The first premiere of Dear John, a film based on the Nicholas Sparks’ novel, is scheduled for Charleston, SC. Dear John is a romantic drama about a soldier who falls in love with a conservative college student.

The star-studded premiere will take place at the Terrace Hippodrome on Sunday, January 24 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $250 (a portion is tax-deductible) and include the movie screening and Official After Party at the South Carolina Aquarium. Seating is limited to the first 400 guests, and tickets can be purchased online at www.dearjohnmoviepremiere.com.

Portions of Dear John were filmed around Charleston in late 2008. Braeden Reed, 7, a client of Carolina Autism, has a significant role in the film. Carolina Autism was approached by the producers for help understanding autism for the role of Alan.  The nonprofit’s Executive Director Phil Blevins referred producers to several boys with autism for auditions, and Daniel Island resident Braeden Reed ultimately won the role.

Reed has received Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy from Carolina Autism since he was two and continues to receive services from the organization. He hopes to continue acting, and his parents credit his development on Carolina Autism and ABA therapy.

Locals will no doubt remember Sparks’ other best-selling novel and film adaptation, The Notebook, which was filmed in Charleston.