DEC Hosts Movie Premier
Douglas Education Center isn’t just where students can learn to make movies, it’s also where they can watch the final production. On June 13th, DEC held a movie premier for Back Fork, a movie produced by the director of DEC’s George A. Romero’s Filmmaking program.
Written, directed and staring Josh Stewart (Netflix The Punisher) the film takes on the devastating effects of losing a child as well as the opioid addition. Also staring Agnes Bruckner, the film was set in West Virginia, but the message is definitely relevant to the Western Pennsylvania area as well.
Along with Tinnell DEC had a major presence on the film crew with a number of graduates working in various roles on the film crew and cast as well as current students were able to visit the set to gain real-world experience during the filming.
The graduates who contributed to the Back Fork Film are as follows:
Andy Westfall – Production Manager
Jason Baker – Production Designer
Phil Rush – First Assistant Director
Jason Walker – Digital Imaging Technician
Mark Yancey – First Assistant Camera
Danielle Glotfelty – Script Supervisor
Justin Nolen – Swing Grip & Electric
Masie Kuh – Art Department in PA
Rick Nelson – Visual Effects
Rebecca Gruss – Anne (Cast)
The two stars of Back Fork; Josh Stewart and Agnes Bruckner Skyped in for the event and answered questions by current and prospective students before the movie was screened for an audience of DEC students, faculty and staff.
Rebecca Gruss, who plays Anne in the film and is not only a DEC grad but is also part of DEC’s Marketing staff as the Digital Media Producer, gave us some insight as to how it was working on this type of film and what it’s like being around so many fellow DEC grads in the workforce.
Was it difficult to take on such a serious subject matter?
No it wasn’t too difficult to take on such a serious subject matter, most of my experience in acting has been with serious subject matters, so it’s a little easier now deal with. I also loved the script, and was grateful to be part of a film shedding light on such an important topic. Especially a topic that really hits home.
Have you worked on other feature films before?
Yes, I’ve worked on two other feature films prior to shooting this film. I had actually just gotten done shooting a feature when I booked Back Fork, so the timing worked out perfectly.
How does working with so many Savini and DEC Film grads compare if you have?
I’ve worked with Savini grads on a TV show before, and I stay pretty connected with all the Film graduates. DEC grads are everywhere! I think it’s safe to say that we can stand our ground with any other college graduates in this Industry. This school really teaches you on set etiquette and the importance of building relationships. I haven’t really seen that from other schools. The film program alumni always help on each other’s projects, but to work on a full feature with them was really great. Sometimes booking a job on a new set, in a new city, is a lot like being the new kid in school, so it was wonderful to have so many friends already there.
If you haven’t how was it working with Bob and the rest of the DEC crew?
I’ve worked with Bob in the past as a Director, so it was nice to see him with his Producer hat on for Back Fork. I didn’t know Josh that well so it was wonderful to have kind of a liaison with Bob to break the ice. And I’ve worked many times with this DEC crew, and they’re a dream to work with. Nothing better than making movies with your friends.
Back Fork is available for purchase on Amazon Films. To learn more about the movie, visit Back Fork on Facebook.
To learn more about the George A. Romeo’s Filmmaking Program contact Douglas Education Center’s Admissions Department at 724-684-DOUG (3684) for more information.
