Director Christopher Leone has had a passion for film since he was a child growing up in Middletown.

His latest project is his first independent feature film, being released in 2025.

"Code 3" stars Rainn Wilson, Lil Rel Howery and Aimee Carrero.

When Christopher Leone saw " Star Wars " in 1977 at the age of 6, it sparked a film obsession.

The Middletown native, who grew up frequenting the Downtown Bagels shop near ShopRite , started saving and bought his first Super 8 camera when he was 12. He made 8mm films with his friends and brother.

Leone, a Middletown High School graduate, would go on to build a career out of his childhood passion. Over the last 30 years, he has worked in Los Angeles in visual effects, co-written sci-fi miniseries, and directed short films, commercials, and

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