Katelynn Atterson-Barnhart (at age nine) was cast in the role of the kidnapped victim, Kimberly. She had never acted before, but did an amazing job and was able to keep up with her adult co-stars.
Screenwriter, Candy J. Beard had been writing books and screenplays since 2005, and one day just before filming got underway, she penned her very first song, "My World Ended" and asked singer-songwriter Rachel Brett to write the music and sing on the Vanished film soundtrack.
Vanished was the first collaboration on a feature film for mother and son, and almost became their last. Creative differences of opinion caused many arguments between Candy and Daniel. But both had to realize that it was okay and even normal not to agree on everything. They agreed to not get angry at each other and to always talk things out, because at the end of the day, they loved each other and they both wanted what was best for the film. And, Candy agreed that since Daniel was the Director and Editor of Vanished and future films, he would always get the final say, which always turned out best.
After Candy started DREAMS COME TRUE FILMS in 2011, and realized she would be producing Vanished on her own, she reached out to country music artist and actress, LeAnn Rimes and asked her to read for the role of Carla. LeAnn agreed and really liked the script. However, problems in LeAnn's personal life ended communications about participating in the film.
While many people have asked Candy over the years if it was based on a true story, Vanished actually came about because of a dream (or nightmare) that Candy J. Beard had one night in 2007. She first wrote and self published the novel by the same name. It would be six years later before her production company would begin producing the feature film.
However, back in 2009, she optioned the script to a production company in California. They told Candy their budget (before attaching name talent) would be 3.75 Million dollars. They spent a year trying to raise the budget and failed, but some of the A-List actresses they were interested in acquiring were: Sandra Bullock, Reece Witherspoon, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston. But because the budget could not be raised, they returned the full rights to Candy in 2010.
However, back in 2009, she optioned the script to a production company in California. They told Candy their budget (before attaching name talent) would be 3.75 Million dollars. They spent a year trying to raise the budget and failed, but some of the A-List actresses they were interested in acquiring were: Sandra Bullock, Reece Witherspoon, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston. But because the budget could not be raised, they returned the full rights to Candy in 2010.