Middle Georgia native to film psychological thriller in Macon, Warner Robins

WARNER ROBINS — Lights, camera, action! A Warner Robins native is gearing up to start production on his first film, “Bar Exam,” set for release in 2027.

The film, a psychological thriller, explores impossible moral decisions, according to director Flip Archie. It will be shot mainly in Macon and parts of Warner Robins.

“Bar Exam” examines power, choice, and the illusion of control. According to the film’s website, Nia, a bar owner, meets a stranger, Lucian, after closing up; he claims to be waiting for a client.

Small talk turns into a confession game, manipulating Nia and testing how far she’ll go to protect her loved ones.

As Lucian’s stories blur truth and fiction, Nia faces a deadly moral exam involving her husband—a federal witness—and her sister, Layla, used as leverage. Every choice tests her, and passing may cost her soul.

Archie said the film will show how controlling the narrative means controlling the outcome.

“There’s a high moral value to the story,” he said.

Archie considers himself a native of middle Georgia. He has lived in the area since 2003 and graduated from Northside High School in 2005.

In 2013, Archie started Innovizual Motion Pictures. In the studio, he worked extensively in the music video and commercial business, serving in directorial roles. Now, he is looking forward to moving into film work.

Archie’s interest in how systems influence choices inspired the film. He believes people rarely act independently, often reacting to social, institutional, or emotional pressures.

“That tension became the seed of this film and I wanted to explore what happens when someone is pushed into a corner and forced to participate in shaping a story that isn’t fully theirs,” he said.

The film is in pre-production, with filming set to start on March 14.

Every film set has challenges, and Archie has faced them. He said that middle Georgia is not a common film location, which makes it difficult to find cast and crew.

However, he trusts the process.

“I found that with time people discover it and there’s a lot of people willing to help [but] just reaching those people have been probably the biggest challenge,” he said.

Part of Archie’s approach offers opportunities for those without film experience to shadow the crew, learn set etiquette, and understand behind-the-scenes work.

Archie kept the movie in middle Georgia for its authenticity, avoiding a studio lot look, which he feels is vital to the story.

“The environment feels lived in, the people are real and that matters for grounded storytelling. I’m also committed to building something sustainable here. Every production builds skill, builds relationships and makes the next production stronger,” he said.

Archie expects to conduct screenings towards the end of this year, with plans to fully release “Bar Exam” to the public in 2027. He said he will share more behind-the-scenes content on social media as production progresses.

To keep up with Bar Exam, visit their Facebook page. 

It is also encouraged to follow them on Instagram at @barexamfilm and their TikTok with the same username. To find out more about the film, visit their website.