Some things you just can’t make up, unless of course, you happen to have a larger-than-life imagination for the supernatural.
Since the end of January, locations in Key Largo have been serving as movie sets for the upcoming Hollywood-produced vampire thriller “Young Blood.”
The manner in which this film project came about is almost as unconventional as the inspiration for the main character, longtime Key Largo resident and veterinary cardiologist, Dr. Rob Prosek.
“It’s a pretty interesting story,” said Prosek.
It started when one of Prosek’s clients from his Homestead veterinary practice, out of the blue, told him he had an idea for a film.
“He said, ‘Hey, I’ve got to tell you something, I wrote this movie about you, based on your character,’” recalled Prosek.
“It’s about a vet vampire in the Keys; you are the inspiration to be the head vet vampire of Key Largo,” he continued.
“I just came up with this concept in my head,” said Prosek’s client, Gregg Barbagallo, who floated the idea for the movie.
“My imagination started running wild with me,” Barbagallo continued.
Barbagallo, a part-time Key Largo resident, reached out to a good friend in Hollywood, California who is a screenwriter specializing in the horror genre.
A Hollywood-based production company, WeBros Entertainment, was brought into the mix. Several months later, the script was finished, locations were scouted and the actors were cast. Because it is being filmed in the Upper Keys, Prosek and Barbagallo are helping to ensure the film remains authentic.
Barbagallo’s friend, Ari Schlossberg, wrote the screenplay for “Young Blood” and serves as its director. Headlining the film are Theo Rossi, Derek Wilson and Mario Van Peebles.
Van Peebles plays the head vampire of Key West. He’s a Hollywood veteran, having starred in and directed several films, including Heartbreak Ridge (1986) and New Jack City (1991).
Recently Van Peebles was spotted getting a “vampire” manicure at The Room in Key Largo.
“It was really nice to take care of them,” said The Room nail technician Rosario Orozco. She’s been doing nails for 20 years, two of those at The Room. The request for long, acrylic “vampire” nails was something new, but Orozco was happy to oblige.
“He spoke Spanish and he was absolutely down to earth,” said Orozco of her Hollywood actor client, Van Peebles.
Key Largo resident Angela Haas, who is a client of The Room, is delighted to see a movie being filmed in Key Largo and likes the boost it gives to the local economy.
“It’s great, that’s the way to do it,” said Haas. “Bring more people to work here, it reflects what the real culture is here.”
Actor Theo Rossi of “Sons of Anarchy” was tapped to portray the veterinarian character inspired by Prosek. The character is described as a “40s, handsome, unassuming man with dark features. He is a mystery; constantly remaining in the shadows. … He is brilliant and manipulative.”
Prosek shared the fictional veterinarian’s description with a buddy.
“I sent it to a friend and he said ‘That’s non-fiction,’” Prosek said with a laugh.
The plot of “Young Blood” centers around three college friends who come to Key Largo for what they think will be the ultimate spring break, but their dream vacation takes a detour when they become stranded on a deserted island and pursued by bloodthirsty vampires.
The first day of shooting took place at Gilbert’s Resort and Marina in Key Largo on Jan. 26.
“It’s the opening scene,” said producer Barbagallo of the Gilbert’s shoot. “The girls stop off there on the way to their Airbnb house that they’re renting,” he added.
Prosek and the film producers believe the Upper Keys makes for an idyllic movie set.
“The scenes are from the tiki huts, to the water, to the mangroves,” said Prosek.
Plans are also in the works to film at Alabama Jacks, a Monroe County bar and restaurant with a history dating back 50 years.
Several days of filming will take place at the English Plaza Animal Hospital in Homestead, home to Dr. Prosek’s veterinary clinic, once owned by his late father and veterinarian, Dr. Frank Prosek. Prosek’s son, Robbie, will be featured in a scene at the English Plaza at the end of the movie.
Other filming locations include Prosek’s bayfront Key Largo home and the Key Largo home of producer Barbagallo.
“Young Blood” has a $2 million budget and should be released sometime in early 2027. Filming in the Upper Keys and Homestead will continue through February. “Young Blood” will be on Netflix.
