Lebanon, PA Press Kit

LEBANON, PA.

A film by Ben Hickernell Produced by Jason Contino, Ben Hickernell & Charles Smith, III Running Time: 100 Minutes Official Selection: SXSW Film Festival 2010 Founder’s Prize – Best Fiction Film: Michael Moore’s Traverse City Film Festival 2010 Filmadelphia Award (Best Film Made in PA) – Philadelphia Film Festival 2010 Standout Film Award – Hells Half Mile Film Festival 2010 Press Contact: Ben Hickernell lebanon.movie@gmail.com http://www.lebanonpamovie.com

Aspect Film Ltd. 26 York Street, London W1U 6PZ, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7993 5877 - Fax: +44 (0) 20 8150 3385 www.aspectfilm.com Registered in England No: 06043107

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LEBANON, PA. REVIEW QUOTES VARIETY (Ronnie Scheib) "...thesping is solid... cannily caught moments of authenticity..."

NEW YORK OBSERVER (Rex Reed) "…it is a rare treat to see a sweet, low-budget film about real people that is as ingratiating as Lebanon, Pa. The star is Josh Hopkins, a personable, enormously gifted actor with keen intuition and intelligent timing… Lebanon, Pa. has been directed, written and edited by triple-threat newcomer Ben Hickernell… the power of Mr. Hickernell the director makes us care… I cannot praise Mr. Hopkins enough. Movie-star handsome, but accessible, reacting to every emotional twist with layers of irritation, curiosity and warmth...

Why isn’t he bigger than George Clooney? …vastly superior to most of the Hollywood dreck we’ve been getting lately, Lebanon, Pa. is a thoughtful and perceptive film well worth recommending.”

NEW YORK TIMES (Stephen Holden) “ Lebanon, Pa. retells the old story of the city mouse and the country mouse while meticulously applying it to America’s simmering culture wars… Rachel Kitson, who plays CJ, the mouthy, forthright teenager at the center of the storm, illuminates a movie that is otherwise so studiously balanced an examination of teenage pregnancy that it deserves a medal for evenhandedness… a tidy little indie with steady acting… the performances of Ms. Kitson and Ms. Hurt give it spritzes of energy… it is the latest in a line of small perfect performances in which Ms. Hurt brings a whole complicated person to life.”

THE HUFFINGTON POST (Stewart Nusbaumer 10/14/10 – PFF) “Ben Hickernell…has created a superb bittersweet drama that’s low key until it works itself up into a real tornado. He has courageously taken on the cultural divide and the political war in America, and smartly by exposing the human story behind the political headlines. While entertaining us, Hickernell has given us much to think about.”

THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER (3 out of 4 stars – Carrie Rickey 10/15/10 – PFF) “A poignant portrait of an unlikely friendship and a pungent contrast of urban clamor and small-town murmur… Without taking sides in the city-vs.-country debate, Hickernell elicits sympathetic performances from both of his leads, particularly newcomer Kitson, who is a performer of subtlety and intelligence.”

PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER (Steven Rea) "...sharply drawn... emotionally resonant... Perceptive, engaging, human-scale stuff."

FILM THREAT (4 out of 5 stars - Mark Bell 10/15/10 – PFF) “An exceptional film… engaging and poignant… a beautiful film with powerful characters and a story you can really connect with… This is the complexity of life; these things actually happen.”

CINEMATICAL (Eugene Novikov 3/17/10 – SXSW) “The first thing you’ll notice about Lebanon, Pa. is how freaking gorgeous it is… one of the more engaging films at this year’s festival… Kitson is outstanding… The story resolves in a way that’s low-key, convincing, and hits all the right emotional notes. It’s the best part of an intriguing, beautiful film by a promising young director.”

Aspect Film Ltd. 26 York Street, London W1U 6PZ, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7993 5877 - Fax: +44 (0) 20 8150 3385 www.aspectfilm.com Registered in England No: 06043107

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MICHAEL MOORE - Oscar-winning documentarian (Quoted on Film Gecko Blog 7/26/10 – TCFF) “One of the best American indies of the year. It is very layered, it’s a great story, and any mainstream audience would love it. And yet, there are some plot-twists in the film that you haven’t seen in an American feature film... It’s not an experimental film, it’s not a politically charged film or whatever; it’s a nice story, but within the story, he does a couple of subversive things that you just sit there and you go wow … wow, I haven’t seen that in a film, that’s something. So good on him.”

INDIEWIRE (Daniel Walber) "...adds some genuine humanity to an embattled political issue... it's more than a little refreshing to see the issue of teen pregnancy tackled in a fiction film without the need for campy humor or eccentric dialogue."

LOST IN REVIEWS (Ryan Davis 3/19/10 – SXSW) “I traveled to SXSW seeking a film that would truly move me… nothing really fit the bill until I took the journey to Lebanon, Pa… the film is so touching it transcends moral beliefs and gives the audience that direct connection most films are lacking… Rachel Kitson’s performance as CJ is honest and emotionally overwhelming… Josh Hopkins’ emotional range is outstanding… Hickernell is a true talent… I can’t express enough how much I love this film, the real emotion of the film can only be felt by seeing its beauty… It stays with you and becomes part of your inner core, making us all residents of Lebanon, Pa.” AUSTIN STATESMAN (Joe Gross 3/14/10 – SXSW) “Lebanon, Pa. is the anti-Juno. Where Juno glided along with a host of Hollywood talent and a twee selfsatisfaction, Lebanon, Pa. boasts three name actors and a host of unknowns examining a teen pregnancy through a very different cultural lens… Peakes (during a brief q and a) noted that if people took the time to examine many sides of various important life decisions rather than rushing into a decision, the world might be a slightly better place. Amen.”

