Shenandoah University students and faculty members will soon see their work on the big screen when “Miss Valentine,” the most recent project of The Film Studio at Shenandoah and Capital Arts Entertainment, debuts with a limited theatrical release in September before premiering on the streaming service Xumo on Oct. 1.

The film, the studio’s fourth since 2019, was directed by Shenandoah Adjunct Instructor and Director-in-Residence Blayne Weaver (“6 Month Rule,” “Weather Girl”) and provided SU students with the rare opportunity to work on a commercial film. Filming, which began in 2023, took place during the city of Winchester’s 96th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival and involved 32 students who filled roles in front of and behind the camera as cast and crew members.

“‘Miss Valentine’ is the product of a unique film program at Shenandoah University which offers its film students a ‘learn by doing’ educational experience,” said Director of The Film Studio at Shenandoah Paul DiFranco, a distinguished adjunct assistant professor of music production and recording technology and lecturer of film studies at Shenandoah.

Nineteen Shenandoah students were cast in “Miss Valentine,” as were four faculty members — DiFranco; Professor of Theatre Kirsten Trump, M.F.A.,; Associate Program Director of Doctor of Medical Science Michelle Gruver, DMS; and Distinguished Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Tony Miller, M.Ed. — and university Trustee Emeritus Nick Nerangis.

Sixteen students also held positions on the film crew, the roles ranging from assistant director to working with cameras, lighting, sound, the script, set decoration, costume design and wardrobe. Students Elijah Immanuel ’24 and Hannah Maltos ’24 both served as second assistant directors on the film, and Immanuel, Nathaniel Wright ’23 and Christina Kulow ’24 contributed to the film as both cast and crew members.

Film production students Claire Turner ’24 and Tommy McKay ’24 each worked as a first camera assistant on the film under cinematographer Dave Daniel (“The Walking Dead,” “Teen Wolf,” “Halloween”). In what was the epitome of the Film Studio at Shenandoah’s “learn by doing” mantra, DiFranco recalled a particular interaction between Turner, McKay and Daniel, who used a “very sophisticated” Sony cinema camera to film “Miss Valentine.” Less than a week before the first day of filming, Daniel led Turner and McKay into their classroom in Vickers Communication Center, mounted and meticulously assembled the camera while describing what he was doing, and then asked both students to repeat the task while he instructed. After a few practices, Daniel pulled out a stopwatch and stated, “All right, now I’m going to time you.”

“So began this incredible experience,” DiFranco said. “Both Claire and Tommy worked as first ACs with Dave throughout production, at times even shooting a scene or two with Dave overseeing. It was an invaluable educational experience, uniquely at Shenandoah.”

Shenandoah alumni Joe Fisher ’22 (first assistant director), A.J. Cabbagestalk ’19 (camera grip), Rachel Apostolico ’22 (script supervisor), Kerri Lane Mariano ’21 (locations manager) and Trevor Ontiveros ’18 (props) also worked on the film crew.

“Capital Arts and Shenandoah’s partnership has given me big opportunities early on in my career that I wouldn’t have had without these productions. I’ve made lasting connections and continue to work in the film industry because of it,” said Fisher, who is currently a production assistant on the upcoming series “Boston Blue,” the CBS spinoff of “Blue Bloods” starring Donnie Wahlberg, who is also an executive producer on the series.

DiFranco was a producer on “Miss Valentine” alongside Weaver, Capital Arts Entertainment’s Joseph P. Genier and Mike Elliott, and Steve Nerangis, co-owner of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Winchester.

Shenandoah University Immersive Media Specialist Lee Graff, M.Ed., and Chair of the Media and Communication Department Matt Corr, Ph.D., provided drone footage for the film.

The film stars Paris Berelc (“Do Revenge,” “Alexa and Katie”); Luke Benward (“Dumplin,” “Life of the Party”); Enrico Colantoni (TV series “Just Shoot Me,” “Veronica Mars”); Karen Maruyama (“The Campaign,” “The Bucket List”); Marilu Henner (TV’s “Taxi,” “L.A. Story”); and Kate Flannery (TV’s “The Office”). Flannery attended Shenandoah University from 1982-84 and returned to Winchester in 2023, when she was the co-grand marshal of the Apple Blossom Festival.

“Miss Valentine” tells the story of Samantha (Berelc), who won her hometown’s Miss Valentine pageant as a teenager and promptly had a public meltdown onstage. Years later, Sam, a nurse in Chicago, is abruptly dumped by her fiance, and she returns home to reboot. She finds herself right back where she started: living in her parents’ house, being wooed by her high school boyfriend, and still a local legend for freaking out at the Miss Valentine pageant. Much to her surprise, things are very different this time.

The film will screen Sept. 8 at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Los Angeles, Sept. 10 at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Lower Manhattan (New York), and a minimum of Sept. 12-15 at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Winchester. Weaver will attend screenings in all three markets, and there will be special surprise guests from the cast in Los Angeles and New York. Six of the shows currently on sale at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Winchester each feature a live intro and post-screening Q&A with Weaver. Tickets for screenings in all locations are available at drafthouse.com.

I’m so excited about Miss Valentine playing on Xumo where millions of people will be able to enjoy this funny romantic comedy. Paris Berelc is a breakout star in this film. Her chemistry with Luke Benward is palpable and I am so proud of the ensemble cast we have built around them.”

Blayne Weaver, director and producer