To some, it might seem an unlikely film sight, but Mike DeChant, the Director of Photography and Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) Candidate at American University's (AU) School of Communication, thought Ernestos' Auto Center was perfect. DeChant's father is a close friend of Ernie Cupertino, owner of the auto center.
When Director Jim Burch, also a Masters of Fine Arts Candidate at American University's School of Communication, told him that he needed a gas station for his film, DeChant recommended Ernestos. It has already been used once for a scene in the TV show "America's Most Wanted" and DeChant liked the site.
"It turned out to be a great location and we had a lot of fun. We'd like to say special thanks to Ernesto for letting us film there. We'd also like to thank the management of the 7-Eleven for being very nice to us while we were there," said DeChant.
THE TITLE OF THE film is Cult on the Cul-de-sac. It features Simon Fisher, a gas station attendant, who has a mystical revelation and starts an alternative religion. The suburban community he lives in wages a battle against this unwelcome neighbor.
This dramatic comedy is a short film, shot on 16mm color negative with sync sound and written, directed and produced by Burch. It will be used as his thesis project, something that all AU MFA students must complete.
Cupertino said, "I enjoyed helping out the kids. I even had a couple of bit parts."