from OSU with a degree in liberal studies with a film emphasis, and he plans eventually to relocate to Los Angeles, an essential move for an aspiring director, but this summer his focus will be on shooting a new film he’s written and is directing called “Brother’s Keeper.”

In the movie, a dying father bequeaths a precious locket, a family heirloom, to his son Nathan. But unfortunately for Nathan, his older and wilder brother, Allen, has stolen the locket for himself. Nathan must match wits with Allen in order to recover the locket.

“It’s similar to the (Biblical) Jacob and Esau story,” in which two brothers struggle over their birthright, Cowgill said.

Complicating matters for Nathan, a group of Masons is also after the locket, which contains a secret they want to protect.

But, Cowgill said, “The focus is definitely on the family members. It’s sort of a family drama disguised as an action film.”

The cast includes Jeremy Hoffman, Brandon Robinson, Ken Dickason and Kailee Moberg. Cowgill, who starred in his previous film, “Entertaining Angels,” will appear in a much smaller role this time, as an ex-con named Elioanai.

One of Cowgill’s biggest accomplishments has been landing a director of photography with decades of cinematography experience. Ronald Vidor has done camera work on films ranging from “Jaws” and “Lethal Weapon” to “Boogie Nights” and “Stand By Me.”

Vidor is the uncle of actor Brandon Robinson, and agreed to be the film’s DP for a heavily discounted wage.

Devin Robinson and Tom Boykin will also be part of the crew.

Filming starts July 21 at locations including Corvallis, Sweet Home, Albany and Adair Village. It should wrap up Aug. 18.

“One reason I love filming in Corvallis is that the city has opened its arms to me in the past when making films,” Cowgill said. “I think they really support the art.”

Cowgill, who uses his small downtown Corvallis apartment as his film studio, hopes to wrap up the post-production within a year. He also hopes to land a night-time theater job to support him as he completes the work. Currently, he has several donors helping him pay for the film, and is looking for other sponsors.

“I don’t know what it’s like to be in love, but I imagine it’s not too much different, because I’ve sacrificed the things I eat, my schedule, my friendships,” he said, “everything I can for this movie.”

Cowgill will be looking for extras for several scenes in the film. To participate, contact him at 951-743-0054 or cowgillk@

onid.orst.edu. He’s also hoping to attract local businesses to donate food for the cast and crew, and he has offered film credit and product placement in return.

He hopes to show the film at film festivals across the country and in independent theaters in Oregon. He also hopes to sell it to international distributors.

“I think we have a puncher’s chance,” he said.