While most will probably recognize actor Corbin Bernsen as Cleveland Indians third baseman Roger Dorn in the classic comedy “Major League,” as Arnie Becker on “L.A. Law” or, most recently, as Henry Spencer on the USA Network series “Psych,” he also has a passion for working behind the camera. For his sixth directorial effort, Bernsen wanted to tackle something close to his heart. Enter “25 Hill,” a film about hope, redemption, family and the soapbox derby, filmed mainly in Akron. After reading an article in USA Today about the flailing soapbox derby in Akron, Bernsen decided to do something about it. Not only did he direct the ensuing film, he also produced it, wrote it and acted in it. Bernsen took a few minutes from readying for the premiere next month to talk to Buzzbin about what drew him to the derby. “I remember the derby as a kid and really wished there was something I could do to help out,” Bernsen said. “This thing we were on the brink of losing is one of the clearest examples of how parents and children can relate together, work on something and create a dialogue.” Bernsen believes that some of the family bonds that once existed have been misinterpreted or lost over the years. “At the end of the day, half of the crap that goes on between parents and their kids is misunderstanding. Life is pretty simple when you come down to it,” Bernsen said. “It used to be that kids took over their parents’ business so they were naturally around them more and people just communicated better. It wasn’t always about texting or emailing or any of that.” But what really bothered Bernsen was the thought of losing something that goes beyond convention. “I thought it was shame to lose the tradition, but what it represents is something that I think personally is important right now on a social level,” he said. “The notion that we were giving up something — it’s like throwing away the Band-Aid when you’re bleeding. We are tossing something aside that can actually help.” Bernsen’s mission with the film was to keep it as authentically Ohio as possible — even going as far as flying out the entire largely local crew for the second half of filming in California. “Ninety percent of our crew was from Ohio, whether it was Columbus or Cleveland and all points in between,” he said. “When we do these movies it becomes sort of a family affair. Other people would never bring the whole crew like that, but I thought it was really important.” Has the film boosted the dying derby? It’s too early to say, but Bernsen believes that the film is a step in the right direction. “I saw this article, it affected me, I acted on it and it has had an effect. And the lesson learned is if you want to get something done, then just do it,” he said. “There has been a renewed interest. There is no better way than a film to spark someone’s interest in something. I’m not taking all of the credit or even any of the credit, but I believe it has had an effect.” The film is set for a world premiere on July 9 and 10 at the Akron Civic Center. Bernsen has his sights set on a more grassroots schedule for the rest of the country in hopes that “25 Hill” will reach the proper audience. “One of our biggest fears is that if you hand it over to someone they have the power to do what they want with it. If they want to open it against ‘Avatar’ and kill it, then they can,” Bernsen said. “We believe in our hearts that if we really worked hard we could go around the country, a little bit like an independent rock and roll band, and work the country to create support for the film.” “25 Hill” will be shown at 8 p.m. July 9 and 2 p.m. on July 10 at the Akron Civic. The first showing, the true premiere, will feature a red carpet and appearances from the cast and crew, while the July 10 showing is aimed at families with younger children. General-admission tickets are $25 each for the July 9 show and will include a DVD of the movie. The Sunday showing is $30 for two tickets and will also including the DVD. For more information and to order tickets, please visit 25hill.com.