Producing movies in the Five Towns

A love of movies inspired Matthew Goldstein of Woodsburgh and Elliot Fuchs of Woodmere to create the Woodsburgh-based Hanover Film Co., in 2013.
Hanover has produced one film, “Who Killed Charles Foster?” which premiered at the Malverne Cinemas in June, and have two more in development: “River of Dark Purple” and “This Man’s Life.”
Goldstein, 20, the company’s chief creative officer, said he wants to tell stories, guide the viewer and entertain. “We as human beings are governed by an infinitely complex set of physical, spiritual, emotional and mental systems that very few can understand,” he said. “What we can comprehend, though, are the parables that relay that information in a much simplified form. Drama and comedy alike lay bare elements of the human condition that not only entertain us, but that teach us about ourselves, allowing us to appreciate the full spectrum of what it means to be alive. And film, unique among the arts, combines them — photography, acting, writing and drawing — and delivers them in what is perhaps the most accessible format we have.” 
Ever since Fuchs, 18, was a child, he was fascinated by the film industry. “In my younger years I wanted to be an actor,” said Hanover’s head of production. He will attend Baruch College in the fall. “I have always participated in the school and camp productions. I just love everything about it. When the opportunity to make my own movies arose, I was ecstatic. There was no way I wasn’t going to give it everything I have.”
Fuchs anticipated that their age would be something that negatively impacts them. “I was wrong,” he said. “It turns out that people love it and are all the more happy to work with us because of it. People love our energy and ambition.”

Ross Bower, who attends Dartmouth College with Goldstein, is amazed by his friend’s energy and ability to work quickly. “Matthew got the idea for a short film one morning, wrote up the script, gathered some friends as actors, and filmed, edited and uploaded the video to Vimeo in ten hours total,” he said. “I couldn’t believe how fast he was able to get his idea into reality. I think this is just one prime example of Matthew’s work ethic, dedication, and passion. His mind is always thinking up new plots that could potentially brought to the screen, and he isn’t shy about pitching them to his peers for feedback.”
Jen Winkler, who had Fuchs as a student the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns High School in Cedarhurst, said that his confidence is his best quality. “As a director one must be able to see past the chaotic process, the seemingly endless rehearsals, the inevitable stumbling blocks, personality conflicts, and keep a resolute vision of what the show will be,” she said. “Next, I’d say he has creativity and bravery. He’s not afraid to take creative risks. These qualities will serve him well in the entertainment industry.” 
Aljamain Sterling, 25, is a mixed marts arts fighter and undefeated UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) fighter who appears in “River of Dark Purple.” “I decided to work with Matt and Elliot during the creation of their last film because I can see the promise, that they’re like me — young, ambitious, and hungry,” Sterling said. “I’m an entertainer now and I think it’ll be a refreshing and exciting way to test other fields of entertainment.”