By TOM KANE

NARROWBURG - Actor and Cochecton Center resident Richard Castellano lost on each of ten suits filed against him last Wednesday in Tusten Small Claims Court for breach of contract and non-payment of wages. Justice Ralph Huebner presided.

Castellano will be required to pay fees totaling around $12,000 to the crew of hithemovie, "Four Deadly Reasons," filmed in Narrowsburg during the summer of 1999. Castellano's wife, Jocelyne, a named co-defendant under Atlantia films and the Narrowsburg International Independent Film Festival, did not show up in court on Wednesday. Evidence presented by movie crew members included contracts and other documents which named Atlantia Films, doing business as the Narrowsburg International Independent Film Festival, as contractor. Mrs. Castellano is the owner of Atlantia Films and the co-owner and the executive director of the film festival. Her signature appears on the contracts.

"Mrs. Castellano will suffer no penalty for not showing except that she forfeited the right to defend herself," Justice Huebner said.

The court also granted two other requests for payment of debts, ruling in favor of the Castellanos' former attorney, Deb Ireland, to whom $1,520 was owed, and Janet and Jim Syer, former owners of the Chatterbox Restaurant in Narrowsburg, to whom $2,614 was owed.

The judge ruled that the Castellanos had two weeks to comply with the court or to arrange for other payment methods with the complainants. If they do not comply, the claimants can return to the court to file a lien against their assets.

During the proceedings, the pair was challenged by Ireland to reveal their real names. Castellano also calls himself Richard Castaldo and his wife has several aliases, Ireland charged.

"Why the use of other names? What are you trying to hide?" she asked.

Ireland asked Castellano if he had ever told anyone that he had committed a triple murder. While admitting he had made that statement, the actor added, "I live the roles I have in the movies. I killed no one."

"You live in a dream world, Mr. Castellano," said the judge.

Several times during the trial, Huebner warned Castellano to be quiet. "This is not a stage. This is a court of law in the State of New York," he said.

During questioning, Armondo Bilancione, who worked as Castellano's bodyguard, said that Castellano asked him to "take care of" George Gatter, one of the movie crew members. "I was not about to do anything illegal or criminal for him," Bilancione said.

Because of this statement and other alleged threats Gatter said he received from Castellano, Gatter asked for and was granted an order of protection. The order prohibits any contact between Castellano, or anyone representing Castellano, and Gatter.

Other claimants and amounts awarded were:

• Amy Bostwick, camera operator, $1,460.
• George Boulokos, location manager, $350
• Mark Serman, gaffer, $750
• Adam Naumovitz, assistant cameraman, $100
• Tamar Gadish, assistant production designer, $400
• Ni Ni Than, production designer, $925
• Matt Nelson, location manager and later production manager, $750
• Diane Solomon, makeup artist, $100
• George Gatter, second electrician, $4,800. (Gatters alleged the Castellanos used his credit card under false pretenses to rent cars and that money is still owed on the card.)
• Luis Colon, second grip, $875

In each instance, the final amount of the judgements also included 20 percent in interest and the court costs.

There are four civil cases pending against the Castellanos. These are: Anguibe Guildo for $600, John Keating for $910, Tony Popps for $300 and Michael Steer for $700. These cases will be heard at Tusten Town Court at 10:00 a.m. on September 15.