DULUTH (AP) - The owner of the former St. Louis County jail has a new idea for repurposing the building that's been vacant for 18 years - allow artists to use it for film shoots.

Grant Carlson is inviting filmmakers and musicians to the jail on June 1, as part of the Duluth Superior Film Festival. The hope is that they'll be inspired to use the space in their work.

Carlson says he envisions all types of film projects in the space. He says the stark amenities and jail cells haven't changed much over the years.

Festival producer Rick Hansen says any filmmaker who wants to use a real jail has to go through a lengthy permit process. The former jail would be an easy location.

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