Two area elementary school students make journey from Rising Stars to feature film
Ever wondered what it's like to be in a movie?
Two local Rising Stars have done just that.
Isla Grinnell, a second-grader from Whitesboro Central School District, and Griffin Rudwall, a third-grader from Rome City School District, are involved with Rome Capitol Theatre's youth group, Rising Stars.
Finn Sanders, of LA-based independent film company New Frontier Pictures, contacted the Capitol Theatre when a casting call failed to produce child actors needed for her upcoming film, "DOE a DEER."
Rising Stars Director Janet Foote felt Isla and Griffin had the acting skills to fill the role.
“They looked like a good match for the adult leads and after viewing an audition video, Sanders offered the students a part in the film,” she said.
Scenes were shot on location in Canastota.
About the film "DOE a DEER"
Foote said that Sanders was very specific about the age group and physical appearances needed for the children's roles. While Isla and Griffin fit the requirements, she said they also understood the material, spoke audibly, and expressed emotion well.
Although "DOE a DEER" has elements of drama, thriller, and comedy, Sanders refers to it as an ‘art horror film’.
“It tells the story of a young man who goes back to his family's lake house 10 years after being traumatized by a hunting accident in the same forest. When he returns, he finds that the thing that had haunted him his entire life had been waiting for him to come back.”
The film will be released in June. Foote hinted that the summer premiere is convenient for film festivals.
William Bonnell played the role of the main character, Everett; Griffin served as his younger counterpart. Everett’s sister, Pipa, is played by actress Sophia Viggiano; Isla served as her younger counterpart.
An invaluable experience
The young actors said it was fun being part of a movie.
Isla liked reciting the lines, while Griffin enjoyed the outdoor scenes, "plus getting to put fake blood on his face."
Both said they felt confident given their prior experience with Rising Stars.
“It was a new and exciting experience,” Griffin added.
Isla agreed, adding that everyone on set was kind and she hopes to be featured in another movie soon.
“It’s important for young actors to be exposed to a variety of experiences," Foote said. "That’s how you learn. It helps kids develop new skills and gain a deeper understanding of the world and people around them. The more they experience, the more their ability grows. For a young actor, it’s never too soon to start building a resume and establishing connections within the industry.”
What is the Rising Stars program?
The Rising Stars program accepts students in grades 2 to 12 and area graduates. The group has 53 participants from 11 regional districts signed up for the upcoming spring session.
“Through theater, students build confidence, reading comprehension, memory skills, self-reliance, responsibility, and making good choices,” Foote said, who has directed the program since 2015. “They also learn stage and film technique through lessons, games, coaching and actual performance. Of course, the kids just think they are having fun and making new friends.”
Foote said Rising Stars' spring and fall sessions lead to a performance at the Capitol Theatre, while summer and winter sessions are about “improving skills, and preparing for the next show.”
Registration is open for the next session which begins March 23 and includes a role in the musical, "Westword Ho!" Tuition is $150 per 10-week session.
For more information, email RisingStarsJanet@aol.com.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Rising Stars students earn roles in upcoming film, "DOE a DEER"
