THE CAST

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Dave Joseph

Actor

Dave Joseph (Eric) has spent much of his life bringing characters to life on stage and screen. With a background in community theater, commercial work, and independent film, he has earned a reputation for delivering grounded, emotionally honest performances. His screen credits include Cryptids and Locus, among other regional productions.

In Picnic, Dave stars as Eric Altmeyer, a wealthy businessman whose carefully ordered world begins to unravel during a mysterious countryside gathering. His nuanced performance anchors the film’s descent into psychological and surreal horror.

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Kaitlin Cliber

Actress

Kaitlin Cliber (Dana) is an actress with a passion for both stage and film. A familiar face in the local theater community, she has appeared in numerous theatrical productions and was also featured in the Amazon Prime series A League of Their Own. She can also be seen in the upcoming psychological thriller Locus, currently in post-production.

Kaitlin portrays Dana Beausoleil in Picnic, bringing warmth, resilience, and emotional authenticity to one of the film’s central characters.

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Bubba Taylor

Actor

Bubba Taylor (Gene) is an actor whose screen presence, charisma, and versatility have made him a familiar face in independent film. His growing list of credits includes Cherry, The Devil’s Truth, Demon Hunter: Time 2 Kill, and the upcoming thriller Locus.

In Picnic, Bubba portrays Gene Beausoleil, one of four affluent guests invited to an elegant picnic that quickly descends into a surreal nightmare. Bringing confidence, charm, and emotional depth to the role, Bubba joins Atomic Forge Films for its debut feature as the film explores the darker side of privilege, temptation, and survival.

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Philip Jinks

Actor

Philip Jinks (Dionysus) is an American actor and musician with a passion for emotionally driven, character-focused performances. With more than 20 years of experience in and around the entertainment industry, Philip is drawn to stories that explore resilience, psychological depth, and the darker aspects of the human experience. In addition to acting, he is the lead vocalist and songwriter for the Pittsburgh-based band Salvasin.

Known for his dedication and collaborative spirit, Philip continues to expand his work across multiple genres. He is excited to bring the mysterious and unsettling character of Dionysus to life in Picnic.

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Stephanie Swift

Actress

Stephanie Swift (Celeste) is an award-winning stage and film actress, director, and producer. After studying Communications, acting, directing, and vocal performance at Chatham College, she performed on stages across Western Pennsylvania before transitioning to film in 2016 alongside her husband, actor Rick Dutrow. Together they founded the production company S2 the S Pro.

In addition to her work in front of the camera, Stephanie serves as the Director of Education and Vice President for Women in Film and Media Pittsburgh.

Stephanie portrays Celeste Altmeyer in Picnic and is excited to collaborate with Adam Hersherberger and the talented cast and crew of Atomic Forge Films.

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Thea Wells

Actress

Thea Wells (Sophie) is a young actress, singer, and musician with a passion for the performing arts. Whether she’s acting, singing, playing guitar, dancing, or competing on the soccer field, Thea approaches every new challenge with enthusiasm, creativity, and a bright spirit.

In Picnic, Thea portrays Sophie, bringing warmth and authenticity to a role that serves as an emotional thread throughout the film. Following her feature film debut in Locus, Picnic marks another exciting step in her growing acting career.

Rick Dutrow

Actor

Rick Dutrow (Sophie’s Father) brings more than four decades of stage and screen experience to Picnic, portraying Sophie’s father with quiet intensity and emotional depth.

Rick began his professional acting career at just 17 years old as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet before studying theatrical performance at St. Vincent College and Seton Hill University. Since then, he has built an extensive career throughout the Pittsburgh region, appearing in acclaimed stage productions as well as film and television, including American Rust, Mayor of Kingstown, and numerous independent features and shorts. 

Rick is a respected figure in Pittsburgh’s independent film community who shares his passion for storytelling with his wife, actress Stephanie Swift, who also appears in Picnic.

THE CREW

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Zane Hershberger

Director of Photography

Zane Hershberger is a filmmaker whose work spans directing, cinematography, editing, and visual storytelling. He directed the 1980s-inspired action film Force to Fear and the upcoming Halloween horror feature Treaters, while serving as Director of Photography on numerous independent films, including Cryptids, The Barn Part II, 10/31 and the upcoming Locus.

As Director of Photography for Picnic, Zane brings years of experience behind the camera, helping create the film’s distinct visual identity through expressive lighting, thoughtful composition, and atmospheric imagery.

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Cass Stahl

Production Coordinator

Cass Stahl is a filmmaker and creative collaborator whose enthusiasm, adaptability, and love of independent cinema have made her an invaluable member of numerous productions. With a background in filmmaking, local theater, and production support, she thrives wherever she can help bring a story to life.  

As Production Coordinator for Picnic, Cass wears many hats throughout the production, assisting with everything from on-set logistics to cast and crew support. Her willingness to jump into any role, combined with her collaborative spirit, embodies the independent filmmaking philosophy at the heart of Atomic Forge Films.

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Robert Kuhn

Visual FX Coordinator

Robert Kuhn is a filmmaker, writer, and special effects artist, as well as the founder of Unknown Pictures. A lifelong fan of practical effects and genre filmmaking, Bob has contributed his talents to numerous independent productions, including The Barn, 10/31, Cryptids, and the upcoming features Treaters and Locus. His passion for creature design, makeup effects, and visual storytelling has made him a valued collaborator throughout the independent horror community.

As Visual Effects Supervisor on Picnic, Bob works closely with the creative team to bring the film’s surreal and unsettling imagery to life through a combination of practical effects and digital artistry.

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Sarah Kuhn

Visual FX Assistant

Sarah Kuhn is a creative artist and longtime collaborator on independent film productions, contributing to special makeup effects, prop fabrication, and production support. Working alongside filmmaker and special effects artist Robert Kuhn, she has helped bring imaginative creations to life through craftsmanship and attention to detail.

For Picnic, Sarah serves on the Special Makeup Effects team, assisting with practical effects and makeup to help bring the film’s unique vision to the screen.


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Cole Williams

Production Sound Mixer / Drone Operator

Cole D. Williams is a versatile filmmaker and creative professional with a passion for storytelling. For Picnic, he serves as Production Sound Mixer and Drone Operator, helping capture both the film’s immersive soundscape and cinematic aerial imagery.

With experience in sound, grip, electrical, production assistance, set design, photography, and drone cinematography, Cole is known for his adaptability and willingness to take on whatever a production requires. Outside of filmmaking, he enjoys performing as a stand-up comedian, actor, and poet.

Whether behind a microphone or flying a drone, Cole brings creativity, technical skill, and a collaborative spirit to every production.

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Mark Poss

Senior Production Sound Mixer

Mark Poss is a multidisciplinary artist whose creative work spans painting, music, filmmaking, and production sound. Best known for his evocative landscape paintings, Mark’s artwork has been exhibited in galleries and collected by art enthusiasts across the country. His lifelong passion for the arts is reflected in every creative pursuit he undertakes, from the canvas to the film set.  

For Picnic, Mark serves as Senior Production Sound Mixer, helping establish the film’s production sound while mentoring the crew in the use of professional audio equipment. Whether creating visual art, composing music, or collaborating on independent films, Mark brings decades of artistic experience, craftsmanship, and generosity to every project.