PAJIBA (Brian Prisco 3/18/10 – SXSW) “Ben Hickernell does an admirable job respecting both sides of the Christian argument and getting some powerful performances out of his actors… a bittersweet dramedy that admirably captures the feel of my hometown… Josh Hopkins is incredibly charming… Ian Merrill Peakes is so, so, so smashing as Andy…

But I save my shiniest praise for young Rachel Kitson… I can’t think of an actress working today who could have pulled off the same faithful innocence without falling into pious or pissed. It’s the first what I hope are many stellar performances from this young ingénue.”

Aspect Film Ltd. 26 York Street, London W1U 6PZ, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7993 5877 - Fax: +44 (0) 20 8150 3385 www.aspectfilm.com Registered in England No: 06043107

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LEBANON, PA. Directed by Ben Hickernell

SYNOPSIS Will (Josh Hopkins), a charming 35-year-old Philadelphia ad man, heads to Lebanon, Pa. to bury his recently deceased father. He forms an unexpected friendship with CJ (Rachel Kitson), his bright, newly pregnant 17year-old cousin. As Will becomes interested in CJ’s married teacher (Samantha Mathis) and CJ confronts her conflicted father, both struggle with formidable decisions about the path their lives will take.

Can we vault our differences and meet in the middle? This bittersweet comic drama tenderly explores the cultural divide in America through the lives of one extended family.

Tag Line: Life Happens When You Least Expect It.

Aspect Film Ltd. 26 York Street, London W1U 6PZ, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7993 5877 - Fax: +44 (0) 20 8150 3385 www.aspectfilm.com Registered in England No: 06043107

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LEBANON, PA. Directed by Ben Hickernell DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT While the story of Lebanon, Pa. is not based on a particular autobiographical experience, and the characters are not taken from my life, this film is deeply personal for me. It is set in two of the real places I have lived my life: Philadelphia and Lebanon, Pa. And because of this, it is infused with textures and locations that I have known for a long time.

I felt this was important, because with Lebanon, Pa. I have set out to tell a story that honestly and straightforwardly delves into many of the issues that currently divide our country. It is not meant to be a political film, and there is no mention of policy or government, but through the lives of its characters, I wanted to give audiences a chance to reflect on these issues by seeing how they affect the lives of individual people. As much as cable news pundits spout rhetoric about the cultural divide in America, that divide is made up of the beliefs and feelings of individuals for whom these issues are deeply personal and their viewpoints are vastly more complex than statistics can take into account. It is rare that a Hollywood film touches on these issues, and so it was my intent to confront them head on, but in a way that would draw an audience in and have them live through these events with these characters, so that this story becomes an opportunity for them to discuss, feel and reflect.

None of the characters are from my life, and yet since I wrote the screenplay, they are all by definition pieces of me. I think CJ is perhaps the closest to me, despite the fact that I am not, nor ever was, a teenage girl. And Will, of course, has pieces of me as well. I think especially in the way they speak. They speak how I do in my head, if not in real life.

This film was financed and produced entirely independently, and overall has taken about five years of my life to put together, while doing other work and living my life. I got married while working on this film, and bought my first house. It has grown over that time, adding story elements and characters, but oddly enough I think the process has always been one of simplifying. The story has become simpler and more direct, and all that time and work has allowed the film that “should be” to come to fruition. Every step, and I mean literally every step, was harder that I thought it would be. This is a film that only came about by sheer force of will, by serendipity, and by the generosity, kindness and professionalism of those involved. Everyone who worked on this film put in work far above their pay grade, and I hope that the end result is that the film is imbued with that special energy that comes from its participants toiling primarily for the love of doing good work.

I hope this is a film that speaks to people. I hope that people are drawn into the lives of these characters and even if they don’t agree with all those characters’ actions, that they empathize with each and every one of them. My goal was always to make a film where one could understand where each character was coming from, and feel for them, even if one doesn’t necessarily agree with them. I wanted to tell a moving story that moved, entertained and never compromised its integrity. The film should feel brave, and yet familiar. With dedicated, talented actors, a professional crew, two composers who poured their hearts and sweat into the score, and post production craftsmen who approached their jobs as artists first, I do hope that is what we achieved.

Aspect Film Ltd. 26 York Street, London W1U 6PZ, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7993 5877 - Fax: +44 (0) 20 8150 3385 www.aspectfilm.com Registered in England No: 06043107

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LEBANON, PA. Directed by Ben Hickernell CREW BIOGRAPHIES Ben Hickernell (Writer/Director/Editor): Ben Hickernell’s experimental micro-budget feature Cellar played in four 2005 North American festivals, winning five awards, including 'Best Feature' twice, and one of Philadelphia’s prestigious Barrymore Awards. Ben works as a freelance producer and director of photography for various Philadelphia media companies, while running his production company, Reconstruction Pictures. Since 2005, he has also been the lead manager at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, a non-profit arthouse cinema and film education institution. Lebanon, Pa. is his full-fledged feature debut. He was raised in Baltimore, not Lebanon, Pa., but his father was raised there, and he’s been visiting Lebanon regularly since he can remember.

Jason Contino (Producer): Jason was born in the city of brotherly love in the late seventies. He grew up with a love of movies and after two years as a marine biology major in college he switched to film and followed his passion. Jason spends his time working on commercials and movies in Philadelphia. After a string of horror films Ben Hickernell said “hey Jason why not try something without all the blood and guts?”

