Director makes cast feel at home

NYU senior Joseph Pernice films student project at his parents’ Marlboro residence

BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer

All is quiet on the set, and with the snap of a clapboard slate the camera begins to roll. Joseph Pernice intently watches the monitor, his director’s mind hard at work seeking ways to improve the scene that is unfolding before him.

ERIC SUCAR staff New York University Kanbar Institute of Film and Television student Joseph Pernice (r) directs John Yazzo, 14, during the filming of a movie at the home of Pernice's parents in Marlboro. ERIC SUCAR staff New York University Kanbar Institute of Film and Television student Joseph Pernice (r) directs John Yazzo, 14, during the filming of a movie at the home of Pernice’s parents in Marlboro. Pernice, 21, filmed his senior project, “The Other Side of Tomorrow,” at his family’s home in Marlboro Feb. 6-8 and Feb. 13-16.

The young man is an undergraduate student at New York University’s Kanbar Institute of Film and Television. Supported by a crew of his fellow undergrads from NYU, as well as students from Montclair State University, Fordham University and Brookdale Community College, Pernice’s vision came a step closer to being completed.

The film features a script written by Pernice, which tells the story of Peter Pierce, a workaholic dad whose tireless work habit is negatively affecting his family. Peter is having a difficult time attempting to balance work and family.

ERIC SUCAR staff Actors (l-r) John Yazzo, 14, Madison Samilow, 11, and Lawrence Grotts listen to suggestions from director Joseph Pernice (r) during the filming of a movie in Marlboro. Pernice, a Marlboro native, is a film student at New York University. ERIC SUCAR staff Actors (l-r) John Yazzo, 14, Madison Samilow, 11, and Lawrence Grotts listen to suggestions from director Joseph Pernice (r) during the filming of a movie in Marlboro. Pernice, a Marlboro native, is a film student at New York University. Just when he thinks things cannot get any worse, he receives an unexpected visit from the one person he spent a lifetime trying to avoid: his dying father, Robert. Compelled by the spirit of Christmas, Robert attempts to rekindle his relationship with his son and to teach him one of the most important life lessons.

Pernice began making movies on a handheld camcorder as a child, using family and friends as his crew and performers. His love of film never faded as he worked with Marlboro’s cable television station, eventually leading to his decision to transfer to NYU from Quinnipiac University during his junior year to study what he loves. Pernice said the professors in NYU’s film program want to see their students succeed.

“[Projects] are not for a grade, but are for our careers,” he explained.

Pernice views his professor, actor Robby Benson, as a mentor. Since many of the instructors are professionals in the field, Pernice said students are usually selected to help work on their teachers’ various projects to gain hands-on experience.

Pernice, a senior, is interning with Robert De Niro’s Tribeca Films. The young man said he plans to submit “The Other Side of Tomorrow” to the Tribeca film festival.

The seven-day shoot will ultimately result in a 30-minute movie.

The cast of Pernice’s film includes Lawrence Grotts as Peter, George Bere as Robert, Campbell Echols as Julia, and Marlboro natives John Yazzo as Petey and Madison Samilow as Amy.

This is the first time John Yazzo, 14, has been before the camera and it was an experience that will stay with him for a lifetime. Marlboro native and actor Josh Flitter had initially been cast in the role of Petey, but Ileana Yazzo, John’s mother, said a scheduling conflict with another film led to the role being available. Yazzo said she received a call from Josh’s mother, Carla Flitter, suggesting that John try out for the part.

Flitter also informed Madison Samilow, 10, about Pernice’s filming, said Lee Newman, Madison’s grandmother. Madison spent part of 2008 touring the country in the national tour of “Gypsy.”

Pernice impressed Newman and Yazzo.

“Joe is wonderful, he’s very methodical,” Yazzo said.

Madison and John said they were having a great time on the set and acting with their pretend family.

Bere said he learned about the auditions for Pernice’s film through the Screen Actors Guild Internet Web site that includes casting information. The veteran actor said working at the Pernice home in Marlboro was great and said everyone involved was extremely professional.

As a part of the project Pernice had to raise funds to create the movie’s budget. Through fundraising efforts and donations, Pernice was able to come up with a $7,000 budget.

Grotts, who has been seen on ABC-TV’s “Life on Mars,” said he has worked on bigbudget projects that were not run as efficiently as Pernice’s film.

Pernice said that in order to have a successful film, a director needs to have the right crew to assist him and said he found that in the group of talented students he had working with him.

To observe the crew of college students working tirelessly at their individual tasks was an impressive sight. Each crew member was designated to a specific area based on his or her particular area of interest.

The crew included Igor Kropotov (cinematographer), Matthew Reichard (producer), Gabriella Loutfi (continuity), Manja Lyssy (assistant director), Yousuke Kiname (first assistant cameraman), D.J. Carroll (second assistant cameraman), Amanda Silverstein (boom operator), Joe Ellis (sound recordist) and Zack Herpy (gaffer).

In addition to helping during the actually filming, Courtney Scarnagello pitched in during preproduction. Pernice noted that most of the work that goes into a film happens during preproduction.

He also said his parents, Joe and Debbie, were a great help with the movie, allowing him to use their home and providing food for the cast and crew.

The level of professionalism with the student filmmakers was top notch, Grotts said.

Pernice wanted to get the whole community involved, which is why he invited students from around the area to take part on the set. The budding director used to work at Marlboro’s cable television station and said he would have loved to have had an experience such as this.

After editing and other post-production work, Pernice hopes the final version of his film will be ready by June. From there he will send his work to film festivals including Tribeca and the Rhode Island International Film Festival. He said there is a huge market for short films and explained that gaining exposure at film festivals is the key to finding a buyer for the film.

Pernice hopes to go on producing and directing in the future. He said the traits a director must have are patience and dedication, since one never knows what to expect on the set. It was clear watching the up-and-coming director that he has both of those qualities and so much more.