My photos from filming as an extra in the horror film CANDLEWOOD back in 2022—and from the red carpet premiere at Bank Street Theater in my hometown of New Milford, Connecticut, where the movie was shot—are below! What a magical filming experience and a stellar night—things that’ll always live gloriously in my memory. I’m so thrilled and excited for everyone involved.

Wanna get your chance to see the film everyone’s talking about in a limited run before it goes national? You CAN, right NOW, at Bank Street Theater through the month of February! A new showing was also just added, since several have sold out.

GET TICKETS HERE: https://www.candlewoodfilm.com/tickets?fbclid=IwAR0DGSn13fCXoOpmtixzoiUk6GiT5b16idUICIL1ULJ84pY8GpKg6OMV5cw

I-95 Rock’s “Unveiling the Magic of ‘Candlewood’ – Red Carpet & Beyond” here: https://i95rock.com/unveiling-of-candlewood-world-premiere/

Danbury News-Times Event Coverage: https://www.newstimes.com/entertainment/article/candlewood-horror-movie-new-milford-ct-premiere-18634628.php

And now…

FILMING AT THE MARKET-CT (formerly the Northville Market): October 25, 2022

October 25, 2022: The extras gather at the Northville Market to shoot the grocery store scene. It was shot in the evening, after the store had closed for the day. I grew up with the Northville Market, several of my high school friends lived near it, and I was also in the 1988 All School Musical, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, with Rob Brenner, son of the owner. So this place and I have a history.

The grocery store scene extras! We had a fantastic time. Back, center: Evan Janush. Front, from left, Nyree Peck, Lynn Priest, Jessica Therrion, and me.

I had a certain number of groceries in my cart–I remember there were avocados and some bread, MAYBE some olive oil–and I worked on putting them all in a certain order and loading and unloading them the same way each time. We had to reshoot that scene many times, so I was trying to be consistent. I also invented a little back story for why I was buying these items: my husband decided he wanted a fancy dinner at 9:00 at night. Behind the register is Nyree Peck, and to the left, there’s Lisa Hines (who does a lot of small roles), Joel Bryant as Kevin Barrington, and I think that’s Director Myke Fuhrman talking with Joel.

GETTING READY FOR THE PREMIERE: January 27, 2024

The souvenir basket. Tori (producer) bought some stuff, I bought some stuff, and then I came up with this and stuffed all those little packets she ordered.

In case you’re wondering what’s inside–caramels and a glow-in-the-dark mushroom. You’d have to see the movie to understand the connection.

Me in my foyer, getting ready to saddle up and head out to the premiere.

This dress–a velvet burnout from Unique Vintage called the Hemingway (it’s styled like dresses from the late 1920’s/early 1930’s)–I bought for the NECRONOMICON Eldritch Ball this coming August, but I figured a film premiere was a great opportunity to give it a trial run.

I actually bought a cocoon cape to go with the Hemingway dress, but it was a little too chilly for just the thin cape. So I went with my Betsey Johnson, a coat I don’t wear that often because it’s so fancy! For January, we’re doing great up here in Connecticut. The temp that night was only in the mid-40’s to low 50s, so it really was perfect.

AT THE PREMIERE: Bank Street Theater, New Milford, CT

Before the walk down the red carpet, my brother treated me to a nice glass of wine at Sparrow in New Milford.

COOLEST. THING. EVER. I grew up seeing movies at Bank Street Theater in the 1970s and 1980s. This is where I saw INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE, GREMLINS, SPACEBALLS, E.T., and many others.

Me and my brother Chuck on the red carpet (Nathan was doing a Masonic thing in NYC and couldn’t join me, but DAMN I had a blast with my bro!)

A close-up of the poster outside the theater. Photo by Sonya Hals.

This was the red carpet check-in area. I snapped this after everyone was inside.

These were the premiere night tickets. Sturdy and definitely souvenir worthy.

There’s my name on the extras list! I won’t lie. That was friggin’ awesome to see on a big screen. Photo by Sonya Hals.

Close-up of my name! Photo by Sonya Hals.

They were so sweet to special thank my husband and I! We did some random behind-the-scenes stuff, in case you’re wondering.

AT THE AFTER PARTY AT 19 MAIN

Signature cocktails and embossed napkins!

I kinda swiped this from the CANDLEOODFILM Instagram, so I have no idea who took it? But it was just a cool shot of the whole room.

Me and Lynn Priest, who was in the grocery store scene with me (and we had so much FUN!!) Lynn serves on the New Milford Film Commission, which has helped bring many wonderful productions to town to film here.

Left to right, Kristina Hals, Chuck, and Sonya Hals, but we were all Candlewood Lake kids who were very close.

The Hals girls and me = trouble (me and Sonya used to play Hunter and McCall. And if you can get that reference without looking it up, you win!

When old friends reunite!! This was my favorite moment. Christina MacMiller and Kristina Hals hadn’t seen each other in a long time and C surprised K. I will cherish the joy in this moment forever.

Me, my friend Tina McMiller from HS, and Kristina.

Me with the talented Lisann Valentin (Veronica Barrington in CANDLEWOOD). I will be looking to see her in more films. She’s good.

Me and Tori, CANDLEWOOD’s Executive Producer. No, she’s not wearing a hat. That’s a bad photo bomb.

I loved these balloons! I think Keli Solomon, who helped during the course of the film and whose husband, Jeffrey, played Eli, brought them. The reception was held at 19 Main–which used to house two banks and is on the historic registry. It’s now a beautiful event space.

Me and Billy Buckbee, who is also an extra in the film and is part of the awesome Harrybrook Park in New Milford (our big town park growing up). He is a Connecticut State Representative and a professional Santa Claus (the best in the biz, in my opinion). We’ve come a long way from 3rd grade on the playground, where he defended me from bullies. We’ve been friends ever since.

Me and my brother Chuck with Joel Bryant, who played Kevin Barrington. I got to work with him in the grocery scene and he is a LOT of fun to hang out with. He’s been in many films, and like Lisann, he’s good and I hope to see him do even more (I’m still catching up on his past projects).

CANDLEWOOD director Myke Fuhrman gave a really nice speech.

Me and Jeffrey Alan Solomon, who plays Eli in the film. An all around great guy, again fun to hang out with, and was stand-out as the film’s resident villain.

Me and Keli Solomon–Jeffrey’s wife, but also, she does a lot with Sherman Playhouse. I am sure I’ve run into her way before this and just didn’t make the connection, but we’ve hung out a few times and always had a great time.

Me and Coulter Ibanez, who plays Matteo in the film. MAN does this kid have an amazing scream. So friggin’ REAL.

Billy Buckbee and Kristina Hals! This is such a cute pic.