So Ben and Jason joined forces and tried their hardest to keep each other sane making a movie with no blood and guts but a lot of heart. Hope you enjoy it.

Charles Smith, III (Producer): Charles Smith III began his producing career in radio at Drexel University’s award-winning WKDU FM as an undergraduate film student. He was Producer/Cinematographer of the acclaimed documentary Otaku Unite!, which was released on DVD by distribution powerhouse Central Park Media. Having completed his degree, he moved to California where he earned his M.F.A. from the Dodge School of Film at Chapman University. He then returned to Philadelphia where he was hired to produce the next feature film of award winning director Robert Angelo Masciantonio, entitled All Along. He pulled together a nationally recognized cast and crew, including brokering the deals to have Krista Allen, star of HBO’s Unscripted, and independent cult sensation Erin Brown star in the film. All Along received a limited theatrical release and should be premiering on DVD shortly.

The success of All Along led him to collaborate with Mr. Masciantonio once more. This time they set their sights on the horror genre. Neighbor starring America Olivo and Christian Campbell “is an astonishing, Grand Guignol series of extreme sequences that seriously push the envelope”. Playing internationally, winning Best Horror Screenplay at the Phoenix International and Horror and Sci-Fi, Best Feature at Dedfest Horror Festival as well as the Prix d’Argent at the Sainte-Maxime International Horror Film Festival Neighbor is soon to be released on DVD. His next two films, a drama entitled Lebanon, Pa. starring Josh Hopkins and Samantha Mathis, and a family film Mayor Cupcake starring Lea Thompson and Judd Nelson will be having their world premieres in 2010. He is currently in pre-production on Robert Angelo Masciantonio’s next feature film Haunted.

Aspect Film Ltd. 26 York Street, London W1U 6PZ, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7993 5877 - Fax: +44 (0) 20 8150 3385 www.aspectfilm.com Registered in England No: 06043107

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Marc Jeff Schirmer (Cinematographer): MJ’s passion for photography and filmmaking... began early, at age 9, making stop-motion films with a Brownie camera. This interest developed into a discipline in black & white photography and printmaking. Since studying Film Production and Acting at Penn State University, MJ has enjoyed a diverse production career that spans nearly 20 years, working as freelance Camera Operator, Camera Assistant, Lighting Technician and Motion Graphic Designer. As Director of Photography, MJ continues to seek unique projects of quality, texture and diversity.

Following the lensing of Lebanon, Pa. - MJ’s work on Robert Masciantonio’s The Neighbor has been getting attention on the festival circuit and has a DVD release later this year. Also noteworthy, is his work on the short films Looking For and Job no.5. Cult band, The Dwarves and Director Robert Sexton turned to MJ to shoot their FEFU music video, which quickly became an internet favorite. In addition to countless narrative, commercial and music credits, MJ is sought after for his intuitive, observational and vérité-styled documentary camera work for television series like Animal Cops, Extreme Home Makeover, Wife Swap, Unwrapped and field segments for clients like The Oprah Winfrey Show. Being no stranger to travel, MJ spent four years touring the US with the Emmy nominated, Trading Spaces series for Discovery/TLC and has since shot for other productions in France, Scotland, Austria, Portugal, Italy, Greece and Canada.

Mike Lemon, CSA (Casting Director): Mike has been a casting director for over 20 years after 12 years as an actor and director. He was a member of SAG and AFTRA with experience on stage, on camera and in the sound studio. Bringing his performance experience to casting, he has earned a reputation as an "actor's director" who brings out the best in auditioning talent. In 2001 he was honored by being admitted into the Casting Society of America, the professional association for casting directors.

He's a co-founder and host of The Lab, a Filmmakers' Workshop which has inspired and facilitated the production of seven independent films in seven years. He's on the Advisory Board of the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and the planning committees for both the TAGP annual auditions and The Barrymore Awards. He's also been on the steering committee of Indy Fest for The Philadelphia Festival of World Cinema and The Atlantic City Film Festival and his close ties with the Philadelphia Film Office, The Philadelphia Independent Film and Video Association (PIFVA) and the Sharon Pinkenson Film Project.

Credits include: The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, Fallen, Philadelphia, Ocean’s 11, Annapolis, In Her Shoes, Jersey Girl, Beloved, Signs and Up Close and Personal.

Matt Pond & Chris Hansen (Composers): Matt Pond (previously of Mel's Rockpile), is the leader of matt pond PA - the PA added when he moved from New England to Philadelphia and formed the group. Pond later left Philadelphia for Brooklyn in 2003. Studio albums include Deer Apartments, The Green Fury, The Nature of Maps, Emblems, Several Arrows Later and Last Light on labels such as Polyvinyl and Altitude.

Pond’s songs have been licensed for use in films “The Puffy Chair” and “The Battle for Shaker Heights” and TV’s “The OC.” Pond also composed music for the Oxygen network. matt pond PA has toured with such acts as Liz Phair, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, and Guster. A new album, The Dark Leaves, is due out in April.

Chris Hansen is a songwriter, composer and producer. He is currently a member of matt pond PA. He began his career as an engineer at Bearsville Studios in Woodstock, NY. Lebanon, Pa. represents the first time they have collaborated together to compose an original score for a feature film.

