A fantasy world filled with elves, dwarves, mercenaries, and magic is coming to Wrentham this fall as filmmaker Adam Newman prepares to shoot his latest feature-length film, "Tales of the Dying Daylight," at the Proctor Mansion Inn.

The production is expected to spend approximately three weeks filming in Wrentham beginning in September, with much of the action centered around the historic inn and its carriage house. The film marks the third movie project to be filmed at the property.

Described by Newman as a "cozy fantasy," the film follows a young orphan raised in a tavern who dreams of becoming one of the heroic adventurers she sees passing through its doors. Rather than focusing on epic battles and world-saving quests, the story explores the lives of the everyday people who inhabit a fantasy world.

"We like to say it's a cross between 'The Princess Bride' and 'Cheers,'" Newman said. "It's meant to feel like you're spending a couple of hours hanging out in a tavern with interesting characters."

The idea has been years in the making. A longtime fantasy fan, Newman said the concept began taking shape roughly a decade ago and evolved after the release of his most recent feature, the horror film "Round the Decay." Following a difficult period that included the death of his father, Newman found himself drawn toward creating something warmer and more comforting.

"I wanted to make something that felt like a warm hug," he said, noting he knew from a very young age that he was going to be a storyteller of some sort.

Newman, whose film company, Dreamscape Productions, is based in New Hampshire, said he spent months searching for the right location before a member of his production team suggested he visit the Proctor Mansion Inn.

The moment he saw the property, particularly the carriage house, he knew he had found the setting he needed.

"We don't really move forward with a movie until we have a location," Newman said. "As soon as I saw it, my brain started getting excited."

The production team plans to transform portions of the inn and carriage house into the fantasy tavern that serves as the heart of the story. While viewers familiar with Wrentham may recognize some interior spaces, the film's fantasy setting means the town itself will not play a prominent on-screen role. Most exterior scenes are expected to be filmed in wooded locations elsewhere.

The production is actively seeking local residents to serve as extras. No acting experience is necessary.

Scenes requiring extras include bustling tavern gatherings, a fantasy talent show, mercenary meetups, and other crowd scenes. People with unique talents, such as juggling, ventriloquism, musical abilities, or trained animals, are also encouraged to apply.

"We're looking for a weird, eclectic group of people," Newman said with a laugh.

The production is also seeking volunteer production assistants for residents interested in learning more about the filmmaking process.

Newman noted that while extras should be prepared for long production days, he strives to create an atmosphere that is welcoming and fun.

"We treat our sets like summer camp," he said. "We're trying to build a community."

Residents may even spot costumed cast and crew members around town during filming.

"We've got elves, dwarves, an orc, and a few fantasy creatures," Newman said. "There's a good chance people will see some interesting characters walking around Wrentham."

While operating on an independent-film budget, Newman hopes the production will support local businesses whenever possible.

The team is currently exploring partnerships with area businesses and organizations and welcomes sponsorship opportunities. In previous productions, local businesses have provided food, services, and other support in exchange for promotional opportunities and film credits.

"We want to spend money in Wrentham," Newman said. "We're always looking for ways to work with the community."

Filming is expected to begin in early September and continue through the month. Following post-production, Newman hopes to premiere the film in Massachusetts in the spring or early summer of 2027 before launching a regional theatrical roadshow.

The production follows the success of "Round the Decay," which screened in 55 theaters nationwide before moving to streaming platforms.

For Newman, however, the biggest goal is simpler.

"We want people to have fun with it," he said. "Hopefully Wrentham embraces it and feels like it's part of the movie too."

Residents interested in serving as extras or volunteering with the production can complete an online application available at https://tinyurl.com/33m34w3x or through the film's social media pages.