This past Saturday principal photography wrapped on Dan Groom’s second feature film Stonegate. Thus, my role as Father Clayton has come to an end. For those of us who work in this industry, these moments are always bittersweet. While all are happy that the project concluded successfully, we know no more call sheets are coming. But what we do know is the quality of work that was produced that will now go through the post-production phase with a planned 2025 release.

For my part, it was nice to be on the other side of the camera. But make no mistake about it, the work to prepare wasn’t easier, it was just different. In the case of my character, there was research into the Catholic faith, how other actors portrayed a priest in somewhat similar circumstances (Montgomery Clift I Confess), and then my own twist on the part. To date, this has been my most challenging role as an actor, and my thanks again to director Dan Groom for having “faith” in my abilities.

But like any film project, it’s not just about one actor or the director, but the myriad of talent, colleagues, and partners that one brings together to make projects like this happen. Through Dan’s leadership, he pulled off a film from a talent, crew, and location perspective that is usually reserved for films with much higher budgets. This, yet again, proves what I’ve been saying for years, you don’t need to break the bank to make a quality motion picture.

In some ways it was sad that this past weekend was our last day of filming, as everyone was firing on all thrusters. It’s understandable when you play a character for weeks or are on the crew, you get used to each other and what to expect. This is why we see TV shows keep the same cast and crew for years as it becomes a symbiotic working relationship. 

But, as the saying goes, “All good things must come to an end.” But in the case of Stonegate, the only thing that ended was the making of the film, with the next stop being post-production, promotion, and distribution. This is a film that will be seen and enjoyed for years if not decades to come.

I was remarking with Dan and others this weekend that some of my favorite films are nearly 100 years old. Can you imagine being on set in the 1930s with someone saying similar? I ask, because back then the only avenue for film was theatrical. Once the run was done, that was usually it. But TV brought these classic films back to audiences, followed by VHS, DVD and now streaming. Short of it, what you make today as a filmmaker will be available for, well….let’s just say a long time!

And so, I end this post with my thanks again to Dan Groom for believing in me and bringing this project to life, along with his colleague, Brian Rukstalis, who also plays one of the pivotal characters in the story. To actor Patrick McAvoy, who stars as Marshall Handler, I thoroughly enjoyed our wonderfully tense scenes that will look great on screen.  And to the rest of the brilliant cast and crew, I look forward to seeing you at the premiere!