Life for a typical 6-year-old is sweet and simple, consisting of coloring pictures, playing with toys, going to school and the occasional episode of “Berenstain Bears.”
But William Pifer of Elon is no typical 6-year-old. For the past several months, he has been spending six to eight hours a day on the set of supernatural horror/suspense thriller “Nevermore.”
Rubbing shoulders with stars like movie actor Lance Henriksen (the “Alien” films), soap opera actor Jason Cook (“Days of Our Lives”) and TV actress Valerie Azlynn (“iCarly”), William is showing the world the definition of prodigy.
William’s mother, Allison, heard about the auditions for “Nevermore” from a neighbor. It was William’s first audition, and he nailed it.
“When I went to the audition they loved me,” William innocently boasts. “My neighbor Tammy told my Mommy about it and I said I wanted to do it. When it was my turn, they had me read lines. One part they had me scream like I was on fire. That was fun.”
Without any training, William’s natural talent impressed Dan Kelly, the film’s casting director, and William was given a starring role as Danny Thomas, a 7-year-old boy playing with his imaginary friends who turn out to be not so imaginary.
“Nevermore” is written and directed by Dean C. Jones, an Alamance County native and Hollywood makeup artist. He and his brother, Starr Jones, producer of “Nevermore,” have worked as Hollywood makeup artists for more than 30 years. Their filmography includes movies like “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and the recently released “Oz: The Great and Powerful,” among many others. They are also the creators of the Original Hollywood Horror Show in Snow Camp.
The two brothers are passionate about their local roots — that’s why the majority of “Nevermore” was filmed in Alamance County, including the Graham Soda Shop, Holly Hill Mall in Burlington, and Rich & Thompson funeral home in Graham.
The film centers on the Thomas family, picking up the pieces after the death of Mr. Thomas’ mother. They move to a family estate in the fictional town of Cedar Rock Falls, where William’s character Danny starts to meet his seven supernatural playmates.
Even with such a full filming schedule, William loved his time on set.
“It was the easiest work and I had fun. I had school every day, too. I didn’t like that part, but Mommy said I had to do it.”
William, a student at Altamahaw-Ossipee Elementary School, was tutored for at least three hours every day. His tutor was in constant contact with his teacher back at the elementary school, so William’s transition back into class was seamless.
“Everyone was great to work with.” William’s mother, Allison, said. He found Lance Henriksen to be very laidback and had a special bond with his director.
“Dean Jones was wonderful. William loved him. He said he wanted to do more movies with Dean,” Allison said.
William wants to continue to act, eventually pursuing a career in film. He and his family and are grateful for the experience.
“My husband and I are thrilled and feel very blessed that our son got to have this experience with some amazing people,” Allison said.
Filming ended on March 6. The film is set to be released sometime in 2014.
Elisa Abele is a student at Alamance Community College and an intern in the Accent department.
Source: http://www.thetimesnews.com/lifestyles/lifestyles-home/young-or-old-dreams-can-come-true-1.118741