'Hollywood on the Delaware' pays tribute to long history of filmmaking
By Anya Tikka
MILFORD — The long-standing tradition of filmmaking in Pike County area is making a comeback.
"Hollywood on the Delaware," a chance for local residents to hob nob with celebrities, takes place at the Best Western Inn at Hunt’s Landing in Matamoras on Thursday, Nov. 10. There will be a buffet dinner, cocktail hour, and presentations by the master-of-ceremonies, Brian O’Halloran.
Former WWE Superstar Gene Snisky and movie star Scott Schiaffo of "Clerks" fame will mix and mingle with guests during cocktails, while serenaded by Joe Ferry, a local musician, and his band.
O’Halloran will talk about film history, his own experiences in film, and the heritage of film-making in local communities.
The idea for the gala came when the Pike County Chamber was brainstorming ways to boost the local economy, said Arlene Quick, vice-chair of the event and a chamber member.
"I think the film industry is building again in this area," she said.
The signs of this trend include the annual Black Bear Film Festival, whose audience grows every year; the upcoming shooting of the movie “Journeys" by former Delaware Valley student Olive Gallagher; and the work of young filmmakers, like the DV grads who recently screened their very own zombie movie.
“Pike County is considered a very film-friendly area," said Dave Lee Madison, the co-chair of the event and a successful local producer and director. "It brings in film crews, and in turn they use hotels, restaurants, and bring more tourists to the area.”
He said the chamber wanted to complement the Black Bear Film Festival, a great success for 17 years now. The chamber is hoping "Hollywood on the Delaware" will, too, become an annual event.
”We were looking to do something about film in the area," Quick said. "This came up when we all sat down and discussed what we should do.”
Madison gave a quick run-through of local filmmaking, extending back one hundred years.
“Silent films were made at the turn of the last century outside New York City and metropolitan area," he said. "We decided to put the two together — the Pike County area and Hollywood stars to highlight the great film heritage of the area. The intention is to bring all Hollywood connections and genres together.”
The crews that come to the Milford area are taken with more than its history.
“It’s absolutely a beautiful area," said Madison "It has seasons, and it’s unbelievable. A number of people are technically savvy. There are casting crews, and people are very open to shooting films here. That’s why I chose to film here."
The movies Madison has produced include "Mr. Hush" and "Middle Village," with others now in the works.
Support for all businessesQuick said the chamber holds other events to promote businesses, including web site expansion help, breakfast seminars, networking events, Easter egg hunts, and visits from Santa, and educational forums.
“The chamber promotes and fosters business in the area," said Quick."We are there to support businesses in the area whether member or not."
She said it's important for business owners and leaders to give back to the community. The chamber helps in that.
"The film industry is one of the items that’s gone by the wayside, so we thought to come up with it, it’s fun and educational at the same time," she said.
Tickets are available at the Pike County Chamber of Commerce office, located at 209 East Harford St. in Milford; by calling 570-296-8700; logging on to pikechamber.com/index.php, or emailing info@pikechamber.com.
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