Episode 15: The Making of Delco: The Movie – Director Chris Pierdomenico on Growing Up, Filmmaking, and Building a Cinematic Universe

In this episode of 40 Years & 40 Beers, we sit down with writer-director and Delco native Chris Pierdomenico to explore the origin story of Delco: The Movie, a hilarious, chaotic, and heartfelt indie film set in 2004 Delaware County, PA.

Chris talks about how the original version started as a high school project at Sun Valley High School and evolved over 20 years into a professionally shot, SAG-AFTRA-approved, festival-accepted feature. Inspired by Kevin Smith’s Clerks, and rooted in real Delco life, the film blends absurd comedy, local color, and emotional coming-of-age storytelling.

We break down:

• The original high school version from 2004

• Casting Clerks star Brian O’Halloran

• Working with Leah Cevoli and the Seed & Spark crowdfunding platform

• Getting over 30 Delco businesses like Tom Jones Family Restaurant, Marty McGee’s, Roma Deli, Doghouse Gaming (owned by Tweak), and Let There Be Rock School to participate and sponsor

• How the film’s high school scenes were shot at Sun Valley HS, with real teachers and students returning to help

• Chaotic on-set moments with the Brookhaven Police, neighborhood residents, and improvised lines that made the final cut

• Shoutouts to key cast: Steve Harding, Jenna Kuerzi, Jeffrey Pfeiffer, and cinematographer Kevin Hackenbergh

• The influence of John Hughes, Judd Apatow, and Kevin Smith on Delco storytelling

• How Chris outlines his stories, writes his scripts on his iPhone, and balances a full-time job as a teacher while making movies

• The next film in the Delco Cinematic Universe: Gamers: A Delco Movie, currently in development

• Preparing for their screening at Smodcastle Film Festival, hosted by Kevin Smith Whether you're a Delco native, a fan of independent film, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is for you. It’s a celebration of local pride, DIY hustle, and what it means to build a creative vision over two decades.

🛜 More Info:
Visit the official movie site: www.delcothemovie.com. Follow on Facebook & Instagram: @delcothemovie . Festival screening: August 9th, 8:30 PM EST @ Smodcastle Cinemas (Block 21).

🎙️ Hosts: Bobby & Joe | 40 Years & 40 Beers Podcast
📍Recorded remotely in Delco, PA
📚 Topics: Indie Filmmaking, Delco Culture, Behind the Scenes, Coming-of-Age, Local Landmarks, SAG-AFTRA, Creative Process, Kevin Smith Universe

Timeline...

0:00 Welcome Chris Pierdomenico

2:54 Delco The Movie

5:31 Brian O'Halloran

7:35 SAG & Crowd Funding

9:26 Movie Synopsis

9:54 Delco Landmarks

12:49 30+ Business Sponsorships

13:54 Script Maturity

14:57 Chris' Teaching Career

17:53 Putting Students into the film

19:11 OMG! Moments

22:24 Distribution Challenges

25:00 DCU: Delco Cinematic Universe

26:33 20-minute Rule

28:00 Kevin Smith & Judd Apatow Influences

28:58 Superhero Debate

30:43 Thank you!

31:19 Clerks Changed My Life

32:39 I need a Point

34:27 The Film is Everyone's

38:42 Trusting the Team

40:35 50 Hours of Raw Footage

42:44 Pleasantries'

43:32 Screenings & Social