Aspect Film Ltd. 26 York Street, London W1U 6PZ, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7993 5877 - Fax: +44 (0) 20 8150 3385 www.aspectfilm.com Registered in England No: 06043107

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LEBANON, PA. Directed by Ben Hickernell CAST BIOGRAPHIES Josh Hopkins (Will): A dynamic and versatile actor, Josh Hopkins is a veteran of both television and feature films. He can currently be seen starring opposite Courteney Cox on the ABC program “Cougar Town” and will next be seen on the big screen in the drama Lebanon, Pa. directed by Ben Hickernell. Hopkins made his debut as a season regular on FOX’s critically acclaimed series “Ally McBeal.” Created by David E. Kelley, Hopkins portrayed Raymond Milberry, a rival lawyer and love interest to Calista Flockhart’s “Ally McBeal.” Hopkins’ additional television credits include a recurring role on the ABC drama “Private Practice,” the CBS drama “Swingtown,” “CSI: Miami,” “Ghost Whisperer,” the ABC drama “Brothers & Sisters” opposite Calista Flockhart and Sally Field, the CBS drama “Surrender, Dorothy”, with Diane Keaton, the CBS mini-series “Robert Ludlum’s Covert One: The Hades Factor,” the TNT original movie “Pirates of Silicon Valley” opposite Noah Wyle and Anthony Michael Hall, FOX’s “New York Undercover,” the WB’s “Jack & Jill,” and “Kate Brasher.” In addition, Hopkins starred opposite Rebecca Romijn in the WB romantic comedy “Pepper Dennis.”

Hopkins’ most recent film credits include the comedy Pretty Ugly People co-starring Missi Pyle and Melissa McCarthy, directed by Tate Taylor and the independent film, Insatiable, co-starring Sean Patrick Flanery and Michael Biehn, directed by Chack Konzelman and Cary Solomon. Prior to that, he starred in the film One Eyed King opposite William Baldwin, Chazz Palminteri and Armand Assante. Hopkins’ additional feature film credits include The Perfect Storm where he portrayed helicopter pilot Darryl Ennis, Love & Sex opposite Famke Janssen, G.I. Jane and Paulie. Son of former representative Larry Hopkins, Josh grew up in Lexington, Kentucky and attended Auburn University.

Samantha Mathis (Vicki): A native of New York City, Samantha Mathis has crafted a distinguished career in television, film and theatre. Recently, Samantha wrapped the thriller film “The New Daughter,” opposite Kevin Costner. Samantha will also be seen in the upcoming thriller “The Chaos Theory,” opposite Milo Ventimiglia and Mimi Rogers.

Samantha’s television credits include the highly acclaimed TNT miniseries, “Nightmare’s and Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King.” Also on TNT, she starred opposite Rob Lowe, Andre Braugher and Donald Sutherland in “Salem’s Lot.” She was seen in the series “First Years,” the telefilm “Collected Stories” for PBS and the critically lauded miniseries “The Mists of Avalon.” Last year she was seen in the Hallmark Channel movie “A Stranger’s Heart,” and “Oprah Winfrey Presents: Mitch Albom’s For One More Day.” Samantha was also seen on an episode of ABC’s hit series “Lost.”

Samantha burst onto the film scene in “Pump Up The Volume” opposite Christian Slater, followed by the film “The Thing Called Love” alongside River Pheonix. Additional film credits include a starring role opposite John Travolta in “The Punisher,” “Attraction,” “The Simian Line,” “American Psycho,” “Broken Arrow,” “The American President,” “How to Make an American Quilt,” “Jack and Sarah,” “Little Women,” “This is My Life,” “The Music of Chance” and “Touched.” Samantha’s indy film credits include “Believe in Me,” “Local Color” and playing alongside Kathy Baker, Clea Duvall and Bradley Whitford in “Fathers and Sons.”

In 2002, Mathis made her Broadway debut in Arthur Miller’s “The Man Who Had All the Luck” opposite Chris O’Donnell. She recently finished a Tony-nominated run of the new play “33 Variations,” alongside Jane Fonda and Colin Hanks. She has also made stage appearances starring opposite Tony Award-winner Linda Lavin in “Collected Stories’ at the Geffen Playhouse and “Fortin Bras” at the Signature Theater in New York.

Aspect Film Ltd. 26 York Street, London W1U 6PZ, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7993 5877 - Fax: +44 (0) 20 8150 3385 www.aspectfilm.com Registered in England No: 06043107

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Samantha is as enthusiastic about her philanthropic work as she is with her acting roles. Her work with Amnesty International on their Stop the Violence Campaign Against Women has done much to stop the femicide in Guatemala. She is also a longtime supporter of New Leash on Life, the largest no-kill animal shelter in Los Angeles.

Rachel Kitson (CJ): Rachel Kitson is a theater major at Temple University. She was recently in Temple’s production of The Darker Face of the Earth and a senior project production of Moonchildren. She is also a member of the sketch comedy group Eskimo? While at Temple Rachel hopes to work on her acting skills for both theater and film.

Lebanon, Pa. is Rachel’s first feature film and hopefully not her last. Working on the film has helped her grow tremendously as an actor and the chance to work with such a talented cast is one of the greatest learning experiences a young actress can ask for. A former resident of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, Rachel has performed in local community theater shows for the past 7 years. Some of her favorite roles include: Sandy from Grease, Grace from Saving Grace, Lisa from David and Lisa, Tiger Lilly from Peter Pan and her all time favorite the Coconut Tree from Jungle Book.

When not performing or working with her sketch comedy group Rachel likes to spend time designing and sewing her own clothing and sometimes her creations come out all right.

