This isn't Oz, this is our reality.

PJ Magerko’s first independent film venture, Beyond the Backyard was inspired by a dream in which three a roundabout, revolving doors, and a carousel appeared. Originally intended to be Magerko’s senior thesis film at NYU, a project that entailed potentially dangerous scenes involving a hot-air balloon and live animals raised red flags for NYU's safety policies. Determined to bring his vision to life, Magerko boldly decided to make his directorial debut outside of the classroom.

Beyond the Backyard transcends the ordinary outlook on a human’s lifecycle. The film evokes a nostalgic dream-like trance that explores the admiration of one’s past and the apprehension, yet unfaltering appreciation, for the inevitability of one’s future. Beyond the Backyard is deeply rooted in real, personal memories with a self-portrayed cast and draws numerous intriguing parallels to The Wizard of Oz. Watch the film to venture beyond the backyard.

A man of courage, brains, and heart planted a seed for all this to start.

I always played nice, I never got stitches. Although most of my interests consisted of witches

Through all the valleys and all the hills i dream of it and all its thrills

Cast

  • Harrison Salvi as Past
  • Pete Magerko Sr. as Father
  • Joseph Hardy as Grandfather
  • Robin Freed as Tin Woman
  • Paige Hardy as Pink Daughter
  • Nick Collins as Future
  • Maggie Hardy Magerko as Mother
  • PJ Magerko as Present
  • Kathy Drake as Scarecrow
  • Jennifer Fike as Lioness
  • Taylor Hardy as Green Daughter

Crew

  • PJ Magerko Director/Producer
  • Mckenzie Zuleger Director of Photography
  • Dahlia Dennison Gaffer
  • Dina Graham 2nd Assistant Director
  • Cheri Bomar Producer
  • Tom Greco 1st Assistant Camera
  • Tanner Carlson Steadicam Operator
  • Kat Cameron Electric
  • Jesse Pultizer Kennedy Best Boy Grip
  • Nolan Jenkins Sound Mixer/Boom Op
  • Alex Levine Art Production Assistant
  • Bill James Florist
  • Alexander Cole Gottlieb Costume Designer
  • Naomi Raddatz Hair & Make Up Designer
  • Arielle Williams Hair Makeup Artist Assistant
  • Leigh Fitzjames Key Set Production Assistant
  • Oliver Finley Set Production Assistant
  • Mandy Burnsworth Animal Wrangler
  • Luciano Alexander Set Videographer
  • Trisha Broadwater Location Manager
  • Jason Centrella Driver
  • Thomas Quinn Driver
  • Richard Hughes Hot Air Balloon Pilot #1
  • Vicki Ostrowski On Set Medic
  • Dan Lewis On Set Security
  • Cameron Vokey VFX Editor
  • Jim Papoulis Composer
  • Maggie Hardy Magerko Executive Producer
  • Kaitlyn Mae Jones 1st Assistant Director
  • Deja Glemba Producer
  • David Yakobovitch Unit Production Manager
  • Isabella Parisot 2nd Assistant Camera
  • Hunter Fairstone Digital Imaging Technician
  • Stephen Ohocinski Key Grip
  • Andre Bonk Grip
  • Bianca Valle Production Designer
  • Benjamin Jon Art Production Assistant
  • Steve Neubauer Florist
  • Jackson Wiederhoft Associate Costumer Designer
  • Madeline Porterfield Costume Design Assistant/Production Assistant
  • Heather Cole Script Supervisor
  • Arthur Kay Singleton Set Production Assistant
  • Marty Mundy Casting Director/Coordinator
  • Didi Sea Set Photographer
  • Kim Robson Production Coordinator/Catering/Events
  • Pete Centrella Transportation Captain
  • John O'Keefe Driver
  • Cosmo Centrella Driver
  • Mark MackSkimming Hot Air Balloon Pilot #2
  • Mandy Burnsworth Carousel Operator
  • Hunter Fairstone Colorist
  • Jon Flores Sound Designer
  • Mauricio Vargas Credits Designer

Special Thanks

  • Nemacolin Woodlands
  • 84 Lumber

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