A new movie titled “Final Wager” showcases the talents of several individuals with strong ties to Fullerton, California. Significantly, most of the film was shot on location at Heroes Bar and Grill in downtown Fullerton.

The film features the notable contributions of Scott Hamm Duenas, a Fullerton high school graduate and local resident, along with two other cast members who also graduated from Cal State Fullerton (CSUF).

Scott Hamm Duenas

Scott Hamm Duenas, who serves as both actor and producer, plays the lead role of Chances Sleigh. Having moved to Fullerton at a young age, Duenas developed his roots in the community, attending Golden Hill Elementary School and Nicolas Junior High School before graduating from Fullerton Union High School. As a youth, he played baseball at Golden Hill Little League and made history by participating in the first all-star team from Fullerton that made the junior league World Series.

Duenas expressed his affection for the city, stating, “I love Fullerton; it was the perfect place to grow up. For me, Fullerton is the perfect mix of big city and suburb. I’ve made lifelong friends here and go back as often as possible to visit my friends and family.”

His family remains in Fullerton, residing in the same home he grew up in on Highland Avenue, while his mother, Toni, has worked at the same State Farm office in the area for 35 years.

The film is also bolstered by Jerry ArtuKovich, who serves as the writer and producer. An Emmy Award-nominated casting director known for “The Golden Bachelorette,” ArtuKovich lived in Fullerton for over a decade and is a graduate of CSUF, where he formed a lasting friendship with fellow alumnus Trevor Penick.

Trevor Penick

Penick, an actor in “Final Wager,” is also a musician and member of the successful boy band O-Town, which was founded by Lou Perlman. He resided in Fullerton while attending university and graduated alongside ArtuKovich.

“It was such a full circle moment getting to shoot this incredible film at the bar I attended in college,” said Penick.

Executive producers Brad Kerr and Bobby Patel are also key players in the film’s production. Close friends of Duenas, the trio launched Toni Nycole Productions, an independent filmmaking company, stemming from their lifelong friendship that began in the Little League. Kerr, who is a successful local realtor at Brad Kerr Homes, and Patel both continue to live and work in Fullerton.

Notably, the film also stars Michael Madsen from “Kill Bill” and “Reservoir Dogs” and Tom Arnold from “True Lies” and the TV show “Rosanne.”

As “Final Wager” prepares for its release, it stands as a testament to the vibrant artistic community in Fullerton, showcasing the collaborative spirit and shared hometown pride of its creators.

“Final Wager” is a heartfelt, edgy Christmas film with a twist: Now available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Google Play, and Fandango.

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