Young actor, 7, wins hearts

The appeal of 7-year-old Braeden Reed, a fledgling actor from Daniel Island, was not lost on the cast and crew of "Dear John," director Lasse Hallstrom's adaptation of the novel by Nicholas Sparks.

Braeden may not have had a major role in the picture, but it did not stop him from making an impression.

"He was just so free and spontaneous," says Channing Tatum, who plays the leading role of John Tyree. "He was a delight to be around."

The second Sparks adaptation to be shot wholly or in part in the Lowcountry -- "The Notebook" was filmed here in 2003 -- the 10-day local shoot for "Dear John" took place in November 2008. It is slated for a national release Feb. 5.

Braeden and his parents, Adrienne and Kevin Reed, are scheduled to be joined by Hallstrom, Tatum, leading lady Amanda Seyfried, producer Marty Bowen and screenwriter Jamie Linden for a benefit screening of the movie at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Terrace Hippodrome downtown. Tickets are $250, including the movie and an after-party at the S.C. Aquarium.

Braeden is a client of Carolina Autism, a local nonprofit organization that provides early intervention services to children with autism and housing for adults with autism. The organization was approached by the film's producers for aid in understanding autism and were referred by Executive Director Phil Blevins to several boys with autism for possible auditions. Braeden won the role.

"Watching Braeden on set was amazing," says his mom. "He really had fun filming his scenes. There were times, though, that I thought I would completely lose it. It was very emotional. Seeing how he blew away the expectations that many people had for him made me realize how very far we had come in regards to autism."

Braeden even got a measure of star treatment with access to one of the perks, a trailer.

"I pretended to be a boy named Alan that has blond hair, blue eyes and autism like me," he says. "It was a lot of fun. I also liked playing games in my trailer. I had to do my schoolwork, too, so that wasn't so fun. But I liked all my movie friends, and they made it fun."

"Dear John" is a romantic drama centering on a young soldier who falls in love with a college student while home on leave and later tries to sustain the relationship through a series of letters mailed overseas. Apart from Tatum ("G.I. Joe," "Stop Loss") and Seyfried ("Mean Girls," "Mamma Mia!"), the cast includes Henry Thomas and Richard Jenkins, a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominee last year.

If another movie opportunity comes along, Braeden, who is represented by Coastal Talent here, says he'd be keen to play a superhero, perhaps a Jedi knight.

"Or maybe when I am a grown-up I will make a movie and be a boss (director) like Lasse."

"Right now, I doubt Braeden realizes just what a big deal this is," his mother adds. "The experience of being a part of the movie has already made such a difference in his life. All his classmates were so excited during filming and had lots of questions for him and wouldn't let Braeden get away with keeping to himself. It made a remarkable difference in his ability to connect socially with his peers."

She adds that Carolina Autism has been "an incredible means of support for us," providing a program specifically designed for Braeden as well as "guidance and never-ending encouragement. We want to share our story because we feel that if more kids are diagnosed at an early age, more kids will be able to control this a little better. Early intervention is the key."

Proceeds from the screening will go to Carolina Autism. Seating is limited to the first 400 guests. Tickets can be purchased at www.dearjohnmoviepremiere.com.

Reach Bill Thompson at bthompson@postandcourier.com or 937-5707. For more on "Dear John," see Thursday's Preview section.