Local award-winning filmmaker completes “Misery Loves Company,” filmed and produced in Rockland County

BY ALAN McGEORGE

Award-winning filmmaker Peter O’Brien, 29, of Congers, has recently completed work on his second feature film, “Misery Loves Company.” Written, produced and directed by O’Brien, a graduate of the creative writing program at Purchase College, SUNY, the narrative film is a story of personal growth and emotional understanding in the guise of a dark romantic comedy. “Misery Loves Company” was filmed and produced in Rockland and Orange County and stars local professional actors, including Carly Ballister (Rhinebeck Performing Arts Center) and Steven Bendler (City Island Theater Group).

Essentially a no-budget film, “Misery Loves Company” is not an amateur film but a high-quality production that showcases the talents of a passionate cast and crew. Led by O’Brien, who teaches film production, the result is an impactful and impressive film with a memorable story. “Misery Loves Company” follows O’Brien’s 2008 release, “Riphouse 151: Could’ve Beens & Wanna Bes,” a retrospective documentary on the Rockland County music scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

  congers, Misery Loves Company, Peter O-Brien, Purchase College