Film shot in Freehold to have
world premiere in Red Bank
Never Among Friends, a new independent feature film about life, love, friendship and betrayal, is set to open with two showings, at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Clearview Cinema, White Street, Red Bank. Filmed in Freehold and surrounding areas, Never Among Friends stars area residents.
According to the story, Steve Wilson (Peter Capella, a native of Middletown) and Sean Ferrara (Kevin Interdonato, a Howell resident) have been best friends throughout their lives. Steve is on top of the world, having just graduated from college. He has a beautiful girlfriend, Jane Rumsfield (Natalie Durante, a Marlboro High School graduate) and a publisher has just chosen his first novel to be produced.
Sean hasn’t been so fortunate. A car crash has cut short his promising baseball career and his dream of playing in the major leagues has been destroyed. He turns to alcohol instead, which along with his shiftlessness, jeopardizes his relationship with his sultry girlfriend, Tracy Jones (Tasha Rudolph of Princeton).
Unknown to Sean, best friend Steve has had a growing infatuation for Tracy. In a moment of weakness, Steve gives in to temptation and begins a passionate affair with his newfound love.
As Sean begins to pick up the pieces of his life, Steve’s life starts to spiral in a downward direction. By the time he realizes how much damage has been wrought and tries to take responsibility for his mistaken ways, it may already be too late.
Produced by Jason L. Liebman and directed by Howell resident Jason M. Allentoff, with story by Roger Troy Schneider, Kurt Scheffler, and Allentoff, Never Among Friends was filmed on a minimal budget of $7,000.
"We spent six weeks of our lives making cinematic history by making an indie (independent film) for less than $10,000 with very good results," said Allentoff. "I am already planning my next film."
Photographic direction was under the watchful eye of Eric Pomerantz, with music by Virginia, Shamra, MyleStone and Dutchie, and costume design by Rikki Zazula.
"I feel very privileged to have worked with such a great group of talented actors and technicians," said Allentoff. "We all pulled together on a low budget and made an extraordinary motion picture that will hopefully get some sort of recognition."
The director praised Freehold, saying, "The town of Freehold was especially supportive in our efforts."
The director added, "As far as the outcome, I am very pleased how everything looks and sounds. We have had some amazing talent displayed here and I am happy to say that an 8-year-old’s dream has been fulfilled."
Allentoff said he first had the dream of making a movie at the age of 8, inspired after watching producer Albert R. Broc-coli’s (James Bond) film Octopussy.
Tickets for the premiere performance of Never Among Friends are $6 in advance and must be purchased in advance at http://www.neveramongfriends.com or by calling (732) 577-0706.
— Dave Benjamin