The New Surf got on the horn with director Alex DePhillipo to provide a more in-depth look in what is going into filming Dark Fall.
How about a brief overview for those of us unfamiliar, a Jersey movie with Jersey Surfers?
Dark Fall is a film about New Jersey surf featuring The Garden State’s best talent. This film is a showcase of what we have to offer revolving around the Four Seasons. Where do the changing seasons bring a surfer? In winter, Jersey is where it’s at. If you are from New Jersey there is no better time to be here, its cold but it remains uncrowded and the film’s crew has seen many double overhead days. As the season pushes on, Hawaii… and come summer when Jersey is flat, a trip to Tahiti.
What has been your biggest challenge filming Dark Fall thus far?
“The biggest challenge is that in Jersey it is often 1 swell, 1 day. Getting everyone together in 1 day at one spot, it is a struggle to get footage. The project has been ongoing for the past one and a half years. The lighting sucks and it’s cloudy, but that does help add to the Jersey feel.”
How much footage is enough?
Alex has been steadily adding to his cache of unrivaled clips from Jersey’s stand up barrels and hollow swell events. Since the project’s beginning he has amassed footage from the collection of swells not only in Jersey but around the world. With the recent addition of the Red ONE camera, DePhillipo is excited to bring stellar footage to the table. The camera does the Dark Fall’s crew justice. If you are unfamiliar with the Red ONE, well read about it. If you haven’t seen the slow mo clip of Sam Hammer shot from this camera you are blowing it. Check that here.
Has the project taken you anywhere you thought you’d never be?
“Jersey. Never thought I’d be in Jersey for one and a half years. I have not been here this long.” Between living in Hawaii for 5 years and film school in Florida, DePhillipo always thought he would ditch the cold of his home state. But Alex has found home is where he’s happy. And who wouldn’t be with empty, double overhead barrels. “It makes you appreciate where you are from.” Safe to say, he doesn’t want to leave.
Has this project evolved from what you originally envisioned?
[laughs] “Yeah, that it was going to be a 5 month project.” He goes on to explain that in sticking with his original vision, he began seeing better. Filming is important, but getting a group together in addition to editing and promoting the film, Alex has his hands full. It has grown into an epic project for him, one he is clearly excited about. The crew prepares for another go at Hawaii this year. And on their return, DePhillipo says that’s a wrap!
As the season’s change, there is another swell to chase or destination holding waves. Surfers from New Jersey adapt. This action documentary makes sure to provide the best of Jersey’s seasons, surfing, and music.
Where can we find more info?
Hit up the Dark Fall Fan Page on Facebook. Become a fan and then cruise the website www.darkfallthemovie.com where you can see a trailer of the movie.
Be sure to check out this Tahiti teaser also:
Ryan Struck Photography 