Ian Merrill Peakes (Andy): Ian Merrill Peakes makes his home just outside of Philadelphia. He most recently played the title role in Macbeth (directed by Teller and Aaron Posner) in a co-production between Two River Theater Company and The Folger in DC. Regional: Actors Theatre of Louisville: The Crucible(John Proctor), 12th Night; Folger Shakespeare Theatre: Game of Love and Chance (Helen Hayes Nomination), Measure for Measure, Two Gents; Shakespeare Santa Cruz: Much Ado (Benedict); Pittsburgh Irish and Classic; Peterborough Players; Boarshead Theatre: Hamlet (Hamlet). Philadelphia: Arden: All My Sons (Barrymore Award); Walnut Street; People’s Light; Wilma: Invention of Love; Philadelphia Theater Company: Sideman (Barrymore Award); Theatre Exile Red Light Winter (Barrymore Nomination); Philadelphia Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet (Barrymore Nomination); Penn. Shakespeare Festival: Othello (Iago), Henry IV Part I (Hotspur), Much Ado (Benedict); TV: Still Standing, Hack, Homicide, All My Children. Film: I’d Rather be in Philadelphia, Seduction of the Will, Gentleman’s Game. Winner of the 2003 F. Otto Haas Award for Emerging Artist in Philadelphia. For Karen and Owen.

Mary Beth Hurt (Jeanette): A consummate actress with a long and distinguished career in film and theater, Mary Beth Hurt first rose to international fame with her BAFTA nominated performance in Woody Allen’s “Interiors.” She soon followed with “The World According to Garp” opposite Robin Williams. Her more recent film projects include “The Dead Girl,” for which she was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award, “The Exorcism of Emily Rose,” “Lady in the Water,” “Affliction,” “Bringing Out the Dead,” and ”The Age of Innocence.” Mary Beth’s theater credits include “A Delicate Balance” at the Lincoln Center Theater, and Broadway productions “The Secret Rapture,” ”Benefactors” (Tony nomination), “Crimes of the Heart” (Obie award and Tony nomination), “The Misanthrope,” and “Trelawney of the Wells” (Tony nomination). She has also performed at the Phoenix Repertory Theater and in several Off-Broadway productions, and for the New York Shakespeare Festival in “Othello,” “As You Like It,” “Pericles” and ”The Cherry Orchard.”

Ms. Hurt has also made numerous television appearances. She resides near New York City.

Aspect Film Ltd. 26 York Street, London W1U 6PZ, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7993 5877 - Fax: +44 (0) 20 8150 3385 www.aspectfilm.com Registered in England No: 06043107

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LEBANON, PA. Directed by Ben Hickernell PRODUCTION NOTES Inception and Pre-Production The origins of Lebanon, Pa. are both deeply personal and conceptually abstract for writer/director Ben Hickernell.

In the summer of 2005, while on the festival circuit with his experimental micro-budget feature cellar, he found himself reflecting on the divisive 2004 presidential election. It had been an election where passions ran deep, and America seemed split right down the middle. And yet Ben saw a disparity in how the issues that divided the country were handled on cable news and other media, versus how he saw those issues discussed by individuals. He continually heard of a divide between the “blue” big cities and coasts versus the “red” heartland. And yet, as he traveled, he was continually surprised by the variety of opinions and diversity of perspectives he encountered. Most people were not all red or all blue, but rather a purplish mix of complex viewpoints. And although their approaches to these issues widely varied, there was a common human passion underneath that was more vital than the pundits spouting soundbites on TV. An idea began to form in his mind for a story that would follow characters from different cultural backgrounds brought together in one place by shared events. He would explore these larger-than-life issues through experiences lived through by the characters, just as those issues are experienced by the citizens of the country. And to tell the story as truthfully as he was able, he came straight form the heart and set the film in Philadelphia (his place of residence of the past 10 years) and Lebanon, Pa., the town where his father grew up and where he had been visiting regularly since he was born. None of the characters are directly taken from Ben’s life or family, but the film is infused with the real places where he has lived his life. And Pennsylvania is an apt microcosm for the cultural divide in America. A swing state with two large, overwhelmingly “blue” urban centers and a vast “red” rural center, James Carville once called Pennsylvania, “Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with Alabama in between.” But after framing the basic elements of the story, Ben put politics out of his mind. This film would be a drama telling the story of people, driven by the concerns of those characters.

Ben spent two years crafting the screenplay while working on other projects and at his “day” job at the nonprofit Bryn Mawr Film Institute (really a night job). During that time his future wife was studying journalism at Columbia school of journalism and Ben commuted regularly between Philadelphia and New York. The script was tapped out on his laptop at NY and Philly coffee shops, on airplanes and buses, but rarely at home.

In 2007, Ben began the process of putting together the funds for the project and the production team. The first person he asked to be involved was his long time friend Jason Contino, who was known around Philadelphia as one of the most dependable people one could put on a crew, and who had managed to put together several low-budget horror films, always managing to create a final product with more polish than one would expect for the resources at hand.

The film was funded entirely by individual investments and donations, and as the project gathered momentum, first time Executive Producer Sally Fridy joined the team with a passion for film and a level head for finances from years of running her own landscaping business. Charles Smith, III joined the team shortly before production, providing much needed help as an experienced producer of other similarly budgeted films in the Philadelphia area.

Aspect Film Ltd. 26 York Street, London W1U 6PZ, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7993 5877 - Fax: +44 (0) 20 8150 3385 www.aspectfilm.com Registered in England No: 06043107

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Casting Ben worked closely with casting director Mike Lemon to find the right actors for these subtle, lived-in roles.

Ian Merrill Peakes was the first of the leads to fall into place. An accomplished theater actor around the country, Ben had known Ian since 2000, when Ben had appeared on stage with him in a Philadelphia production of Romeo and Juliet. Ian was known around town for playing charismatic, dashing leads. At first, Ben wasn’t sure if Ian was right for Andy, an introverted father of two who has worked hard to make the best of a difficult family situation and raise two kids on his own. But after one conversation, Ben knew Ian was up for the challenge. The fact that Ian and his wife were about to have their first child made it seem like perfect timing. Ian keenly felt the instinct to place your child’s needs above your own happiness.

