Ask Land O’ Lakes residents about their hometown and they’ll probably describe it as friendly, quiet and community-oriented — but not the most likely setting for a horror film.
However, filmmaker Chuck Morrongiello, who is a local resident, already has started shooting scenes for his second horror film right in Land O’ Lakes.
The Long Island, New York native grew up with an affinity for scary content on the big screen.
“I was into horror movies, into classic thrillers,” he explained, referencing notable pictures like “The Exorcist,” “The Shining” and “Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”
By the late 1970s, he was living out another love of his – playing guitar for a rock band he helped form.
From his late teens to his early 20s, Chuck and his band were performing live shows, living like rock stars.
He made a transition in 1987, when he moved to Tampa and began working as a financial agent.
“I had to shift to a different career,” he said, attributing this to a dynamic change in the music industry. “I had to get into a suit-and-tie situation.”
He had new-found success.
In 2006, he built a home in Land O’ Lakes, with a backyard overlooking the water.
As the community’s namesake suggests, it has lakes galore.
And, that sparked the filmmaker to consult with his wife, Karolina, about an idea of his – a couple living in a home near a haunted lake.
He recalls thinking it would be cool to create that story and put a Hollywood spin on it.
Karolina, a fellow horror buff, was intrigued by the idea, especially having the location set in their own town, where it could gain more notoriety.
“We love Land O’ Lakes,” she said. “That’s why we’re thinking it’s good for the community.”
Production is underway.
The film doesn’t have a name yet, but the couple expects to complete the production by next summer.
The real-life couple will also play the main story’s couple in the film.
In addition to playing one of the lead characters, Chuck is the director, musical composer and screenwriter.
Karolina is editing the film and providing vocals.
“The soundtrack is everything,” said Chuck who envisions a dark, cinematic sound. “Without music, the scene is boring. The music gives it that jive and that juice.”
The scenes will be shot at Land O’ Lakes locations. There will scenes on the highway, in homes and in landmark establishments – such as Harvey’s Hardware Store.
“We are the oldest family oriented, family operated business in Land O’ Lakes,” said Emma Lou Harvey, whose store was established in 1961.
While she admitted she’s no horror fan, Emma Lou was welcoming, opening her shop to the cast and crew.
Karolina recalled it being a long day on set as the filming took nine hours.
Chuck chose the hardware store being it’s a “historical area” and even got Emma Lou’s son, Paul, in for a small role.
As director, Chuck wants the film to be original in the sense that even the cast members are from the Tampa Bay Area, if not specifically from Land O’ Lakes.
He does not hold traditional auditions, but instead approaches those who he believes have the potential to pull off a role.
“We want to take people who know nothing about acting and make them an actress or actor,” Chuck explained. “I think that’s the best way to do it.”
He has suggested parts to friends whom he feels have certain skills useful on screen. For instance, he even offered a role to his chiropractor.
The independent project comes off the heels of Chuck’s first horror film, “Mt. Misery Road,” which was filmed in both New York and Florida.
Although the film is still awaiting a release date expected in early 2019, it has already been critically acclaimed, winning the Honorable Mention Award in Ohio.
Chuck said he’s currently living the “retirement fun mode” phase of his life working on this second film.
While he hasn’t stopped his financial career altogether, it has taken a backseat to directing films.
Published December 19, 2018
