An inaugural Tamaqua-based film currently in production throughout the town is already setting records.

“Dream Devil” is an independent film starring New York-based actor Nick Turturro, known for his work in “Blue Bloods” and “NYPD Blue.”

The film, much anticipated by the industry, is leading the way at a difficult time for performers and studios.

That’s because an ongoing actors strike has curtailed work and is likely to carry over into 2024.

But high energy director Robert J. Margalo was able to secure the blessing of the Screen Actors Guild and continue with his plans despite industry turmoil.

Margalo, himself a SAG member, said he and his crew support the actors’ plight. And that’s just one reason why he made sure he was in compliance before starting to shoot in the Schuylkill County community.

“We have our ducks in a row,” said Margalo on Sunday during a break in filming at Willing Park, Spruce Street.

“We’re the only ones on the East Coast who got approved. About 75% of our production members are union.”

As a writer, director and producer, Margalo is involved in all aspects of filmmaking and expresses sensitivity to important concerns of the industry.

“We are thrilled to have obtained SAG clearance for “Dream Devil” and are immensely proud to contribute to the resilience and well-being of striking actors.

“We firmly stand in solidarity with both SAG and the Writers Guild of America. We are doing what the studios are unwilling to do. The actors deserve it.”

Margalo serves as chief executive office and director at Outhouse Productions, whose goal is to build a state-of-the-art production facility in Tamaqua.

In addition to star Turturro, another veteran actor appearing in the film is Nestor Serrano, portraying Detective Dennis Mangold.

He was featured in “The Negotiator” and appeared as Emilio Loera in the fourth season of the Cinemax series “Banshee.”

“I came here from Maryland to help Robert with this project,” he said.

Actor Lillo Brancato also is on set. He’s best known for work in Robert De Niro’s 1993 directorial debut “A Bronx Tale.” He also portrayed Matthew Bevilaqua, young mobster on “The Sopranos.”

Another star on set is Darlene Tejeiro, known for her popular contract character of Anita Santos on the ABC daytime drama “All My Children.”

Still another is Teresa Navarro, who appeared in “Birth of the Dragon”and “Enter the Fire.” She was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year Award at the 2017 Equality International Film Festival for her work in fighting human trafficking and abuse.

Local talent

While the film includes a long list of big names, locals also have been selected.

They include Patrick Devitt, 15, who will enter Lehighton Area High School as a sophomore in the fall.

Some will remember Devitt from his role in a school production of “Bye, Bye Birdie.” However, stage work is different from film. Professional filmmaking is a whole new ballgame. But Devitt feels up to the challenge.

“I’m so excited,” he said. “They’re all very welcoming and very nice to be around.”

Devitt will appear as a basketball player and jogger and has one line to deliver. But it’s important because it’s a line directed to star Turturro.

Other locals as well as law enforcement officers of the Tamaqua police department were used as extras in recently filmed scenes.

Economic boost

The production is resulting in an economic boost for the Tamaqua area.

While many members of the cast and crew are staying in motor homes and RVs, others are seeking lodging in South Tamaqua and the Comfort Inn and Suites, Barnesville.

At least one member of the crew is impressed by the local geography.

“The mountains and valleys are very sharp. It makes the roads tough to drive on,” said Pittsburgh native Joe Cantor, a sound technician. “I like it. It’s a nice change of pace.”

Spectators who wish to witness filming are kept at a distance and no unauthorized individuals are allowed on set.

In fact, one must pass through two levels of security to reach the set. The first is a perimeter established by local law enforcement, members of whom are hired privately. Officer Ryan Oldt of the Tamaqua police department was on hand Sunday.

A second level is staffed by studio security headed by operational manager Louis Gonzalez, law enforcement veteran and former member of the Reading police department.

“We keep watch on everything and help the actors, too,” said Gonzalez.

A different, unrelated studio also was filming a movie in Tamaqua in recent weeks. According to reports, there are five separate movie productions being filmed in Tamaqua in 2023.