JACKSONVILLE — Between teaching classes, Dr. Shaun Powell has been busy making reservations, checking flights and double-checking her guest list.

The only thing she’s not worried about — for now — is her first feature film, “The Honey Dripper Lady.” The final edits are done, and all that’s left is the world premiere on Aug. 30 at the AMC Regency 24 in Jacksonville.

“Right now, I’m running around getting everything done, getting flights for everyone coming in, getting everyone situation, stuff like that,” Powell said. “Maybe the night before the movie, I’ll start thinking about the movie. Until then, there’s so much to do.”

Powell wrote and directed the psychological thriller about children who go missing in a small town. The likely suspect is a woman who gives children honey dripper treats — frozen Styrofoam or Solo cups of excessively sweet Kool-Aid, fruit syrup or fruit punch. These are popular Southern staples among children on hot summer days, and neighborhoods often have a woman who makes them known as honey dripper ladies.

Half of the movie was filmed in Middleburg’s Orange Park South neighborhood. It’s where Ms. Patricia, played by Davenia McFadden, the local Honey Dripper Lady, supposedly lives. When a child goes missing, the residents suspect she may be responsible, luring them with her sweet, icy treats.

To make it work, she needed the perfect setting. She relied on Vicki Lowe to scout locations. She came back with the ideal spot near Swimming Pen Elementary.

“Look at that area,” Powell said. “It’s a filmmaker’s dream and some places in Duval County. But Clay County can give you that same thing as well. I just wanted to film here, and with Vicki’s help, we found the perfect location.”

At least two scenes were also filmed at the playground and park near the Silo Shoppes of Middleburg, Powell said.

“It kind of worked out because sometimes you can search and search and search,” she said. “Vicki looked at the house, and it had everything we needed written in the script. This was it. We loved what Clay County had to offer.”

The rest of the movie was shot in Jacksonville.

Powell said the response to the release was so overwhelming that the premiere will utilize six of the theater’s auditoriums.

“I think it’s going to be amazing,” she said. “The final product is done. I can say it really came to life. I’m excited for everybody to see it.”

“The Honey Dripper Lady” was McFadden’s 89th television or movie credit. Her other highlights included “Double Jeopardy,” “Reno Williams: The Adventure Begins,” “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and “Wild Card.”

Powell said Northeast Florida enamored McFadden so much during the movie's filming that she’s now considering a move to Clay County.