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 2004Casting Clerks star Brian O’HalloranWorking with Leah Cevoli and the Seed & Spark crowdfunding platformGetting 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 sponsorHow the film’s high school scenes were shot at Sun Valley HS, with real teachers and students returning to helpChaotic on-set moments with the Brookhaven Police, neighborhood residents, and improvised lines that made the final cutShoutouts to key cast: Steve Harding, Jenna Kuerzi, Jeffrey Pfeiffer, and cinematographer Kevin HackenberghThe influence of John Hughes, Judd Apatow, and Kevin Smith on Delco storytellingHow Chris outlines his stories, writes his scripts on his iPhone, and balances a full-time job as a teacher while making moviesThe next film in the Delco Cinematic Universe: Gamers: A Delco Movie, currently in developmentPreparing 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 UniverseTimeline...0:00 Welcome Chris Pierdomenico2:54 Delco The Movie5:31 Brian O'Halloran7:35 SAG & Crowd Funding9:26 Movie Synopsis9:54 Delco Landmarks12:49 30+ Business Sponsorships13:54 Script Maturity14:57 Chris' Teaching Career17:53 Putting Students into the film19:11 OMG! Moments22:24 Distribution Challenges25:00 DCU: Delco Cinematic Universe26:33 20-minute Rule28:00 Kevin Smith & Judd Apatow Influences28:58 Superhero Debate30:43 Thank you!31:19 Clerks Changed My Life32:39 I need a Point34:27 The Film is Everyone's38:42 Trusting the Team40:35 50 Hours of Raw Footage42:44 Pleasantries'43:32 Screenings & Social