While you may be aware that Northeast Ohio has been featured in several films lately, you might not have known that one particular film has local connections. Portions of “The Other Side of Darkness”, an independent family-friendly action movie, were filmed in and around Garrettsville, thanks to JAG High School graduate, Vinny Sisson.
Sisson is a 2006 graduate of James A. Garfield High School, who notes that his parents were originally from Cleveland, but were drawn by the area’s beauty and simplicity. Sisson grew up on Wheeler Road, surrounded by the video production equipment his father used in his job creating commercials, church and mission videos. At 10-years-old, Sisson created his first movie with friends, and knew that was what he wanted to do with his life. After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles to study filmmaking. After working in the field in LA for 10 years, Sisson and his family moved home to Ohio.
The film’s writer and director, Adam Deierling followed a similar path as a 2004 graduate of Jackson High School in Canton. After studying film and working on the West Coast, he also returned home to Ohio with a dream to produce films in the Buckeye State. When the pair discussed the project, Sisson immediately thought Garrettsville would be a perfect location for two major scenes in the film.
“Even after I left for school,” Sisson noted, “I knew I wanted to come back and shoot in this beautiful area. And when the opportunity to film in a small town arose, Garrettsville was at the top of Sisson’s mind. He noted with pleasure that everyone was excited to help make it happen. “People were super helpful,” he noted, “and so generous with us.” The team shot at Johnson’s Service in Garrettsville and at the Garrettsville Mini-Storage facilities in Garrettsville and Freedom. And if you look closely, you’ll notice several outdoor shots in Freedom, as well.
“We’re passionate about making films in Ohio,” Deierling explained. “Using local cast and crew was important to us. We knew we could make a movie in the area, with limited equipment and resources, that people would still want to see.” He noted that he originally wrote the film simply because the story appealed to him, but thinks it has appeal not only for younger movie-goers who see themselves in the characters, but older folks as well.
Sisson explained, “It’s really a family film. Younger viewers find the characters inspiring while older viewers reminisce about their younger days — but they can all enjoy the movie together. Many independent films are made for a very narrow audience,” he explained. “We crossed a lot of bridges with the goal that everyone can enjoy our film together.”
“We made our film unconventionally,” Deierling noted. “Since we each worked in LA, we applied those film making techniques. We wanted to mirror that vibe in the film’s release as well.” Sisson concurred, “Through social media, the film has had a following, from filming straight through the production process. We wanted to give that audience an opportunity to be a part of a Hollywood-style premiere.”
On Wednesday, February 2nd, the pair held a Hollywood-style premiere for their feature film “The Other Side of Darkness.” The red-carpet event took place at the Highland Square Theatre in Akron, but if you missed it, you’ll find details about the movie, including where you can view it, at https://theothersideofdarkness.com.
Both Sisson and Deierling followed their filmmaking dreams to Hollywood, but eventually brought the skills they learned back to Northeast Ohio, and they encourage others to follow their dreams as well. Sisson urged students with an interest in film to just keep doing it. “If you really want to do it, get an education or get on set, even if you need to relocate to get those experiences.”
Deierling had this advice to anyone dreaming of a career in the movie industry: “Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do it. If it seems difficult or challenging, don’t let that be a roadblock.” He explained that while he and Sisson were fortunate to have the equipment they needed, “These days, thanks to technology, anyone with an iPhone and laptop can put something together.” Sisson agreed, adding, “Things are way more accessible now, with an app on a phone and social media platforms to share what you’ve created.”
Sisson added, “There’s lots of talent right here in Ohio,” he added, “We were pleasantly surprised. It gave us the opportunity to put something really nice together.” He continued, “There are lots of opportunities to make mid-level films in Ohio.” He added, “It’s now doable to have Ohioans make films in Ohio with other Ohioans.”
Sisson’s company, Vinny Sisson Multimedia Productions provides videography and website development services in Youngstown. Deierling runs Canton Wedding Videos and Saturn Entertainment Studios in Canton.
For more information, including behind-the-scenes material and distribution details, visit the movie website or follow the film on Facebook or Instagram.
