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Sarasota News Leader February 8, 2013 gy designed to aid the visually impaired, which is where, Tatone explained, the expertise of local not-for-profit organizations Southeastern Guide Dogs and Lighthouse of Manasota came in. "We didn't just take the storyline and pretend," he said. "We actually went out and sought the help and assistance of people who deal with individuals in this community and throughout the region who are sight-impaired." This collaboration had reciprocal benefits, Tatone explained. On one end, featuring Southeastern handlers and guide dogs as well as Lighthouse instructors and technology in the film imbues it with a certain level of authenticity. On the other end, the organizations are credited at the end of the film, which Tatone Page 71 hopes will help raise awareness of them and their humanitarian efforts. Aside from highlighting local organizations and locations, Tatone added, shooting and producing independent films in the Sarasota-Bradenton area has the benefit of providing talented individuals who live nearby — actors, actresses, screenwriters, cinematographers, graphic designers, lighting specialists, microphone operators, promoters, producers and more — with employment opportunities they might otherwise have to leave town to pursue. Of course, not every part of the film pulls its resources from the local community. Tatone worked with casting directors in Tampa and Los Angeles to secure the talents of veteran blockbuster actors Armand Assante (Judge Dredd, The Mambo Kings, American Gang- (From left) Ed Lauter, Danielle White, Steve Tatone and James Sexton answer questions from the audience about the filming of Blind Pass after the preview at Burns Court Cinema on Jan. 26. When Sexton told a couple of stories about the portion of filming that took place in Dublin, Ireland — with locals at small pubs — he had the audience laughing heartily.