William Sokolic

Courier-Post

New Jersey gets its share of movies filmed in the state, but the preponderance of pictures come out of the northern half of the state. Yet over the years, Hollywood has come calling in South Jersey from time to time:

King of Marvin Gardens (1972), Atlantic City (1980), Wise Guys (1986), Rounders (1998), Snake Eyes (1998) and Ocean's Eleven (2001) all had most or parts filmed in Atlantic City.

Eddie and the Cruisers (1983) in Somers Point; Clean and Sober (1988) filmed in part in Gloucester City; and Jersey Girl (2004) in Paulsboro, Berlin and Cherry Hill.

Mostly, this end of the state gets independent productions, sometimes with name actors, mostly with unheralded stars. Walking to the Waterline (1998) and its sequel, Duane Hopwood (2005) filmed in Atlantic City and Longport, the first with Matt Mulhern and Alan Ruck, the second with David Schwimmer, John Krasinski and Janeane Garofalo.

Here are five newer independent films with no notable cast members.

1. Ghost Light (2009)

Directed by Kent Green and Ernie Rockelman. Ritz artistic director, Bruce Curless, stars. The newly appointed house manager is instructed to take care of closing procedures at an old theater. The duty of putting out the coveted ghost light leads to an exciting adventure. Filmed at the Ritz in Haddon Township





2. The Pinelands Murders (2012)

Directed by Gary Whitson. Three couples and three friends go on a weekend camping trip, but the vacation becomes a struggle for survival when a deranged killer begins murdering them one by one. Only three of the nine campers will survive.





3. Poison (2013)

Directed by Burlington Township filmmaker, Maurice Paramore. An army soldier comes home from a traumatic war experience to find out his best friend is on drugs. Even though he is dealing with his own issues, he tries to get his friend off drugs.Filmed in Burlington Township, Beverly, Mount Holly and Willingboro





4. The Beacon (2014)

Directed by Pat Kaz. Are humans predestined to become one with chemical substances? If so, will alcoholics and drug addicts fight spiraling loops after untimely deaths? The road through life is hazardous for the weak, but a haven for predators. Trusting some people can prove deadly, especially family. Who is the only hope? The guardian of the hopeless, The Beacon.





5. Hacked and Hunted (2014)

Directed by Rowan grad and Medford-based, John Breitling. A gambler finds his account hacked remotely in an underground poker tournament. He is targeted into an adrenaline-rushed chase hunted by his rival's gunmen.Filmed in Medford, Marlton, Chatsworth and Magnolia.