COURIER POST - 8/16/05
By LISA GRZYBOSKI He's flat broke, tired and a nervous wreck. But Michael Licisyn wouldn't have it any other way. His first feature-length film -- a six-month labor of love that cost him $3,000 and untold amounts of energy to make -- premieres Wednesday at Washington Township High School's Commerce Bank Arts Center and he's anxious to see what viewer reaction will be. "I try not to go in thinking that it's the greatest thing in the world," said Licisyn, 21, a Rowan University student majoring in radio, TV and film. "I've done that before, and I've set myself up for a letdown." Yet, he can't help but hope the movie about Washington Township, his hometown, will attract some notice and even a bit of revenue. Licisyn describes the film, Township, as a fun, breezy homage to the place where he came of age. While the movie focuses on two people in their early 20s who are trying to come to a better understanding of themselves and their futures, the intent is to give viewers a peek at what Washington Township and the people who live there are like, said the aspiring filmmaker, who also wrote the screenplay. Moviegoers will see scenes filmed at the high school, Washington Lake Park, Five Points Diner, Drissel's Hardware and a number of the township's suburban neighborhoods. Center City Philadelphia and Ocean City are also featured. Licisyn filmed the movie during May. The cast and crew, which at times numbered close to 70 people, often worked 12-hour days, he said. "It was hard-core," said Carmen Marino, 22, of West Deptford, the movie's supporting actor. "It was nonstop for awhile. But I thought it was amazing. Not only was the talent good, but I was amazed at how Mike did it." The months after filming were devoted to editing and finalizing the movie's original soundtrack, which was written by Jonathan Hakun, a Washington Township native, and performed by the band 39 Mariner. "I've been in many, many, many of Mike's other projects. It was really fun to do this one because it showed how much he has matured in his filmmaking abilities," said Kristin Vitt, 20, who spent most of her time helping out behind the scenes. "It's hard to tell how a movie is going to turn out. I think all put together it will be one of his better films." Licisyn has been creating short films and spoofs since he was old enough to use a camcorder. In 1995, he and a friend established Mixed Nuts Productions and now have more than 20 films and videos in their portfolio, most written and directed by Licisyn. Some have won awards in New Jersey and Philadelphia competitions. Licisyn plans on submitting Township to a variety of film festivals throughout the country to see what happens. Whatever money and momentum he receives will be put toward the next movie for which he is already hard at work writing the screenplay. He described the future film as "dark and depressing" and distinctly different from Township. "Directors always say, "First you do the safe picture, then you do the art picture,' " Licisyn said. With Wednesday's premiere almost upon him, Licisyn said he doesn't know what to expect but is happy with what he and his cast and crew were able to accomplish. "A filmmaker is never done and satisfied with a movie," he said. "There's just a point where you say "stop' and move on. Otherwise, you'll never get it done." Reach Lisa Grzyboski at (856) 251-3345 or lgrzyboski@courierpostonline.com |