Samantha Mathis was the next lead actress to join the film. Aware of her sharp intelligence and down-toearth demeanor, Ben and Mike felt she would be a perfect fit for Vicki. When they reached out to her agent, she responded to the script and after a long phone conversation with Ben, agreed to do the film. The only problem was that they were about one month from production, and still had no Will or CJ! But Samantha remained a champion of the film, staying incredibly supportive during the search for her co-leads.

In the meantime, Mary Beth Hurt also came on board. Ian reached out to her through mutual friends in the theater community, and although she was focusing primarily on theater work in NY, she also responded to the material and agreed to come down to Pennsylvania to shoot for two days.

From the beginning, Ben felt it was important to have someone similar in age to the character of CJ to play the role. So while he did not necessarily need to cast an unknown, he always knew it was a possibility. He and Mike considered more actors for CJ then any other character. From name talent, to union talent, to nonunion actors who had never done anything besides high school and college theater. It was during the second day of auditions for CJ that Ben saw Rachel. Ben puts it, “I kind of knew the moment I saw her. I was going out to each group of young women, to explain the character and the context for the audition scene. And there was this girl sitting there, listening very intently with a bike seat in her hands. And even though I was addressing this group of 10 actors, I found I kept talking directly to her. She looked the part and she had the right energy and I just kind of made a mental note, like, “If she’s any good, she could really be it.” And she came in and nailed it. Before I officially cast her, we met for coffee in Rittenhouse Square, after giving her a chance to read the script. Now that she knew what a big part it was, and that she would be playing off such experienced actors, I asked her, “Do you think you’re ready to do this?” She shrugged, and very sweetly and simply said, “Yeah. I think I am.”

Josh Hopkins was the last piece of the puzzle to fit into place. When his name came up during casting conversations, Jason and Ben referred to two pieces of his work: Swingtown, a drama airing on CBS at that time on which Josh does subtle, understated work, and Feigning Interest, an outrageous comedic music video on Josh’s MySpace page. When Ben saw that somehow Josh came through as a real, affable presence in both, he knew he had found his man. They were only two weeks from production, but they had managed to find the perfect Will. They offered him the part, he liked the script, and within a day Josh and Ben were on the phone talking about the role.

Production Production for Lebanon, Pa. began in late August, 2008. While originally Ben had wanted to shoot all of the Lebanon scenes in Lebanon itself, due to budgetary concerns they had to reduce the number of days in Lebanon, but did shoot a few key locations and scenes there. Most notably the Millbach Church cemetery is where Will’s dad is buried, and the exteriors for CJ’s high school were shot at Cedar Crest High School in Lebanon.

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Josh wasn’t available for the first day of shooting, so the first day centered on CJ and her family. After a long first day, Ben headed off in the Beetle featured in the film (his wife’s car at the time) to Philadelphia airport, to pick up Josh, who was due in about 9pm. It was then that he got an email from Josh: “Flight delayed. Be in about 1.” It was after 2am by the time Ben dropped Josh off at the hotel. Josh’s pickup at the hotel was 5:15am. Proving what a pro he was, Josh put in a 12 hour shooting day on his first day, hardly getting a break as the shooting schedule that day was for all of his quiet, solo scenes in the house, including mowing the lawn and cleaning out the basement. As these were originally time-lapse shots, this meant Josh literally mowed the lawn and cleaned out said basement in real time. Wiping sweat from his brow, he joked, “Are you guys really shooting a movie? Or are you just selling this house and you needed someone to clean it out?”

Production for the first week continued at the location for CJ and Will’s houses. The usual problems of low budget filmmaking presented themselves: not enough time to shoot everything desired by the director, not enough equipment to get the shot desired by the DP and Gaffer and only enough time to give the actors a few takes for each shot. But the cast and crew formed a tight bond as they rose to these challenges, and every member of the production went beyond their job description and above the call of duty.

Week two saw the production move into downtown Philadelphia and then out to Lebanon, Pa. Sadly, the day scheduled for the big graduation scene on the sports field of Cedar Crest High was rained out as a tropical storm swept up into Pennsylvania. It would later be moved to the high school interior location.

However, the long shooting day at Millbach church turned out to be an emotional day for all. The crew was missing the key grip for the day, so from the beginning it was hard to keep to schedule. It was the only day that all five leads were on set together. Samantha Mathis was not shooting that day, but true to dedicated form, had come early to get the vibe of the production and to see Lebanon, Pa. for herself as background for her character. Also on set, as the extras in the church scene, were Ben’s parents, Grandpa and stepGrandmother. The day culminated as they shot the pivotal scene between Josh Hopkins and Mary Beth Hurt in the graveyard. That intense 3 1/2 page scene, coming at the end of the a long day, was difficult to get through, especially as the setting sun meant there was only time for one take for most angles. Fortunately, the rushed shooting process lent a raw immediacy that was useful for that scene. And that night Josh bought the entire cast and crew a round of beer at The Sports Page, the hotel bar at the Lebanon Quality Inn. A large portion of the movie was shot handheld, with other scenes on tripod or dolly. This shooting style lent itself to the quick moving schedule and allowed the actors reign to feel out the scene. Ben was pretty strict on having actors work through the entire scene, even if an angle was only for a moment or two. His directing philosophy hinges on momentum and on every member of the crew becoming an “actor,” i.e. during every take it is important for the crew to pay close attention and to be aware of the emotional content of a scene.

