By DON STINE
Hollywood is coming to Asbury Park next summer for the filming of “Exit 102”- a major motion picture written and directed by Red Bank native Peter Dobson.
“This will be the ‘American Graffiti’ for a new generation,” Dobson said, referring to the 1973 coming-of-age classic George Lucas film.
Several hundred people turned out at the Paramount Theatre Saturday night to see a 12-minute trailer, or short film, shot by Dobson in Asbury Park last July.
The short film was produced to persuade movie executives to fund the full-length project and the effort apparently paid off when Dobson and his producer, Ran Ballard, announced prior to the screening that the movie has been fully funded.
“I had to pitch myself ever day for two years to come to realize this. It blows my mind,” Dobson said.
Dobson said he also retains directing rights under the arrangement.
According to Dobson, Raging Bull Productions Inc., headed by Joe Isgro, has committed $7 million to make the movie in Asbury Park and another $7 million to help promote it.
Dobson said he is happy to return to Asbury Park after investing $60,000 to make the trailer in six days last summer, using mostly volunteers. He said he is trying to recreate his memories of Asbury Park during the 1970s.
“This is where I’m from and I hope to film it all in Asbury Park,” he said.
Dobson said he is not at liberty at this time to say who will be starring be in the film,
“I think Asbury Park is on the move and the movie is going to be great. I wanted to make a Rock & Roll-fabled movie in Asbury Park,” he said.
One well-known actor who donated his time to act in the trailer over the summer was Frank Vincent, also known as Phil Leotardo in the popular HBO series “The Sopranos.”
Vincent said it was exciting to be back in Asbury Park, especially to film a major motion picture.
Vincent is quite familiar with the city and his band, the Aristocats, used to play gigs here in the 1960s.
“It’s great to be back. Asbury Park is being rejuvenated. I have always loved Asbury Park and I have a soft spot in my heart for it,” he said prior to the screening.
Vincent said “it is almost impossible” to get funding to make movies nowadays and that he is very impressed with Dobson and his crew’s efforts.
“There may be interest but you have to have the money. I am very much impressed with the trailer and this movie will be great. It shows the cream rises to the top,” he said.
Ballard said the movie team will be back in the city as early as May with about 160 people, with many staying at the Berkeley Hotel.
“Everybody who was in the trailer will have some role in the movie,” he said.
He estimates it will take about six weeks to shoot the film but activity will begin as early as April to create the 1970-era sets, including redoing some of the facades along the boardwalk and bringing in some vintage rides.
The old Palace Amusements building will also be digitally added into some scenes.
“Considering we were on the streets here just last July it’s pretty darn quick. It’s remarkable,” Ballard said.
He estimates that at least 75 local people will be employed while the movie is in production in Asbury Park.
Dan Jouett, of Middletown, is the East Coast producer responsible for putting together and organizing the sets, accommodations, antique cars, and just about everything else to ensure things run smoothly.
“I wear about nine different hats. I’m the local connection guy,” he said.
Jouett, 44, said he and Dobson have been friends for some time and that he decided to come on board for the movie after the two friends discussed it at some length.
Jouett is also an actor and has appeared on TV in shows including “Night Rider” and “Fantasy Island.”
“Asbury Park is the place (to film the movie). It’s soulful, has the energy of music and it’s timeless. You can feel the energy in the air around here,” he said.
Meredith Peltz, who owns the Vintage Variety clothing store in Atlantic Highlands, said she is delighted to be able to provide vintage 1970s clothing for the movie. She provided the same clothing to shoot the trailer.
“I’ve got everything packed away and I’m looking forward to doing it again. It will be so much easier the second time around and I’m ready,” she said.
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