Independent Film Company Makes Historic Mansion Focus of New Film Project

Starline Films, an independent film company, is in production on their latest project, Bluefield, at the historic Blauvelt Mansion in Oradell.  

The cast and crew, partly comprised of  students, is led by Starline Films partners: Jon Doscher, Francine Ganguzza and Kevin Leckner.

Bluefield, loosely based on the history of the mansion, was written by Doscher and Ganguzza. Doscher directs this “twilight zonesque” story about a group of children who take a different path home from school and wind up at the Blauvelt Mansion. One of the children, James H. Demarest, ventures off from his friends and family and enters into the mansion on his own. As the children attempt to find him, they are confronted with strange events, and strange people. Mysteriously, the mansion acts as a portal, launching the children back to the year 1928. Along the way they encounter the infamous Hiram Blauvelt at a New Years Eve Masquerade Ball held at his home, Bluefield.

Originally from Woodcliff Lake-Ganguzza knew of the Blauvelt Mansion from her cousins who grew up in Oradell.  

“As kids, my cousins and I would go up Soldier Hill Road and sneak around the back to peak in," she said. "We always wondered who lived there and what it looked like inside… so naturally it was a thrill for me to finally walk through those doors. We are extremely grateful to CareOne who generously gave us permission to shoot there.”

"We filmed one-third of the script over three days in February and are in the process of securing additional dates to go back, Kevin Leckner, President of Starline Films added. "We are offering sponsorship and advertising opportunities to local businesses in the area to be integrated within this film project. 100% of the net proceeds will benefit the  Blauvelt- Demarest Foundation.

The efforts by Starline Films are also supported by several local businesses including Reuten Corporate Park of Closter, In Thyme Catering of River Vale, architect  of Oradell,  of Ridgewood, The Donatocci Family of Ridgewood, Pulse Private and Security of Secaucus, The Polifrone Family of Westwood, Clee Construction of Westwood, of Mahwah and of Wyckoff.

Along with raising awareness to the Mansion's history, Starline is also providing valuable experience to many students who are interested in filmmaking, acting and the entertainment industry.

"Many River Dell students got involved thanks to Anthony Traina," Ganguzza said. Traina is the  TV/Media teacher and RDTV advisor. "The media students all received “hands on” experience, whether it was behind or in front of the camera."  

Starline Films plans to premiere their film, Bluefield, at a high-end Red Carpet Masquerade-Soiree Event later this year.  

For more information on the Bluefield film project and sponsorship opportunities visit Blauvelt Mansion Project. For more information on the Cast/Crew visit the Bluefield Film Project at the IMDB (The Internet Movie Database).