Aaron Garret
Stand-in, photo double, background actor, and production assistant

Q-1.       Where are you from, where are you located now, and what are your ties to WV?
A-1.       I'm from and live in London, Ohio, but I would drive 4 hours one way just to film in WV.

Q-2.       What was your position on the film? How did you get the opportunity to work on Super 8? 
A-2.       I was a stand-in, photo double, background actor, and production assistant in WV and in CA. I was lucky to get the chance to work on Super 8. I read about a casting call in Weirton and that same day, I drove and then stood in line. Everything snowballed from there.

Q-3.       What’s your background in the film industry? What else have you worked on?
A-3.       I have gone to other casting calls but this was my first project I have worked on.

Q-4.       What’s your most memorable experience from your time working on Super 8? 
A-4.       I have a lot of good memories but if I had to pick, it would be the friends and contacts I made. It really pays off to be kind and hardworking.

Q-5.       Do you believe filming in WV was a good experience for the cast and crew? Why or why not?
A-5.       Absolutely. They were always talking about how they loved the town and how nice the people were. Even when I was in CA with them, they were still talking about it to others.

Q-6.       What is something most moviegoers would find surprising about the moviemaking process? 
A-6.       How tedious it is and how long it takes to set up one shot. After they finally get the shot set up, they shoot it over and over again. Long days of work.

Q-7.       What are your future plans?
A-7.       Right now, I'm going to an acting class. I'm taking workshops. Trying to find more work on a film. But I did get my SAG card from working on Super 8, so I'm really going full force toward an acting career.

John Polverini
Stand-in and double for Joel Courtney

Q-1.       Where are you from, where are you located now, and what are your ties to WV?
A-1.       I am originally from Bloomingdale, Ohio. I now live in Steubenville, Ohio. With West Virginia being located across the river, I find myself in West Virginia quite often. I recently graduated from West Liberty University. I was attending West Liberty University while I was involved with Super 8. Robin Capehart (president of West Liberty University) along with many other faculty were very supportive while I was working on Super 8 and without their support, I would not have been able to do it.

Q-2.       What was your position on the film? How did you get the opportunity to work on Super 8? 
A-2.       My main position I was hired for was to be Joel Courtney (Joe Lamb), stand- in and double. Mainly stand-in though. While on set, I also was used as an extra (Air Force personnel), a production assistant, and I was in charge of making sure the second team was where they needed to be on set.

Q-3.       What’s your background in the film industry? What else have you worked on?
A-3.      I never had previous experience with the film industry before. This was the first production I was involved with.

Q-4.       What’s your most memorable experience from your time working on Super 8? 
A-4.      There were so many great memories while working on this film. I was blessed with being the lead actor’s stand- in; therefore I was on set almost every day. One particular day, J.J. Abrams, Larry Fong, Corey Whetsell (another stand- in) were standing together talking. Larry and JJ were showing us magic tricks. JJ asked me if I knew any card tricks, and the only one I could remember at that second, I decided to show them. Of course, I was a little nervous, and completely screwed the trick up. Everyone was laughing, having a good time, when I looked over my shoulder and the gentleman that follows JJ with a camera on set, had his camera pointed right on me, and told me that my brilliant magic trick will be on the DVD when it comes out. Super embarrassing moment that may be planted on the DVD forever; now that’s funny.

Q-5.       Do you believe filming in WV was a good experience for the cast and crew? Why or why not?
A-5.       I think that Weirton was the perfect place to film. I think that without Weirton and the people and the scenery, the movie would not have been even close to what it was. It was a great experience and even being a local, I got to see new places I have never been before. Like on the hill that looks over Weirton when Joe Lamb was calling for his dog Lucy.

Q-6.       What is something most moviegoers would find surprising about the moviemaking process? 
A-6.       I didn’t realize how many different angles have to be shot with a camera in order to get just a few moments of a scene. It would take a whole day of filming one scene over and over, in every direction possible in order to get a full perspective of what is going on in the scene. I also think that it was amazing that they could change the look of an entire residential neighborhood to look like a 1970s neighborhood in just a few hours.

