Martial arts movie filmed here in R.I.

(WPRI) -- A new martial arts movie made right here in the Ocean State is now hitting the big local screen.

"Champions of the Deep" is a children's film full of action and excitement.

Director Baxter Churchville says he got the idea for the movie while watching television.

"I happened to see a broadcast on ESPN of the U.S. Open of Martial Arts, that featured the top competitors in the world," he said. "I saw some of these younger kids and I was like 'wow, they are incredibly talented, and someone has got figure out how to get these kids in a movie.'"

The story involves a group of kids who use their martial arts skills to defend the oceans. A large portion of the movie was shot at Misquamicut Beach and a dojo in Smithfield.

Keith Cooke plays a martial arts teacher in the film, which wasn't much of a stretch since that's his job in real life, and he loved shooting the film here in Rhode Island.

"One of the things I liked about Rhode Island so much was that the people were so receptive of us filming here, and I've never experienced that before," he said.

Moviegoers are loving Churchville's film so far.

"I really wish I could be a main character, that could kick butt in movies like that," said Isabelle Caroll.

"Champions of the Deep" can be seen at the Showcase Cinema in Providence.