Ball State is making its first professionally produced commercial film—and you can follow its progress.

My Name is Jerry stars Doug Jones and tells the story of Jerry Arthur, a middle-aged salesman who changes after befriending a group of young punk rockers. Jones, who graduated from Ball State in 1982, has starred in Pan's Labyrinth, The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, and costars in Hellboy II: The Golden Army.

And Jones is just one of the marquee names Rodger Smith, director of the Institute for Digital Entertainment and Education (IDEE) and Jerry's producer, was able to get to star in the movie. Additional Hollywood notables appearing with Jones are Don Stark (That 70's Show) and Allison Scagliotti (Drake and Josh).

Jones signed on after listening to the pitch from writer/director—and fellow alumnus—Morgan Mead. "Morgan wrote a feature-length script with me cast as the title character," Jones says. "He sent it to me and asked if I'd be interested in this role. I said, 'Yes! That's my dream role.'"

Part of Jones' excitement stems from having the film staffed with a blend of Los Angeles- and Chicago-based talent working side by side with Ball State students. There's also a strong alumni connection with alumnus David Hamilton writing the final version of the script.

"It's a professional endeavor and an educational endeavor all put together," he says. "And it has the potential to be a really great movie."

The film, which is being sponsored by IDEE, the College of Fine Arts, and Clothespin Productions, was shot in Muncie July 14 through August 4, 2008. To promote the film, a student marketing team explored emerging media to give fans a behind-the-scenes peek.

Jerry postings have appeared on YouTube and Facebook and other sites. And you can visit the My Name is Jerry Web site for a blog with bloopers, interviews, photos, news releases, games, and original videos involving actors from the movie. The movie-themed shorts may include a faux instructional video of a bartender mixing a "Lost Little Jerry" drink or a punk rocker sharing fashion tips.

So, lights, camera, surf!