Brighton 3rd-grader appearing in horror movie ‘Eloise’ – Detroit Free Press

Jennifer Eberbach, Livingston Daily Published 4:12 p.m. ET Feb. 3, 2017 | Updated 4:42 p.m. ET Feb. 3, 2017

Brighton resident 8-year-old Sofia Tepper already has the title of actress in a full-length movie under her belt, with a role in the movie "Eloise," which was filmed in Detroit.(Photo: Gillis Benedict/Livingston Daily)

Sofia Tepperwas only 5 years old when she auditionedfor her Hollywood debut.

The Brighton third grader, now 8,makes her big screen debut Fridayin the Michigan-made horror-mystery film "Eloise." The movie opens in select theaters, on iTunes and on video on-demand.

Sofia's characterplays a key role in the film's plot line, which centers on four friendsexploringa former mental asylum, a real place called the Eloise complex. Theformerasylum inWestland is rumored to be haunted. Although she does not speak in the film, Tepper's character credited as "Little Girl" appears in flashbacks and visions of main character Pia, played by actress Eliza Dushku, as her younger self.

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Get ready for Detroit-made horror movie 'Eloise'

Brighton's Sofia Tepper is shown on the bottom of this poster for "Eloise," a horror movie that was made in Michigan.(Photo: Courtesy of Vertical Entertainment)

Her likeness also appears in a painting shown in the movie. And she is the creepy little girl holding a box on the movie poster.

It might be a while until she is old enough to watch themovie from beginning to end, but her parents have promised her they will buy a digital copy and fast-forwardto her parts, so she'll get a chance to see herself on screen, her mother Sheila Tepper said.

Sofia said she wasn't jealous when her parents went to see the movie Tuesday night at an early premiere at an MJR movie theater in Troy and left her behind. "My parents explained they had to see it first. It's OK," she said.

"Since the movie is R-rated, I thought that would be best," Teppersaid. "When we did the filming, there was some pretty gross stuff."

But the Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran School student remembers good experiences on set.

"When my mom told me I was in a movie, I was excited. I knew it was going to be scary," Sofiasaid.

Watching the makeup and props departments at work helped her understand the horror wasn't real.

"They put on the scary makeup, and, when they were making some of the props, I wasn't scared because I got to see how they do it," she said.

Sofia saidDushku waskind to her. She liked getting made up into her character in a dressing room. And she was impressed by what she perceived as unlimited snacksat the craft services table.

The film, which was shot in metro Detroit in 2014, is the first feature film produced by metro Detroit's Sanford Nelson. It was directed by Robert Legatoand written by Chistopher Borrelli.It was approved for nearly$2 million in the now-ended Michigan film incentives on an estimated $7 million in spending.

(Photo: Tom Pidgeon)

Stars of the film include"Gossip Girl" actorChace Crawford, metro-Detroit native Brandon Jackson ("Tropic Thunder"), Robert Patrick ("Terminator 2: Judgement Day) andDushku ("Dollhouse," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer").

The story follows Crawford's character as he discovers that he must solve the mystery of what happened to his aunt, a former asylum patient, in order to inherit his family's money. The trailer for the movie suggests that Eloise was a nightmarish place.

The real-lifeEloise complex, located on Michigan Avenue in Westland, has a long history asa former poorhouse, mental hospital, tuberculosis sanatorium and county hospital.Italso has a reputation in paranormal circlesas being one of the most haunted places in Michigan.

Sophia landed the role in "Eloise" after her mother signed her up with a modeling agency.

"She was just a really cute baby, but I never pushed her into anything. Getting the role was really random. It was the first and only thing she's ever done," Tepper said.

Sophia also sings in school musicals, and she once was a model for a painting created by ArtPrize artist Sharon Lange called "The Light of Faith."

"I think Sofiahad no clue she was in it withactors in a lot of TV shows and movies," Tepper said. "But she knows that now."

Sofia said she's willingto try for another role, although she's not convinced it will be her career choice.

"Yeah, I would be in a movie again, and I kind of do want to get into some acting in school," Sofiasaid.

But shehas noidea what she wants to be when she grows up.

"Eloise"will be released by Vertical Entertainment to a limitednumber of theaters Friday. Theaters showing the movie in the region include Goodrich Quality 16, in Ann Arbor, AMC Star Fairlane 21, in Dearborn, Emagine, in Royal Oak, and AMC Forum 30, in Sterling Heights, according to Fandango.

The film will also beavailableon iTunes and video on-demand services.

Detroit Free Press Pop Culture Critic Julie Hinds contributed to this article. Contact Livingston Daily reporter Jennifer Eberbach at 517-548-7148 or at jeberbach@livingstondaily.com. Follow her of Twitter @JenEberbach

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Brighton 3rd-grader appearing in horror movie 'Eloise' - Detroit Free Press