Q-7.       What are your future plans?
A-7.       I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in May 2011. I plan on continuing my education for a master’s degree, in either physician assisting or occupational therapy. I currently work for my father who is a real estate appraiser. The thoughts of going to officer school in the military is also a career choice that I have been contemplating for the past few months. We’ll see what happens.

Anna D'Aloiso
Extras Casting Production Assistant

Q-1.       What’s your most memorable experience while working in West Virginia?
A-1.        There are way too many good times to list but I would have to say the one that sticks out the most would have been naming the different food category items for the extras, such as "group cheese puffs". I remember being on set one night during the explosion scene and walking around asking the different military groups on set if they were "group marshmallow". I cracked up every time I asked.

Q-2.       Describe how you became interested in the film industry. What was your first job?
A-2.        This was actually my first job in the film industry. I've always been the one on stage so it was a different experience being on the other side. I've been interested in movies since I was a kid and went to school for graphic design to hope to work for Disney Pixar one day.

Q-3.       While filming “Super 8” involved long hours, were you able to visit any local attractions? If so, what did you               enjoy?
A-3.        Dee-Jays for sure haha.

Q-4.       What advice would you give to anyone, young – old – in between, who wants to work in the film industry?
A-4.        Don't try and do it while taking 18 credits your senior year of college. Peace and Love, Baby. Peace and Love.

Larry Fong
Director of Photography

Q-1.       What’s your most memorable experience while working in West Virginia?
A-1.        Weirton had the perfect look for the movie, but the soul of any place is really the people. Everybody was so incredibly kind, generous, and patient with us! That's something we will remember forever.

Q-2.       Describe how you became interested in the film industry. What was your first job?
A-2.        As a teenager, I made my own little movies, ironically (or maybe not), with my dad's super 8 home movie camera. It was a silly dream of mine to somehow work in the film business someday--little did I know that dream would actually come true. Soon after I graduated from art school, I was hired to be cinematographer on my first music video.

Q-3.       While filming “Super 8” involved long hours, were you able to visit any local attractions? If so, what did you               enjoy?
A-3.        Yes, the hours were long. My days off sadly were taken up with sleep, laundry, phone calls, and preparing for the next day. The two places I probably visited most were DeeJay's and Wal-Mart!

Q-4.       What advice would you give to anyone, young – old – in between, who wants to work in the film industry?
A-4.        If there is a specific trade you are interested in, I would suggest learning all you can about it, and be great at it. If you are skilled, you will be noticed.  

Q-1.       What’s your most memorable experience while working in West Virginia?
A-1.        I mostly remember becoming familiar with the people and places around the Weirton area. It's really the people and my interactions with them that are the memories I take with me. Nothing profound, just the everyday experience of being welcomed by a community.

Q-2.       Describe how you became interested in the film industry. What was your first job?
A-2.        I first was an intern in a production office. I then got the opportunity to work as an office PA and a set PA before becoming interested in locations and getting the opportunity to learn the specifics of that department.

Q-3.       While filming “Super 8” involved long hours, were you able to visit any local attractions? If so, what did you               enjoy?
A-3.        I liked the natural areas around Weirton. The Panhandle Trail was what I most frequently visited. I loved being able to run and hike surrounded only by nature.

Q-4.       What advice would you give to anyone, young – old – in between, who wants to work in the film industry?
A-4.        Understand that it takes a tremendous amount of hard work, dedication, and often sacrifice to succeed in the film industry no matter what aspect of it you are in. I think a lot of people have misguided and unrealistic expectations about the film business. Accepting this basic but important concept is key.

Q-1.       What’s your most memorable experience while working in West Virginia?
A-1.        I can't say there's just one experience. My best memories of working there are the people that I met. People welcomed me into their homes and businesses and were very eager to help in any way they could. Everyone we worked with was an extremely hard worker. To be honest, they all made me feel like I was a little lazy.

