The Filmmakers
BEN HICKERNELL (WRITER / DIRECTOR): Ben wrote and directed his feature film debut Cellar in 2004, which played in four North American festivals, winning five awards, including “Best Feature” twice. Ben works as a freelance producer, director of photography and assistant director for various Philadelphia media companies, while running his production company, Reconstruction Pictures. He has spent much of the past two years bringing Lebanon to life.
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.
MARC-JEFF SCHIRMER (CINEMATOGRAPHER): MJ’s passion for photography and filmmaking… began early, at age 9, making stop-motion films using colored construction paper, matchbox cars, & Brownie movie camera… This interest developed into a discipline in black & white, and later, color photography and printmaking.
Since studying Film and Theatrical Arts at Penn State University, MJ has enjoyed a diverse, 17 year career in production, working largely as a freelance Cinematographer, Operator, Assistantand lighting technician for film and television.MJ continues to seek opportunities to shoot and crew narrative and documentary projects of quality, texture and diversity.
MJ has lived on both US Coasts…has travelled France, Scotland, Austria, Portugal, Italy, Greece and Canada with productions.
He continues to enjoy the chance to travel for work.
