Local filmmakers bring high school football redemption story to life in West Virginia

WEIRTON, W.Va (WTRF) — Local directors and writers have returned to West Virginia to film the first episode of a high school football redemption story.

This potential series not only covers one of the country’s most beloved sports but also takes a deep dive into the opioid crisis that affects this state.

Cast and crew hailing from New York, L.A., and Pittsburgh have come together in Weirton to bring this story to life.

Sean Geary, writer, producer, and actor, says that he has spent roughly ten years writing the script, with the last two years being a whirlwind of filming and production.

“Mikey Damico, we’re both from here. I went to Brooke High School, and he went to Weir High School, so it was really kind of cool to do a story that’s based around things that we saw growing up and being able to shoot it here in our real hometown, it’s been a blessing.”

Sean Geary, writer, producer, and actor

Geary says they used Brook High School and locations around Weirton as their primary shooting spots.

Mikey Damico, director and cinematographer, says that once episode one is finished, he hopes this will turn into a series on a major streaming platform.

“So, we’re looking for this to be picked up by a network to eventually become a full series, a limited series that can been seen on Netflix, Peacock, any other streaming partner that’s willing to pick us up and work with us. We want to make this happen.”

Mikey Damico, director and cinematographer

Both Damico and Geary agree that this has been one of the most incredible experiences they’ve been a part of.

“This is the last day of filming, everyone’s been talking about how sad it’s been, like we don’t want this to end.”

Sean Geary, writer, producer, and actor

“It’s been the most amazing experience in the world to bring people from all over the country here to Weirton to make this happen.”

Mikey Damico, director and cinematographer

The story that hits close to home looks forward to final edits sometime around September.

Once the project is finished, the team hopes to plan a premiere at the Weirton Movie Theater in the Weirton Plaza.

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