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South Philly’s Matthew Delia Makes a Deal in the City
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by Brenda Hillegas photo by James Blocker
ocal filmmaker Matthew Delia wrapped production on his latest film The Deal this summer in Philadelphia. He’s from the Lower Moyamensing area of South Philly and appreciates the closely knit (and closely placed) neighbors in his city. “Once when I was in my bathroom and sneezed my neighbor said ‘God bless you’ from their bathroom,” he says. As such, it’s no surprise that he used the city he loves and calls home as the backdrop for The Deal. Filming took
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place this summer in South Philadelphia, Roxborough, Center City and nearby Wayne. The Deal focuses on Blake Scottman (Delia’s character) whose family owns a Philadelphia-based energy company that was hit hard during the economic crisis in 2008. As a result, Blake was forced to let some employees go. A few years later, Blake throws a party for his girlfriend (played by Lindsay Mason) and makes a purchase from small time drug dealer Ronnie (played by Rob Latta). Ronnie was laid off from the company in 2008 and sells drugs to survive. The former boss and employee are now at odds, which sets the plot of the film. Delia says the dark tones in the film also show the dark underbelly of Philadelphia. “Some people might not be aware it exists. According to a 2015 national drug threat assessment summary published by the DEA, Philadelphia has a terrible problem
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with cocaine, meth and heroine.” The idea behind The Deal came from seeing many people Delia cares about suffer from drug problems. “Drug culture is an ensnaring one that is hard to get out of and truly changes you. I wanted to create a film that danced in the grey area; no clear right and wrong. Everyone is somewhat to blame for the events that transpire,” he explains. Filming took place primarily on weekends with cast and crew on set for 12-18 hours at a time. “Everyone was so gung-ho about the script, which, as the writer of the film, was really encouraging,” Delia says. “The experience working on [The Deal] was rather enjoyable,” adds Rob Latta, who plays Ronnie. “We had our funny moments but got our work done in record time. I can’t wait for our next project once this one is over. It’s bittersweet because I am happy it’s almost done but sad to see some of our crew go.” Don Manigly, who plays character
James Bergun, says the cast and crew immediately felt like an extended family. “The production crew, which consisted of both new and seasoned actors and filmmakers, formed an instant bond,” he says. “I loved working with such a diverse and talented production team. I’d gladly collaborate with everyone associated with this film again.” The Deal is fiscally sponsored by Winter Film Awards, a non-profit that helps filmmakers raise a budget for their film projects. “They helped so much. I was directed to the organization by a friend of a friend who has had help funding his various entertainment ventures through Winter Film Awards,” Delia says. Delia always has been a film buff. He began creating short films in 7th grade as a way to cope with being severely bullied. “I love getting swept away by stories on screen. Filmmaking is a great way to leave a legacy,” he says. “Film is art that surpasses the filmmaker and that always fascinated me. Someone can watch your work and you can have an effect on someone who you may have never met even long after you are gone. You can help someone get through a tough time in their life by just making a film about a common experience.” His first films were a trilogy on superheroes with the lead char-
| rowhome magazine | October / November / December 2017
acter going through some of the same tribulations that he was going through at that time. “I finally had an escape. A film series that really got my interest in filmmaking going was, without a doubt, Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy. I felt, and still feel, tied to the character.” Delia also started acting in his films after shedding around 40 pounds. “I set a goal to expand my comfort zone. Acting was something I had always wanted to do but never felt confident enough to try until I slimmed down. Acting is a way to become someone else. You lose any and all insecurities you have...and become a part of something bigger than yourself.” Just before production on The Deal began, Delia created the Marvel comics fan film Hero or Menace. He also performed in his first stage play recently at Manayunk’s Venice Island Recreation Center. “I’m always trying to expand my range as an actor. The saw can never be too sharp.” The Deal will premiere in Philadelphia but Delia also has his eyes set on film festivals and conventions throughout the country. Follow him on Instagram at deliamatthew, Facebook at Matthew Delia and on Snapchat at mdeasy1997. “If you see me on the street you can always stop and tell me how much you love The Deal...and get a hardy high five!” prh gohomephilly.com