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 evolved into a significant player in independent filmmaking, with major projects lined up for Amazon Prime Video and other global platforms, thanks to 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, dedicated to community-based storytelling. 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. This poignant 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 Motion Pictures, 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, focusing on community-based storytelling that highlights 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 volunteering individuals. In June 2025, we launched Stellar Films Outreach, our nonprofit division, dedicated to community-based projects across Southern Ohio and Appalachia. With pending founding board members Kellie Thomason-Stacy, Lori Grady, and Emily Janey, Outreach collaborates 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 with a focus on community-based storytelling. 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 Motion Pictures is positioned to boost economic growth across Southern Ohio through independent filmmaking.
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
Athens Messenger Mention
Athens Messenger Mention
Athens Messenger Mention
Stellar Films Motion Pictures was highlighted by the Mid Ohio Valley Film Commission during a meeting in Marietta, where the focus was on community-based storytelling and the importance of independent filmmaking.
Main Street TV Interview
Athens Messenger Mention
Athens Messenger Mention
I had the privilege of being interviewed on Main Street TV, where I discussed my journey in independent filmmaking and the projects that have shaped my career, particularly through Stellar Films Motion Pictures. During the interview, I shared insights into my creative process, the challenges of filmmaking, and the significance of communit
I had the privilege of being interviewed on Main Street TV, where I discussed my journey in independent filmmaking and the projects that have shaped my career, particularly through Stellar Films Motion Pictures. During the interview, I shared insights into my creative process, the challenges of filmmaking, and the significance of community-based storytelling and community support in bringing these 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
Athens Messenger Mention
"Home To Me" in McArthur
In 2021, I spearheaded the filming of the independent feature "Home To Me" in McArthur, OH, as highlighted in the Vinton–Jackson Courier. This project not only showcased community-based storytelling but also transformed local sites into production locations, bringing together community volunteers and film students under the banner of Stellar Films Motion Pictures to create a truly grassroots film.
Hocking College News
Athens Messenger Mention
"Home To Me" in McArthur
I was featured in a Hocking College blog article highlighting my work on Billy Crystal’s film Here Today, which emphasized the importance of community-based storytelling in independent filmmaking. I had the opportunity to shadow executive producer Claudine Marrotte, gaining firsthand experience in budgeting, daily production planning, and
I was featured in a Hocking College blog article highlighting my work on Billy Crystal’s film Here Today, which emphasized the importance of community-based storytelling in independent filmmaking. 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 like Stellar Films Motion Pictures. It was a defining moment that confirmed my readiness for the professional film industry.
The Athens Messenger
The Athens Messenger
The Athens Messenger
I was featured in an Athens Messenger article highlighting Hocking College students involved in community-based storytelling while 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 independent filmmaking and
I was featured in an Athens Messenger article highlighting Hocking College students involved in community-based storytelling while 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 independent filmmaking and high-budget production—including budgeting, crew coordination, and daily shoot planning with Stellar Films Motion Pictures.
The Logan Dailey
The Athens Messenger
The Athens Messenger
I was featured in the Logan Daily article highlighting Hocking College film students involved in 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 dail
I was featured in the Logan Daily article highlighting Hocking College film students involved in 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, rooted in community-based storytelling and independent filmmaking, was instrumental in solidifying my confidence and readiness for large-scale film production, especially as I aspire to work with companies like Stellar Films Motion Pictures.