Everyone should be on the same page.

After four weeks of principal photography, the shoot ended with second unit footage shot in Philadelphia and Lebanon. Appropriately, the last setups shot for the movie were a series of shots of the beetle driving past billboards – the last shot in the movie.

Cinematography Although Ben’s directing style is fluid and preferential to setups that gave the actors space to work through the scenes, time and effort were put into lighting as well, and the film was not one that relied primarily on natural light. Despite cramped locations, Gaffer Ben Kitchens squeezed in impressive rigs, often relying on large “booklights” to create a large box of soft, natural looking light. Though much of the lighting looks naturalistic, Kitchens and DP MJ Schirmer meticulously crafted that look. Schirmer and Hickernell favored close ups to focus on the characters above all, only pulling back to show the larger landscape at key moments.

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The film was shot on the RED One digital cinema camera, provided by JBV media from Baltimore, MD. Schirmer used a set of prime lenses. Handheld, dolly and tripod are sued throughout the film, but no jib or steadicam were used.

Post Production Ben edited the film himself on a Mac, starting by literally syncing sound for the entire film by hand using the clapboard at the beginning of each take. This is one of the reasons the edit took about nine months. He also showed the early cuts to many friends and also the actors from the film to get notes and reactions. The film shrunk by a full 30 minutes from assembly cut to final cut.

Matt Pond PA had been Ben’s first choice for the score from very early in the process. Ben reached out to them as he was finishing the rough cut, and two band members, Matt Pond and Chris Hansen, were immediately interested, having a strong interest in cinema and a long term desire to write original music for a film. Ben had even suggested to them using a few pre-existing songs, but Matt and Chris were adamant – they were interested in doing entirely new music. As Matt and Chris worked on the film, the project grew, until they had written about 45 minutes of original music – almost half the length of the film! They plan to release an album of the music once Lebanon, Pa. is released.

The sound was designed and mixed by Milkboy Recording in Ardmore, Pa. Owner Jamie Lokoff graciously gave mixer Cody Cichowski free reign to work with Ben whenever they could find time in the schedule.

They went through several drafts of the mix, working to refine and simplify. The sound mix features the voices of Ben Hickernell, Jason Contino and Cody Cichowksi, among others. Also, Ian Merrill Peakes’ wife, Karen Peakes, provided the opening voiceover for the film.

Color Correction, the digital intermediate, titles and three FX shots were done at DIVE in Philadelphia.

Experienced VFX supervisor Mark Forker guided the creation of the three billboard FX shots in the movie, where digital billboards from Will’s “Eagle Valley” campaign were dropped into real shots from production.

The billboards themselves were designed by Gary Irwin of GI creative. Colorist Rob Giglio worked with Ben, MJ and Jason in DIVE’s 2K correction theater for 5 days in October ’09, molding the look of the film.

The end result was a 2k DPX DI master ready for 35mm film out, and an HDCAM version for festivals and broadcast.

Aspect Film Ltd. 26 York Street, London W1U 6PZ, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7993 5877 - Fax: +44 (0) 20 8150 3385 www.aspectfilm.com Registered in England No: 06043107

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LEBANON, PA. Directed by Ben Hickernell CREDITS Writer / Director / Editor

Ben Hickernell

Producers

Jason Contino Ben Hickernell Charles Smith, III

Executive Producer

Sally Fridy

Director of Photography

Marc Jeff Schirmer

Casting Director

Mike Lemon, CSA

Music by

Matt Pond & Chris Hansen

Associate Producer Unit Production Manager 1st Assistant Director Production Designer Assistant to the Producers

Brad Robinson Jennifer Marren Dave Jennis David Barnes Owen Drake

Cast Will CJ Andy Vicki Chase Jeanette Lauren Roni Debbie Bartender Pete Doctor Counselor Dart Ladies

Rosary Man Priest Jeff Terrence Craig Pete’s Dad Bar Guys Will’s Assistant Liz Man at Reception

Josh Hopkins Rachel Kitson Ian Merrill Peakes Samantha Mathis Hunter Gallagher Mary Beth Hurt Julia Yorks Natasha Sattler Tara Copeland Christopher Mann Josh Hunt Cecelia Ann Birt Maureen Torsney-Weir Alice Schaerer McKenna Kerrigan MaryLee Bednarek Tom Cleary David Howey Pete Pryor Lenny Haas James Mount Dominick Cicco Jayson Vance Jason Silvis Brea Bee Karen Peakes Buck Schirner

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CREW Additional Cinematography 1st Assistant Camera 2nd Assistant Camera Digital Imaging Technician Still Photographers Production Accountant Location Manager Location Scout Location Intern Gaffer Best Boy Electric Electricians

Key Grip Best Boy Grip Additional Grips

Production Sound Mixer Key Boom Operator Additional Boom Operator Script Supervisor Additional Editing Key Make-up & Hair Additional Make-up Costume Design Wardrobe Assistant Art Director Set Dresser Additional Art Department

Digital Intermediate & Visual Effects Services Provided by Supervising DI Producer DI Producer Digital Film Colorist Conforming Editor Digital Effects Artist Main Title Design End Title Design “Eagle Valley” campaign design by EPK Producer EPK Assistant Key Production Assistant Set Production Assistants