Q-2.       Describe how you became interested in the film industry. What was your first job?
A-2.        I was always interested in the film industry, but didn't know how to get into it. After I graduated from Pitt with a dual major in English and Film, I became a chimney sweep. A scout found our building that we worked out of as a suitable location for the "Temptations" movie. They did film there and I asked how to get into the business. She directed me to the Greater Pittsburgh Film Office. I went the next day with a portfolio of pictures I had taken and they put me to work right away.

Q-3.       While filming “Super 8” involved long hours, were you able to visit any local attractions? If so, what did you               enjoy?
A-3.        Well I didn't have a lot of time, but I had to eat!So, I fell in love with Tudor's Biscuit World, the Barbecue Place on Pennsylvania Avenue and 21st Street and of course DeeJay's. Also, I did get a chance to take my motorcycle on some of the best roads I've ever ridden.

Q-4.       What advice would you give to anyone, young – old – in between, who wants to work in the film industry?
A-4.        You have to be your own motivation.  You have to be the engine behind whatever you want to do.  If you want to be told what to do, then it isn't for you.  If you can't find work, then start working on your own project even if you feel like you don't know what you're doing.

Q-1.       What’s your most memorable experience while working in West Virginia?
A-1.        Arriving at my first open casting call for “Super 8” in Weirton and finding 600 people waiting in line to apply!

Q-2.       Describe how you became interested in the film industry. What was your first job?
A-2.        I was an Extra on the movie “Major League II” filmed at Camden Yards in 1994. I was seated in the bleachers on the top row and was in awe of all the people that were working down on the field, it was an aha moment realizing that, people can make movies for a living. I was sold. After moving to LA and then back to Minnesota, I started volunteering on film productions and 2 years later, I had a deja vu moment as I was head of Extras Casting on Major League III standing on the field of the Metrodome stadium looking out at all the Extras I cast. Dreams do come true!

Q-3.       While filming “Super 8” involved long hours, were you able to visit any local attractions? If so, what did you               enjoy?
A-3.        The hours were LONG, but on some precious hours/days off I had many wild and wonderful West Virginia adventures with some other crew members. I had fun in Follansbee at Apple Fest, I got freaked out on Halloween at the famously haunted West Virginia State Penitentiary, and took in some stunning scenery while kayaking and hiking.

Q-4.       What advice would you give to anyone, young – old – in between, who wants to work in the film industry?
A-4.        Follow your passion, be willing to work hard (not for 9-5ers). If you can’t get hired on a movie, make your own and keep getting better until you’re such a talent, you can’t be denied!

Rachel Lax
1st Assistant Accountant

Q-1. What’s your most memorable experience while working in West Virginia?
A-1.        Seeing reactions from the Weirton residents was most memorable for me. One of the main streets in Weirton was transformed to match the 1970's setting of the movie, and I got to speak to some local residents who loved how it took them back in time. It was great to see them so excited about our presence in their community.

Q-2.       Describe how you became interested in the film industry. What was your first job?
A-2.        I spent my junior year of college in Los Angeles as part of a national exchange program. I got a taste of the industry during that time, so after college I moved out there permanently. I started out doing various entry-level jobs in film and TV. I ended up getting a job in accounting on a feature film and have stayed with it ever since.

Q-3.       While filming “Super 8” involved long hours, were you able to visit any local attractions? If so, what did you               enjoy?
A-3.        I didn't get much time off, but the Panhandle trail was right near our hotel. The trail starts in Weirton and goes into Pennsylvania, so it was fun to be able cross state boundaries on foot.

Q-4.       What advice would you give to anyone, young – old – in between, who wants to work in the film industry?
A-4.        When a film comes to your town, get in contact with the production team, because they are always looking for local residents to help out.

Erin Lee Sahlstrom
Production Coordinator

Q-1.       What’s your most memorable experience while working in West Virginia?
A-1.        Seeing the show lights glowing over the night skies of Weirton. Between the crew and the people of the neighborhood gathering to watch, it was quite an event. That said, what I will remember most, is the great hospitality we all felt from the community. We made many friends!

