Who We Are?
Our Story
Stellar Films Motion Pictures was founded in 2018 by Dakota J. Dunn, following his graduation from Vinton County High School and enrollment at Hocking College for Film and Video Production. What started as a small-town creative team has since grown into a serious player in the indie film world, with major projects lined up for Amazon Prime Video and other global platforms, through our distribution partner, FilmHub in California.
Officially becoming an LLC in February 2025, Stellar Films is now a rising force in Ohio’s film scene. In June 2025, we proudly partnered with the Mid-Ohio Valley Film Commission, reinforcing our commitment to building a strong media presence in Southern Ohio.
A major milestone came in 2024 with the release of a deeply personal documentary filmed by Dakota and his father during his father's battle with pancreatic cancer. The film, released on Prime Video after his passing, quickly reached international audiences and became a defining project in our journey.
Our Mission
At Stellar Films, we aim to become one of the largest independent movie studios in Ohio—and eventually the East Coast—creating what we envision as a Lionsgate of the Appalachian region. We produce feature films, documentaries, and live television, telling real stories from real communities.
Our motto is simple: Stories from the community, by the community, for the community.
Our leadership team—Dakota J. Dunn, Stephen Mineer, and Trayton A. White—oversees a growing crew of over 50 talented individuals. In June 2025, we launched Stellar Films Outreach, our nonprofit division, focused on community-based projects across Southern Ohio and Appalachia. With founding board members Kellie Thomason-Stacy, Lori Grady, and Emily Janey, Outreach works with local businesses and organizations to spotlight local culture, history, and voices.
Our Impact
We’re not just making movies—we’re building an industry. Our long-term goal is to construct a full-scale movie production studio right in McArthur, Ohio. Much like how Lionsgate helped transform its region, Stellar Films is positioned to boost economic growth across Southern Ohio.
By building a studio here, we will create year-round employment across dozens of fields: film crews, set builders, makeup artists, drivers, caterers, costume designers, editors, and many more. A permanent studio presence will drive tourism, support local businesses, raise property values, and attract investment to the region.
The future of Appalachian filmmaking is here—and it starts in McArthur.
Our Work in the news
Main Street TV Interview
Main Street TV Interview
Main Street TV Interview
“I had the privilege of being interviewed on Main Street TV, where I discussed my journey as an independent filmmaker and the projects that have shaped my career. During the interview, I shared insights into my creative process, the challenges of filmmaking, and the importance of community support in bringing stories to life. It was an e
“I had the privilege of being interviewed on Main Street TV, where I discussed my journey as an independent filmmaker and the projects that have shaped my career. During the interview, I shared insights into my creative process, the challenges of filmmaking, and the importance of community support in bringing stories to life. It was an enriching experience to connect with the local audience and shed light on the world of independent cinema.”
"Home To Me" in McArthur
Main Street TV Interview
Main Street TV Interview
“In 2021, I spearheaded filming of the independent feature “Home To Me” in McArthur, OH, as featured in the Vinton–Jackson Courier. The project transformed local sites into production locations and brought together community volunteers and film students to create a truly grassroots film.”
Hocking College News
Main Street TV Interview
Hocking College News
“I was featured in a Hocking College blog article highlighting my work on Billy Crystal’s film Here Today. I had the opportunity to shadow executive producer Claudine Marrotte, gaining firsthand experience in budgeting, daily production planning, and crew coordination on a major studio set. It was a defining moment that confirmed my readiness for the professional film industry.”
The Athens Messenger
The Athens Messenger
Hocking College News
“I was featured in an Athens Messenger article highlighting Hocking College students working alongside Billy Crystal’s film Here Today in Brooklyn. I had the privilege of shadowing executive producer Claudine Marrotte, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience in high-budget production—including budgeting, crew coordination, and daily shoot planning.”
The Logan Dailey
The Athens Messenger
The Logan Dailey
"I was featured in the Logan Daily article showcasing Hocking College film students working on Billy Crystal’s feature, Here Today, in Brooklyn. During the shoot, I shadowed executive producer Claudine Marrotte and engaged in real-world production roles—gaining hands-on experience in budgeting, crew coordination, and overseeing the daily
"I was featured in the Logan Daily article showcasing Hocking College film students working on Billy Crystal’s feature, Here Today, in Brooklyn. During the shoot, I shadowed executive producer Claudine Marrotte and engaged in real-world production roles—gaining hands-on experience in budgeting, crew coordination, and overseeing the daily shoot plan. This opportunity was instrumental in solidifying my confidence and readiness for large-scale film production."
