The All-American Soap Box Derby has a new sponsor.

It's FirstEnergy, announcing today in a news conference at Derby Downs a three year commitment as title sponsor of the All-American Soap Box Derby.

It's not as if the Akron-based company is new to the derby.  It routinely sponsors cars and provides other financial assistance, but this is the break actor/director Corbin Bernsen was hoping for when he wrote derby-based movie 25 Hill.

"That was to create some energy - no pun intended - around the derby to find a sponsor," said Bernsen.

FirstEnergy President & CEO Tony Alexander says it's a perfect fit.

"It speaks to the inner child in all of us," said Alexander.  "And maybe more important, it helps young people learn the basics of design and engineering - as well as experience the joys of good, old-fashioned teamwork and competition.

Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic says he hopes other companies follow FirstEnergy's lead.

"If you have your life savings or company savings invested here, you have an interest in this community being successful, so I encourage all of you to use this as an example - a nice warm and fuzzy thing to do, but a good sound investment," said Plusquellic.

Plusquellic also explained the the success of the derby and the community's willingness to partner with the 75-year old tradition combine to help brand the city, making it easier to attract companies - and the jobs that come with them - from anywhere in the world.

Director Corbin Bernsen is in Akron to start filming his new movie 3 Day Test and is gearing up for the national release of 25 Hill in July.

Appearing on the 1590 WAKR Ray Horner Morning Show, Bernsen said he will begin shooting the new movie on March 20 and plans to release 3 Day Test in December.

"The movie will probably be a three-week shoot, it will be an in and out job, and we will be editing as we go," Bernsen said.

Bernsen says he strategically set the 25 Hill DVD release date for national distribution on July 3rd in order to bring attention to the All-American Soap Box Derby.

"I just think it's a great weekend to make a big splash and then build up to the 75th anniversary of the derby," said Bernsen.

A portion of the profits made from the national release of 25 Hill will go back to the soap box derby.

A possible romantic comedy may be in the works as well. Bernsen is thinking about filming it in Akron sometime this fall.

Previous Coverage:

New Flick Filming Soon In Akron  

New Flick Filming Soon In Akron  

• New Flick Filming Soon In Akron

• Bernsen: 'Made In Akron' New Movie Idea  

   

The spotlight will be shining on Akron as director, actor and producer Corbin Bernsen plans to film his new movie in the city on March 12.

Bernsen says the new movie, "3 Day Test," is centered around a man who loses control of his family due to technology of the fast pace of life. The three-day test is an idea presented to the main character.

The test will see how a family can survive inside their home without any power, electricity and water.

"Nobody comes in your house, nobody leaves. Windows closed, doors closed. Can you and your family survive for 72 hours if you had to," said Bernsen.

Corbin Bernsen Talks About "3 Day Test" by Amani Abraham

He says he found the perfect home in Akron to film the movie, but Bernsen did not disclose the exact location.

"A wonderful family is going to let us use their house. It's everything I wrote in my screenplay 30 years ago."

Bernsen is in Akron this week working on the national release of "25 Hill" because this year will mark the 75th anniversary of the All American Soap Box Derby.

"I want Akron to benefit. You know, I love it here. I have so many friends here now and I have to protect my reputation here, so I want to make sure it does well," said Bernsen.
 

Actor and director Corbin Bernsen has dedicated much of his time in Akron and now he is planing a new adventure to highlight the city.

Bernsen came up with a new story idea based on a a 60-year-old man who comes back to the city after being a prisoner in Vietnam for over 40 years.

"He starts to talk about what he sees from the point of view of a 60-year-old man who still has 19-year-old doe eyes and doesn't understand that he went away for all these years," said Bernsen.

Actor-Director Corbin Bernsen talks with WAKR's Ray Horner by Akron NewsNow

Bernsen previously filmed "25 Hill," a movie about the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron and is currently working on a new film in Akron called "3 Day Test."

Bernsen says he chose Akron as the location for his new film idea, because it showcases the economic growth and turbulence of the rubber industry.

The main character becomes confused as he begins to see the economic decline of the city he once knew as a thriving area.

Conflict arises in the story he deals with modern technology advances, election season and a love interest who happens to be a journalist.

"This is not one of my 'let's have a little investment party.' This is a little bit of a bigger deal," said Bernsen.

He says he would love to fill the leading movie role with an actor like Denzel Washington .

The potential film was originally called "In the Running," but Bernsen says "Made in Akron" better suits the story. 

Actor-director Corbin Bernsen will be making his way to Akron once again.

After the release of 25 Hill, the movie centered around the All-American Soap Box Derby, Bernsen is ready to create another movie in the city.

Bernsen says the new movie, "3 Day Test" is about a man who loses control of his family due to technology of the fast pace of life. He then gets an idea from his brother to put his family through a three-day test.

The test will see how a family can survive inside their home without any power, electricity and water.

Bernsen says he decided to film his new movie in the Akron for specific reasons including the generosity of the people and the future growth of the city.

"There's a great desire there to grow and rebuild Akron and I just want to be a part of that," says Bernsen.

Filming will begin in late February according to Bernsen.

Next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the All American Soap Box Derby which is why Bernsen will be pushing for a national release.

For those who still haven't received their copy of "25 Hill," Bernsen is working with Acme stores for second release date set after Thanksgiving.