Get Reel
Feature film “Paper Angel” shot in Fort Wayne starring local talent
By Tabitha Ervin
Of Fort Wayne Ink Spot
Recently I connected with Fort Wayne creative Darren Hunt to discuss his new film, “Paper Angel,” along with Jason Powell II, a local youth and the co-star of the movie, and his mother, Terrece Fairgood.
Darren is a talented singer-songwriter, as well as a freelance journalist who has written for What’z Up, Business People, the Journal Gazette, and others. He’s also the author of the children’s book “Lillie Clare and the Thousand Kites,” an easy-to-read story, illustrated by Cathy O'Malley.
His screenplay “Paper Angel” sat in the drawer for 10 years but kept coming back to him every year around Christmas. Finally, about three years ago, Darren had some people review and help him make some edits. Then in 2018, he felt good enough about the script to find a director and get started on the project. A friend who was slated to direct the film recommended that Darren take the lead instead. Although Darren had never directed a film, he decided to go for it! His journey included doing all the casting, production, and sets for the film.
The film’s premise is that 40-year-old Chris Bell is in a jam. Having taken over the family used car lot after his dad's passing, he’s squandered most of the meager profits on playing poker at a local storage unit where he's been losing more than winning. Now he owes the table owner $10,000. His old boss wants to buy him out. Acting on a whim, Bell takes a donation angel off a Christmas tree hoping that a kind gesture for a stranger might turn the tables on his luck. But he finds out the hard way that luck is sometimes the worst thing to happen.
Fort Wayne will get its chance to see “Paper Angel” at a free screening this September 10 and 11 at Indiana Tech’s Magee Theatre. Find more information on Facebook and search for Paper Angel Premiere!
Tabitha: Darren, tell me more about the process and how you found the right actors?
Darren: First, many people said I would not be able to find the talent I was seeking here in Fort Wayne and that's just not true. Jason, the lead character, was a student at Weisser Park at the time and his teacher identified him as a student that would be good. Once I met him, and we reviewed the script, I was impressed! He was really relaxed and naturally talented. In my experiences, it can be difficult to cast youth and pets, but Jason was a natural.
Tabitha: Jason, tell me about your experience in acting?
Jason: At Weisser Park, we had a drama class and I had done some small skits and plays throughout the year at school. I also played Jafer in “Aladdin” at South Side for school. This film was my first big role and my first interview.
Tabitha: Good, so tell me about how you feel now that you are the featured co-star in this film?
Jason: It feels great doing something I’ve never done before. I would practice my script daily and then film each night. My favorite scene was walking on the highway and I enjoyed being paid to act in this film.
Tabitha: Darren, how was the process of filming?
Darren: We shot this movie on and off for two years primarily in the winter as that is the setting of the film. I hired a local crew to shoot the film and we used four locations in town. I did everything, which was tough, and all the while I was working my regular jobs at Sweetwater and as a professor at Indiana Tech. I paid for all of this out of my pocket, so I had to pick up as much work as possible throughout the process.
Tabitha: Terrece, Jason is your son so tell me how you felt during all of this?
Terrece: It was a lot of work, but I am so proud of him. He is my oldest of three and I had to continue to take care of the other two and their schedules while making sure he was practicing and getting to the set each night of filming. It was a busy time. He is an introvert, and this was all new to him, but I believe in investing in my children and their talents. I know it’ll pay off in the future.
Tabitha: Darren any final thoughts?
Darren: The other main character is Bob Ahlersmeyer and Micheal Patterson wrote the music for the film. The movie will premier locally on September 10 and 11 and Indian Tech University Magee Theatre at 8 pm and admission is free! Please come out and support our local talent.
I have also submitted the film around the country to various festivals and so far, we have been accepted into three of them! We have three donors who are helping so that I can keep submitting the film. After all the festivals, the film will be available online next year.