Kevin Hackenberg Steve Buckwalter Rory Hanrahan Michael Lobb John Vallon Gary Irwin Jen Kupstow Tom McKean Sally Fridy Kevin Streckewald Tim Downs Mark Savage Benjamin Kitchens Andrew D’Aurora Andrew Shankweiler T.J. Alston Blake Eichenseer Zac Rubino Jonathan Wolowec Steve Cameron Mike Helker Stephen Breslin Christopher Smith Matt Bucolo David Ruth Johnpaul Golaski Stephen Breslin Max Cooke Jessica Tran Dave Manzo Shannon Thompson Kacey Scappa Angeline Zeigler Vanessa Botta April Hodick Jessi Cayton Anthony Trovarello Alex Shanfeld Jon Chaifetz DIVE, Philadelphia Andy Williams John-Michael Trojan Rob Giglio Michael Furey Jeremy Fernsler Ryan Leonard Mike T. Mullen Gary Irwin Gary Irwin Michael J. Marino Jen Hughes Adam Watts Melissa Graves Danny Corey Clark Macarthy Miller Anthony Prentice

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Casting Associate Stunt Coordinator Stunt Performer Catering by Audio Post Audio Supervisors Sound Mix Sound Design Score performed by Score recorded and mixed by Cello Flute Drums Music Coordinator

Joe Amodei Drew Kratz Anthony DeFrancesco Annette Kaplafka Jayson Vance Jason Silvis Crown Catering Kimberly Joy Sadorf-Pollace Milkboy Recording Jamie Lokoff, Tommy Joyner, Cody Cichowski Cody Cichowski Cody Cichowski, Joel Metzler Matt Pond Chris Hansen Chris Hansen Caleigh Drane Sarah Restifo Dan Crowell Jamie Lokoff

"You Can Stay" Written by: Mark Angier and Jay Pillard Performed by: Laura Furlong Courtesy of: MilkBoy "4th of July" Written by: Chris Bruni Performed by: Chris Bruni Courtesy of: BMI "Amanda" Written by: Anthony Nanni Performed by: Anthony Nanni "She Left You Today" Written by: Sasha Woods Performed by: Sasha Woods "Crazy" Written by: Viv Peyrat Performed by: Viv Peyrat "The Treehouse" Written by: Chris Kasper Performed by: Chris Kasper “Love Blind" Performed by: Kierstin Gray Written by: Kierstin Gray "Deceiver" Written by: Matt Vantine/Matt Amadio Performed by: The Fleeting Ends Courtesy of: Pint Publishing "Adeline" Written by: Donovan/McCabe/Overton Performed by: Haxty Aspect Film Ltd. 26 York Street, London W1U 6PZ, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7993 5877 - Fax: +44 (0) 20 8150 3385 www.aspectfilm.com Registered in England No: 06043107

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"Line Em Up" Written by: Josh Dion Performed by: Josh Dion Band "The Train" Written by: Gillian Grassie Performed by: Gillian Grassie "Red Flag" Written by: Marie Kim Performed by: MISTER Courtesy of: Pint Publishing "Slow and Steady" Written by: Joe Damico Performed by: Joe Damico Shot on Camera Provided by Grip & Lighting Equipment Production Payroll Service Production Financial Services Production Insurance Legal Counsel

RED One JBV Media Paramount Production Support, Inc. Atlantic Payroll Robert J. Kratz Reiff & Associates Justin B. Wineburgh, Esq. Cozen O’ Connor

The Producers Wish to Thank Millbach Church Anthony Bregman Stefanie Azpiazu Brad Schenk Courtney Kivowitz Lindsay Porter Stephanie Boniello Dr. Bob Walner L. Pierre Teillon Margaret Evans Pat King Brad Shapiro Location Lighting David & Gelyn Raffensperger Christopher “Topper” Berry Jennifer Fajkowski John & Elaine Contino Joie & Brian Walsh Shooters Post & Transfer Greater Philadelphia Film Office Get Kinetic Paul Irwin Upper Darby Police Department Out of the Blue Productions Sofitel Philadelphia Jim Huie SBK Pictures Amy D’Alio Primitive World Productions Chris Murphy and Video Village Wynnewood Lanes Yuengling Brewery Aspect Film Ltd. 26 York Street, London W1U 6PZ, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7993 5877 - Fax: +44 (0) 20 8150 3385 www.aspectfilm.com Registered in England No: 06043107

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Cisco Brewers Triple 8 Distillery Nantucket Vineyards Fratelli Desiato Vineyard Volkswagen Don Argott Sheena Joyce Demian Fenton Amy Roy Sharon Pinkenson Joan Bressler Red Tettemer Mike Frischette Mike Virgillio Sync Speed, Inc. Joe Korolly & Sarah Doherty Joe Adams and Jeri Shelton Daniel Streckewald Eric Schiner Haverford College Greg Kannerstein Special Thanks Juliet Fletcher Richard Fletcher Ron & Mary Hickernell Sally & John Fridy Brook Lenfest Owen Drake Peta Richkus Lenny Haas David & Barbara Prescott Juliet Goodfriend John Flinton St. John Smith Bill McKenna MJ Schirmer Jenifer & Jeff Westphal Greater Philadelphia Film Office Pennsylvania Film Office Shooters Post & Transfer, Inc. Milkboy Recording Screen Actors Guild This film was financed in part by tax incentives provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

THE PERSONS AND EVENTS IN THIS MOTION PICTURE ARE FICTITIOUS. ANY SIMILARITY TO ACTUAL PERSONS OR EVENTS IS UNINTENTIONAL. THIS MOTION PICTURE IS PROTECTED UNDER LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER COUNTRIES. UNAUTHORIZED DUPLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR EXHIBITION MAY RESULT IN CIVIL LIABILITY AND CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. Copyright © 2009 Lebanon Productions, LLC

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