Augusta, Maine, hosted a prominent silent film studio from 1919 to 1921

Between 1919 and 1921, the silent film actor Edgar Jones established Edgar Jones Productions in Augusta, Maine. Partnering with William B. Williamson and Blaine Viles, the studio produced 25 films focused on North Woods dramas, often utilizing the Kennebec River and local forests as backdrops to capture the essence of the Maine lumber industry.

All films produced by the studio debuted at Augusta’s Colonial Theater, which was owned by Williamson. While many films were lost, six have been recovered from archives and digitized. The 4th annual Up In Maine festival is scheduled to take place on August 29th at the Colonial Theater.