The news of an A-list star likeJohnny Deppjoining a new film always makes headlines, but this time around, the beloved actor is taking on a new film project for an incredibly worthy cause. The star is just one of many notable actors and filmmakers who came aboard a new horror short film entitledThe Black Ghiandola, written by a teenager namedAnthony Contiwho is living with Stage 4 cancer, as part of an initiative through the Make a Film Foundation. Today we have photos from the set and new details about the project.
The Hollywood Reporterexplains that 16-year-oldAnthony Contiis suffering from stage IV adrenal cortical cancer. He teamed up with the Make a Film Foundation to get his horror short film off the ground, attracting actors likeJ.K. Simmons,Laura Dern,Penelope Ann Miller,Richard Chamberlain,Jade Pettyjohn,Chad Coleman,Pritesh ShahandKeith Allan, with filmmakerDavid Lyncheven starring in an on-screen role.Anthony Contiwrote the film withScott Kosar(The Crazies,The Texas Chainsaw Masscare) andWash Westmoreland(Still Alice, with filmmakersSam Raimi(The Evil Dead),Catherine Hardwick(Twilight) andTed Melfi(St. Vincent) taking turns behind the camera over the five-day shoot. Here’s what Make a Film Foundation founderTamika Lamisonhad to say aboutAnthony Contiin a statement.
“Anthonyis an alchemist - there was magic happening all around the set. It was like a magnet that kept attracting the best in so many people and attracting the extraordinary ‘yes’ at every turn.”
The Black Ghiandolacenters on a young man, played byAnthony Conti, who risks his life to save the girl he loves, after his family is wiped out during azombie apocalypse.Anthony Contiactually discovered the Make a Film Foundation on his own, contacting the organization to request a copy of one of their previous films, entitledThe Magic Bracelet. He had hoped to collaborate with the organization on his own film. Those plans began to take shape when his child care specialist informedTamika LamisonthatAnthony Contiwas forced to pull out of a summer film camp after he was diagnosed with stage IV adrenal cortical cancer back in July. While most of their projects take a year to fully plan out,The Black Ghiandolawent from conception toprincipal photographyin just one month. Here’s whatTamika Lamisonadded about this brave young filmmaker.
“His film has nothing to do with cancer. It’s him making his film, his way. What I love about Anthony is his courage, his sense of humor, his profound sense of self, his huge heart and intensity as a human being and a filmmaker. We are all better for havingAnthony Contiinvite us to be a part of his life and his film.”
The short film also received support from a number of organizations throughout the Hollywood community. Teamsters Local 399 drivers, Star Waggons, Wooden Nickel, Panavision, AMPAS, AMC, The Walking Dead, L.A. Grips, Plan U Prods., St. Joseph’s Hospital, Big Sky Ranch, Friar Tux, Nature’s Bakery, Gala Minasova’s Picture Car, Western Costumes, Essential Water, Cinepower & Light, Avon, Galpin, Quixote Rentals, Zio Rentals, Durable Medical Equipment Aid Society, Enterprise, Alex’s Catering, Skye Props, Boston Mass General, Bear Creek Restrooms, Ruskin Theatre, Constantine FX, Bloodlust Unlimited, MovieInsure, Domino’s, Starbucks, Warner Bros., and Anthony’s father, Brian Conti, and grandmother, Anita King all helped contribute to this special project.
Part of his Make a Film Foundation experience also included an Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences experience, which included a screening of his previousshort filmentitledTwinkle, Twinkleat the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. That screening included a surprise video shout-out from the cast of AMC’s hit zombie seriesThe Walking Dead. Take a look at the photos below from the set ofThe Black Ghiandolabelow.
