'Hollywood on the Delaware' nurtures connections, and fun

By Anya Tikka
MILFORD — The Best Western Hotel hosted last Thursday's "Hollywood on the Delaware" gala to celebrate the area’s rich filmmaking tradition — and, perhaps, bring the industry back to Pike County in a big way.
The master-of-ceremonies, Brian O’Halloran, told the Courier that his connection to Pike County is Dave Lee Madison, a local filmmaker, actor, and producer, and one of the event's organizers.
"He introduced me to this area four or five years ago," said O'Halloran, best known for his roles in Kevin Smith films, especially as the character Dante Hicks in Smith's debut film "Clerks" and its 2006 sequel, "Clerks II."
"So when I was asked if I wanted to participate by bringing in a bit of Hollywood history, knowing the history of film in this area, I said 'Absolutely. It’s time to celebrate,'" he said.
The very first films were made here, he said.
"Many movie stars came, including Mary Pickford, and many stayed at the Hotel Fauchere in Milford," said O'Halloran. "Two film productions I know are already planning to film here. It’s an area of diverse landscapes and historic sites. I can see it happening. I work with bigger casting houses, in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and even New York knows about this area with its wonderful views. I already worked here once, and I’ll be filming here in future.”
The gala had surpassed his expectations, he said.
Madison said he was "humbled by the enormous amount of people that showed up today, upwards of 125. I’m very, very proud of how it’s turned out.”
He said he hoped "Hollywood" would become an annual event, and that the event sponsor, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, is game.
Scott Schiaffo, another celebrity guest, also said his "good friend Dave Madison" connected him to this seminal area for filmmaking.
"It’s a beautiful area," he said. "I’m always very supportive of anything that will help to promote the arts anywhere. Personally the arts mean a lot to me.”
Pro-wrestler Steve Snitzky also came to lend his support, at Madison’s invitation,.
"I’m promoting our film 'Little Village,'" he said. "I’m excited to be here. The hospitality is above and beyond. I can’t say how thrilled I am."
Others attending the gala also spoke of their hope that Pike County will see a film renaissance.
Bob Keiber, a local producer, writer, and actor said, “Who knows? It might be a film capital soon. I used to work in TV, in Wilmington, North Carolina. It’s a very small town, but all of a sudden someone brought a giant studio there, and it went crazy, and now it’s a film Mecca. It changed the whole town.”
NAPA regional film office director Troy Bystrom joined in the sentiment.
“Pike County is one of a kind," he said. "We help films find locations, interns, food services, catering, craft services, any way we can. We also market, contact studios and agencies, but we don’t do funding except tax credits. We’re trying to get Pennsylvania to raise the film tax credit, like New York just did.”
Mary Jane Lawal came wither her teenage son, Maurice. They “came to see the stars,” she said, but also to support the community — and to enjoy the food, "for Maurice especially."
Among other visitors were locals Chip Smith and Derek Billinger, who said they wanted to support local filmmaking.
Joe Ferry, who was nominated several times for a Grammy, and his band played for the revelers during the cocktail hour.
Many local residents came just to have some fun.
Diane Brush from Milford had a big smile as she participated in the silent auction.
"I’m having a great time," she said.