LWR hosts film's world premiere

Lakewood Ranch Cinemas and the Sarasota Film Society hosted the world premiere of “Parker,” a crime thriller that depicts a thief with a unique code of professional ethics.

A VIP reception was held Jan. 24, before the film was shown at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas.

Many scenes from the film were shot at the Ringling Museum, in Sarasota.

The Sarasota Film Commission worked closely with the production staff to ensure the Sarasota area would be used in the film, instead of another area in Florida. Additionally, more than 300 extras from Sarasota and Manatee counties were chosen for the film, which Taylor Hackford directed and stars Jason Statham, Jennifer Lopez and Michael Chiklis.