(Meadville, PA – May 5, 2023)
Crawford County residents have long been intrigued by tales of Radio Tower mutants. Senior Philmmaker Levi Lewis joined a crew of 150 people shooting Pig Hill, a horror feature based on the Meadville legend. Lewis interned as a production assistant reporting to assistant directors. They managed the film’s operational and technical aspects, freeing the director to focus on its creative elements.
“My foundation of film and photography courses equipped me with needed technical skills. I was familiar with equipment and terminology. I could function effectively, comfortable and confident among professionals,” reports Lewis. “But the level of coordination required on a large-scale production was truly eye-opening.
“These were intense 12-hour days, coordinating multiple locations and departments. The sheer stress and intensity of managing so many moving pieces gave me a sense of leadership and organization. Smaller academic crews working with a classroom safety net can only scratch the surface.”
Lewis recalls the adrenaline rush of one night in particular. “It was an epic fight scene, set in a vast, open field on a cold, 40-degree night. There was combat, blood packets, a car stunt. Five cameras were rolling simultaneously. The hours of preparation, rehearsals, and special effects culminated in a memorable scene, executed flawlessly in a single take. It’s exhilarating to witness Hollywood-style stunts in person.”
Lewis summed up his experience, saying, “The production expanded my perception of industry career possibilities. I always envisioned a path leading to post-production, but this internship has made me appreciate the entire filmmaking process and consider a broader range of opportunities.”