NEW TERRITORY
LOGLINE
Three children mine their inner lives within a suburban forest.
SYNOPSIS
Pennsylvania 1979: young Darrell picks up his b-b gun to play soldier in the woods with his compatriot Eugene who has secretly invited his friend Lizzie (the neighborhood firebrand) to tag along. The three encounter war, death, jealousy, and adolescence on an otherwise tranquil afternoon.
Adapted from the short story by Wilben R. Newton
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
All of us had defining moments as children that we rarely speak of; incidents that were left behind in the forests backyards and playgrounds of our neighborhoods. That very simply is the nexus of New Territory. As my father (who wrote the original short story) said – this story happened yesterday and it happened 100 years ago. It is a fable, a fairytale, a bedtime story of the somewhat unsettling kind.
The film was shot in Lancaster Pennsylvania, very near to where I experienced my childhood which in many ways can be characterized as idyllic. While in pre-production, it was decided that the crew, mostly traveling in from New York, would leave the day before the first day’s shoot and stay the night in my hometown in order to start with only a short drive into the location. That night, with crew members staying in my home, I found myself serendipitously sleeping in my childhood bedroom, in which I hadn’t stayed for 20 years or so. It was in fact the perfect place to be before the start of this endeavor; recalling who I was as a 7-year-old in that particular space, the thoughts and dreams I had there as a child. It’s something I hope the viewer will consider from their own experiences as they watch the film; the child that once was, still present and hiding somewhere within.
New Territory is about children and games and change, often of a significant and heartbreaking nature, though they may not even know it until time and age shows them much later in life. All of it on a sleepy afternoon in the middle of nowhere, where time stands still. - Alex
CAST
Dylan Cleary / Eugene
Dylan is an accomplished boy scout, Star Level, and is a natural outdoorsman. In 2009 he began acting and has three independent films under his belt. His activities include tennis and water-skiing. Among his many pets, Dylan has a dog, cat, frogs and fish. Dylan lives in New Jersey with his Mom, Dad, and sister Seana.
Emily Cofer / Lizzie
Emily comes from a theatre background, having performed in shows such as ”Annie”, “Miracle on 34th Street” and “The Sound of Music.” Her work in film began with student productions and eventually some principal roles in independent shorts destined for festivals. New Territory marks her latest and definitely most challenging venture. When not working on a script, Emily can be found playing with her pet Siamese cat, organizing her rock collection or practicing Jiu-jitsu forms.
Adam Campbell / Darrell
Adam first got his start in acting in 2008 when he attended an open audition for ACT. In 2009 he was accepted into the John Robert Powers acting program and has been with them ever since. Adam also recently put on his first theater production as Peter Pan. Adam excels in school and was accepted into John Hopkins University for Talented Youth where he was asked to take the SAT’s in 7th grade. Adam’s passions are acting, football, paintball, hunting, shooting (he recently achieved pro marksman), and spending time with his family.
CREW
Writer/Director: Alexander Newton
Producers: Neena Litton, Amanda Bayard
Director Of Photography: A. Clint Litton
Costume Design: Victoria E. Newton
Camera Dept: Dan Gutt, Patrick Welty, Jonathan Otto, Billy Robyn, Ethan Gutt
Sound: Rabb Whitehead
Production Assistant: Amy Reitnouer
Set Photography/Graphic Novel Illustrator: Natalie Fava
