Fort Lee Filmmakers Switch From Romantic Comedies to TV Dramas

Two Fort Lee filmmakers are making the transition from producing romantic comedies to focusing on TV dramas.

Brothers Peter and Mark Macaluso, both graduates who still live in “the birthplace of the motion picture industry,” recently completed a “concept trailer” that they intend to pitch to television networks, according to spokesperson with their production company.

The project, which was written by Mark Macaluso and directed by his brother Peter, is called “Near Fall” and is based on the fictional “Maxon University” and its “fractured Division I wrestling program.”

The Macalusos’ production company, founded by Peter in 2005, is Macarony Productions, and until their current project they’ve focused primarily on romantic comedies.

"Over the last several years, Macarony Productions has filmed several full-length romantic comedies,” Peter Macaluso said. “Now, we've decided to branch out and create a television drama that explores the world of college athletics."

The director likened the new project to “a grittier version of Friday Night Lights.”

“The show will deal with the complexities of competitive wrestling and the struggles and triumphs that go along with it,” he said. “Athletes and non-athletes alike can relate to the content.”

Peter Macaluso, a recent graduate of Rutgers University, started making films when a local film festival asked for applicants at a high school assembly, according to Macarony Productions. Since that time he written and directed several short films and music videos.

He has also , as Patch previously reported, “Mack Hanglider” (2009), “Stay Single,” which was featured at the 2010 Garden State Film Festival, and “11/11/11.”

Fort More information on Macarony Productions, “Near Fall” and the Fort Lee brothers’ upcoming projects, visit the production company’s website.