Community Corner

Moon Student Gets First-Hand Glimpse of Film Industry

Aspiring actress Kiera Amerio lands part as an extra on movie being shot in Pittsburgh.

Kiera Amerio will tell you that it's not all glitz and glamour on movie sets.

"Let me tell you," said Debbie Amerio, Kiera's mother. "It was a long day. We spent 13 hours on the set one day. They were wearing winter clothes when it was really hot. It's tough being on a film set."

The  student and aspiring actress was hired as an extra in a new Maggie Gyllenhaal movie that is being filmed in Pittsburgh.

Find out what's happening in Robinson-Moonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Last week, Amerio, 14, spent two days on the film's set shooting her scenes. It was the type of real-world experience most eighth-graders only dream of, she said.

"You get to see how they do the lighting and how they make sure everything is perfect," Amerio said. "It was such a great experience."

Find out what's happening in Robinson-Moonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The film,  Steel Town, stars Gyllenhaal, Holly Hunter and Viola Davis. Amerio can't give away the plot, but said she spent time on camera, alongside Gyllenhaal, as an extra.

"I had to walk around this carnival, and then the next day we were at a rally," Amerio said.

Amerio boasts a lengthy performing arts resume. She began acting when she was 5 and has worked in 11 plays and performances, including ones for the Carnegie Performing Arts Center and the Old School House Players in Hickory.

"She's really working her way up," Amerio’s mother said. "She had her first lead role at age 9, and now she's starting into film."

Next year, Amerio will leave the Moon Area district to attend the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center in Midland.

"It's going to be really hard to leave all of my friends, but I'm excited," she said. "I'm sure I'll keep in touch with all of them."

Steel Town is scheduled for release in 2012, and Amerio said she's ready to see herself on the silver screen.

"All my friends are really supportive. They said they're going to watch it to see if I'm on screen."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here