By Lisa M. Onorato

Entertainment writer

Ray and Migdalia Etheridge could teach the film industry a thing or two.

The micro-budget filmmakers have successfully shot three feature films for less than most credit card limits.

The couple, owners of Golden West Films, relocated from Miami to Palm Bay two months ago. They hit the ground running and are ready to begin shooting their fourth film together, "Dying for Dollars." The film will be shot entirely in Palm Bay.

The film tells the story of Benny, a mentally challenged young man who is caught in the middle of a dysfunctional family and their quest for money.

Golden West Film credits include "Detour to Hell," "Stoned to Death," and "Bad Spirits." Two of their films were selected for the Delray Beach Film Festival in March 2007 and the Miami Independent Film Festival in July 2006.

Though the titles of their films have a morbid theme, Mr. Etheridge said that they aren't particularly violent or bloody.

"We help the film along with a good title," Mr. Etheridge said.

"They are mystery suspense films," Mrs. Etheridge said.

"We call the films 'no budget wonders,' because we shoot an entire feature film for less than $5,000," Mr. Etheridge said. The movies are shot on MiniDV (mini-digital video) and edited to look like film.

"With technology, films can be made a lot cheaper than before," Mr. Etheridge said.

Mr. and Mrs. Etheridge work tirelessly from beginning to end on their projects, which they call a "labor of love."

"The last thing on your mind is money," Mr. Etheridge said. "You do it for the love of the craft."

A passion for films has translated to a lot of hard work.

Mr. Etheridge writes the script and story boards the entire film. He then acts as director, cameraman and editor. He also builds his own sets in his garage.

Mrs. Etheridge handles all the details in between, from communicating with the cast, to hair and makeup and calling out directions when Mr. Etheridge gets lost in a shot.

"She's my right-hand man on set," Mr. Etheridge said.

"I pretty much do everything that he doesn't have time to do," Mrs. Etheridge joked.

She also writes an original song for each movie.

Mr. Etheridge has more than 30 years of experience as a cameraman and has worked in both the news and entertainment industries.

He's worked for networks such as NBC, PBS and Telemundo and also filmed 15 episodes of Wheel of Fortune in 2001. He's been a member of the International Cinematographer's Guild since 1975 and is a member of the National Press Photographers Association.

"In every place I've worked, the crew would sit around and say, 'Why don't we make a movie?'" Mr. Etheridge said. "I just decided to do it."

Mr. Etheridge shot his first film, "The Vernonia Incident" in 1989.

Mrs. Etheridge, an accountant, said she caught the filmmaking bug shortly after the two married 10 years ago.

"I immediately started going on set with Ray and I really loved it," she said.

Now that the couple has settled in Palm Bay, they plan to make about one to two films each year.

Filming of "Dying for Dollars" is scheduled to begin July 27. The film will take eight weeks of weekend shooting. The movie will be shot entirely on the sets that Mr. Etheridge builds in his garage. Each week, Mr. Etheridge will get the shots he needs, tear down the set and rebuild for the next.

Actors will be given $25 a day for travel expenses, credit on the film and a DVD demo reel of their scenes.

"There are a lot of actors looking for a place to act," Mr. Etheridge said. "We teach them about filmmaking on a smaller scale and they will have clips (for future auditions)."

Though the gig doesn't pay much, the local acting community has eagerly responded to the casting call. Information about the film was posted on local theater Web sites and other acting resource sites.

"We received more than 300 inquiries, from as far as Colorado and Georgia," Mrs. Etheridge said.

However, the couple said they prefer to use local talent.

Bob Gray of Palm Bay was cast as William Taggert, a lawyer. He's worked in local theater both on stage and behind the scenes, but this will be his first film.

"I'm eager to learn new things," he said.

Mr. Gray added he's excited about the opportunity the Etheridges are offering.

"They are very organized and professional," he said. "They know what they're doing."

Local theater veteran Elaine Hoffman, of south Melbourne Beach, was cast as Benny's mother.

"It's an excellent story," Mrs. Hoffman said. "I was impressed by how well-thought out it is. And they are doing it all themselves."

"I know the business really well," Mr. Etheridge said. "We always finish what we start."

For information about Golden West Films and "Dying for Dollars," visit www.dyingfordollars.scriptmania.com.

Contact Lisa M. Onorato at (321) 751-5963 or e-mail thehype@hometownnewsol.com.