Chennault uses Philly streets in film about taking right path

GROWING UP in Olney where he still lives, Tony Chennault knew all about the lure of the streets. Following a decorated basketball career at Ss. Neumann-Goretti High, two seasons playing at Wake Forest and two more at Villanova and now armed with a communications degree from Villanova, Chennault is telling a story from those streets in a film called "Oldhead," about the wise, older mentor some young men will believe in while others will ignore.

"Oldhead" will premiere at 7 p.m. tomorrow in the auditorium at Neumann-Goretti. Tickets are $10. Chennault is the writer/director. Along with four Villanova classmates, he is part of 267 Productions. "Oldhead" will be available shortly on Vimeo and YouTube.

The production team hopes this will be the pilot for an Web series. The plan is to release subsequent episodes on a fairly regular schedule starting Oct. 1.

"It's about this kid, a character named Sean," Chennault said. "He has a decision to listen to this oldhead [Bumpy] that does things in his community or follow the [criminal] path with his best friend Kareem and remain loyal to him."

Sean is constantly being pulled in two directions having to make regular decisions that will affect his future. Chennault is not unfamiliar with the push/pull.

"It's something I have seen growing up in my neighborhood," Chennault said.

Watch the 1-minute trailer and you feel as if you are on the streets of Olney and Logan, which is exactly where "Oldhead" was filmed in June.

"We're just trying to create something that the people can embrace and represent Philadelphia in a positive way," Chennault said.

The filmmaking process has been eye-opening, Chennault said. The story, he said is universal.

"This movie will make people appreciate the service an oldhead provides for the community," Chennault said.