Q-2.       Describe how you became interested in the film industry. What was your first job?
A-2.        I was graduating from college in MN, when a representative from the MN Film Board visited our class for a Senior Seminar. Up until that point, I wasn't sure what direction I was headed. It was an eye-opener! So, I started interning with the MN Film Board. One day during my internship, I answered the phone and before I knew it, I was signing up to work as an extras casting assistant with Sonya Tormoen (does the name sound familiar??). My first job was "A Simple Plan" and after my first day of work, I screamed the whole way home. I was hooked.

Q-3.       While filming “Super 8” involved long hours, were you able to visit any local attractions? If so, what did you               enjoy?
A-3.        Beautiful butterflies in Tomlinson State Park, bike rides, bowling, the flea market, a good scare at the West Virginia State Penitentiary and just being in the area during the Fall. Great local festivals. It was always fun visiting local restaurants too. There is nothing better than salads topped with French fries!

Q-4.       What advice would you give to anyone, young – old – in between, who wants to work in the film industry?
A-4.        Getting involved and supporting your states Film Commission is a great way to stay on top of what is happening in the surrounding area. If you are determined, very hard working, flexible and open to possibilities outside-the-box, you may be surprised at the opportunities around the corner.

Martin Whist
Production Designer

Q-1.       What’s your most memorable experience while working in West Virginia?
A-1.        There are many but possibly the night we rolled the tanks through Weirton Heights!! It was crazy!!

Q-2.       Describe how you became interested in the film industry. What was your first job?
A-2.        I needed a job so I could continue making my art! I became more and more interested as I continued to work in the industry. It is the process of being involved that continues to interest me in this ever changing, amazing, industry! My first job was sweeping the floors in a small set shop called Waldhaus in east LA.

Q-3.       While filming “Super 8” involved long hours, were you able to visit any local attractions? If so, what did you               enjoy?
A-3.        DeeJay's!!!! And my long runs down the old rail line path. So beautiful!

Q-4.       What advice would you give to anyone, young – old – in between, who wants to work in the film industry?
A-4.        Get involved, listen, work hard, and enjoy yourself!

James Mahathey
Assistant Location Manager

Q-1.       What’s your most memorable experience while working in West Virginia?
A-1.        THE PEOPLE!!!!!! Everyone from the Film Office down to the neighbors where we filmed were amazing! The majority of my job was in the neighborhoods of the Tank battle and the neighbors treated me like I was one of their own. I made many friends in the 3 months I was there. And I am happy to say they are still my friends!

Q-2.       Describe how you became interested in the film industry. What was your first job?
A-2.        From the time I was able to hold a camera, I did! I took my first photo at the age of 4 and it was all over from there. I had the bug. And my love for photography and films grew from there. My father introduced me to the Classics. We would watch the movies of John Ford, Alfred Hitchcock, David Lean. But it was when I was 10 years old when I saw ET that my life changed. I remember telling my parents that I knew want to do when I grow up....I WANT TO MAKE MOVIES! From the opening to the closing credits, I was transported to another place and I loved that feeling and never wanted it to end.

My first job in the business was scouting locations for Warner Bros. SPEED RACER. I scouted for one night photographing a mill. The next day I mailed out the photos and then found out that the movie was put on hold. That was 1995 and I have been doing locations ever since. It was a short job that I did for free but it got my foot in the door and got me to where I am now.

Q-3.       While filming “Super 8” involved long hours, were you able to visit any local attractions? If so, what did you               enjoy?
A-3.        Because of our long hours, going out for a bite to eat was the main attraction. And my favorite was BUCKY'S BBQ on Pennsylvania Ave at N. 20th Street. IT IS GREAT!!!!!! And I need to get back there soon!

Q-4.       What advice would you give to anyone, young – old – in between, who wants to work in the film industry?
A-4.        As I like to say, it takes the Three D's.... Desire, Determination and Dedication! If you have the desire to work in the industry, you will go to any length to get a job on a movie. If you hear of a movie being shot near you, go to where ever they set up their office and tell them you will do anything they need. Once you are given a chance, take it and run with it. Work your tail-end off and people will see your "Desire, Determination and Dedication" and know you are the person to call the next time.