Indiana Township woman to star in feature film ‘The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro’

A moral of “The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro” is to learn from history.

Those behind the feature film, produced in Western Pennsylvania, are hoping the production makes some history as well.

“It encompasses multiple genres, but it’s like a history, supernatural, comedic Scooby Doo, in a way,” actor Madeline Sclichter said.

“The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro,” according to writer Joe Fishel of Butler, is a story about a group of high school Latin American History students who learn to regret their decision to not appreciate the “Liberator of Brazil.”

The film, being directed by Altoona native Don Swanson, is an upcoming mystery, comedy and supernatural SAG-AFTRA feature.

Sclichter, 18, of Indiana Township is one of the lead actors in the film.

“She’s an outstanding actor,” Fishel said. “I’m lucky to have her as part of the production.”

She studied musical theater at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and Starlight Dance Academy. Those experiences bred her love for theater.

“I’ve branched out into the straight acting realm as opposed to musical theater, which is what I got my start in,” she said.

Sclichter felt she would be a good fit for “The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro,” so she applied.

“It’s been really wonderful so far,” she said. “I enjoyed meeting everyone on the cast and crew, and I’m really excited to get in the swing of things this summer.”

Fishel also is no stranger to the film world. He has appeared in all levels of films — from Hollywood productions to no-budget short films. He’s performed stunts and served as a stand-in, writer, producer, casting director and cameraman.

He has won awards from film festivals, including for “Best Cryptozoological Performance” with his portrayal of Bigfoot.

A few scenes in “The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro” have been filmed, but the cast and crew intend to pick up filming this summer, Fishel said. Locations include six local counties — Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Cambria, Indiana and Westmoreland — and a portion of Ohio.

“I tried to get locations that will look really good in the film,” Fishel said.

Sclichter, a 2023 Oakland Catholic graduate, plans to pursue acting professionally and take it as far as she can. She is a biomedical engineering student at Duquesne University and doesn’t see why she can’t pursue both fields, she said.

“The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro” also features some of Sclichter’s original music.

Fishel anticipates the film being finished in summer 2025. He plans to submit it to film festivals.

“I think this feature film is a really great jump-start for me to get in the industry and do what I love,” Sclichter said.

“I really can’t articulate how amazing an opportunity this is for me and my acting career.”