Filmmakers and friends, Aaron Schoonover and Nic Neary >>>
What happens when an ordinary life collides with something extraordinary? Ohio filmmaker Aaron Schoonover brings that question to life this summer as he begins production on Meteor Anne in Wadsworth, Ohio, alongside producer, friend and fellow Wadsworth High School alum, Nic Neary.
Inspired by true events, Meteor Anne tells the story of a woman struck by a meteorite — the first person in recorded history, in fact — whose life goes viral once the news hits the 24-hour cycle.
At first, Anne avoids the spotlight. But as her husband encourages her to embrace her newfound fame, she’s swept up in interviews, public appearances, and even meets her celebrity crush at a live TV taping. When her 15 minutes end as quickly as they began, Anne struggles to return to normal life.The project was one of 14 projects recently awarded support from Ohio’s Motion Picture Tax Credit Program.
We caught up with Schoonover and Neary to learn more about their work, Ohio roots, and why Meteor Anne is the perfect fit for Wadsworth.
Schoonover on the set of 'Rabbit Hole'
Midwest Movie Maker (MMM): Tell us about growing up in Ohio and how you made your way into making movies.
Aaron Schoonover (AS): Growing up in Wadsworth was great. It's the perfect little town. I was big into the drama program at my high school, and my parents supported my decision to pursue theater in college.
I had amazing drama teachers, and I still follow their advice when I'm on set or working with actors.
Nic Neary (NN): Anyone who knew me growing up would tell you I loved watching movies. I vividly remember Donnie Darko as the film that completely changed how I watched and thought about cinema. But pursuing a career in film? That never even felt like an option — especially coming from a small town in Ohio with zero connections to the industry.
It wasn’t until my senior year at The College of Wooster that I even considered it. I was majoring in philosophy, and by sheer luck, my advisor, Dr. Ron Hustwit, had also advised filmmaker and fellow Wooster alum Duncan Jones. Duncan was kind enough to answer some questions while I was working on my senior thesis, and that conversation planted the seed that maybe I could carve out my own path in film, too.
AS: After graduating with a BFA in musical theater from Kent State, I made the move to New York City where I discovered my love for filmmaking.
I’ve worked in casting for over 10 years now in New York and L.A., working on shows like Orange is The New Black and Severance. The experience I’ve received from being on this side of the industry has been invaluable as I transition my focus into writing and directing.
In 2022, I produced and directed my first short film Rabbit Hole, which I filmed in Wadsworth.
A scene from Schoonover's short 'Hey Dad'
MMM: Isn’t that how the two of you reunited?
AS: Nic and I knew each other in high school, but ran in different circles. He was captain of the football team and I was president of the drama club.
NN: I always knew him as incredibly friendly and insanely talented. Part of me wishes I had dipped my toes into theater back then, too, but at the time, I was dead set on pursuing a collegiate sports career.
AS: When I launched my crowdfunding campaign for Rabbit Hole, someone sent him the link. Nic messaged me and basically was like, "Hey man, are you shooting this in Wadsworth? I'd love to come help!"
NN: He mentioned he was coming back to Wadsworth to shoot a short film, and I jumped at the chance to help out. It was an easy "Yes" for me. My mom and dad were also excited to have me home, but I think they ended up being surprised to learn just how many hours it takes to even make a short film!
AS: Honestly, it was a blessing because he was such an amazing producer on set. It's hard doing these shorts on your own, so to have his support was incredible. Now that I’ve moved out to Los Angeles, I see him all the time. I'm so excited to be doing a feature with him.
The Wadsworth Blue Tip Festival in full swing
MMM: What made you decide to shoot Meteor Anne in Wadsworth?
AS: After such a wonderful time shooting Rabbit Hole and another short, Hey Dad, in Wadsworth, I knew I wanted to bring Meteor Anne to Ohio. The crews I worked with on both shorts were amazing, and I'm excited to bring jobs to Ohio and build another tight-knit crew.
Even better, the community and its support are so awesome. People are excited about sharing their space or want to come be extras on set. These sorts of things are difficult to organize or secure in New York or L.A.
Plus, Wadsworth is the perfect setting for Meteor Anne. This is a Midwest story, and it’s difficult to pass off New York or California as a stand-in for the Midwest.
MMM: What inspired you to write Meteor Anne?
AS: I'm so fascinated by viral fame and normal people who skyrocket to "celebrity" status in a way. How do you go back to living a normal life afterward? It's one thing to be someone who sets out for fame, it’s another to have it thrust upon you. These viral celebs are just normal people who aren't used to the love/hate relationship that comes with the news cycle.
NN: Aaron is a phenomenal writer, and Meteor Anne is hilarious and conveys a ton of emotional depth. After working with him on Rabbit Hole and then reading this script, I knew it had the potential to be something truly incredible with his vision behind it.
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