SHOUT # 20
Apr. 26- May 26

The High Country Goes Hollywood:

On Thursday, March 29, High Country residents were treated to a cinematic first from a group of their own. Curiosity Productions, Inc., a locally based production company comprised of area residents and students at Appalachian State University, premiered their first feature-length film, The Collegiate Handbook, to a packed house in IG Greer Theatre. Clocking in at one hour forty-five minutes, the production was filmed entirely in Boone over the course of two years and features a talented cast of local actors.The brainchild of writer / producer Dave DiVerniero, The Collegiate Handbook follows protagonist Trey Clain, portrayed by Tom Valentine, who goes on a quest to find out what college is about. Hilarity ensues in the form of romance, shenanigans, and all-out chaos.

If you missed your chance to see the film at the premiere, fear not. According to DiVerniero, he and his company are set to press and distribute the movie themselves, with a tentative DVD release date of July 7. DiVerniero also plans to submit the film to several film festivals in the country, including the SoCal (Southern California) Independent Film Festival and the student filmmaker festival Young Cuts.

The Collegiate Handbook features Tom Valentine, Andy Baird, Hilary Edwards, Lauren Ohnesorge, Justin Attkisson, Vanna Pilgram, Tyler Roy and John Crutchfield among others. Crew included Pat Shepard, Director, Scott Hathaway, Director of Photography, Patrick S. Pope, artistic director, and James Ward, sound.