“Storage” writer/director Austin Franke

If you’re in Conway this weekend or downtown Little Rock next week, consider stopping by the Bear’s Den or On the Rocks to help support a local film.

Organized by writer/director Austin Franke, an undergrad film student at UCA, parties at both locations will feature live music, with proceeds from the cover charges being donated to help with production costs of Storage, a project that will be shot this semester.

The Conway gig will be on Saturday, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. and will feature performances by Natural State, Chase Pagan, Townsend and Don’t Stop Please. The On the Rocks show will be Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 9 p.m. and will feature Natural State, Apartment 5, This Holy House and Sean Michel.

Both shows should be around $5 cover, according to Franke, who hosts a radio show about local music called “Under the Radar” on 91.3 The Bear. Franke said knowing the bands through his show, he approached them, himself, to ask they’d be willing to do the pro bono gig to help the cinematic production and all agreed.

The movie itself, which will be shot, edited and go through post-production this semester, is about a divorced couple rummaging through their son’s things in an attic. Despite the current distance between them, particularly from the frosty, remarried female half of the pair, the assorted junk sparks memories of their time together, including both being part of a band in the early 1980s.

The money raised from the shows, said Franke, will help pay for things like costumes – some 40-50 period ’80s outfits were mentioned – as well as funds to pay festival fees when the film is finished.

See also the Facebook page for the Conway event.