CLUTIER - A group of actors and filmmakers are seemingly taking over the small town of Clutier this week, but the townspeople don't seem to mind.
Crews are filming scenes for "A Place for Heroes," a movie about a World War II hero who dies and then his family looks into his checkered past.
"I took this one because I did relate with the story," said Sam Borowski, the producer of the film from New York. "It's a wonderful story. It kept me on the edge of my seat."
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T-R PHOTO BY ANDREW POTTER
Director of Photography Bill Schweikert, looks over camera on a boom during filming of “A Place for Heroes” Wednesday night in Clutier.
They previously filmed at the library and homes in Traer.
"Whether it's Traer or Clutier, we've been welcomed with open arms and that's all you can hope for," Borowski said.
The lodge hall in Clutier has been a popular spot for filming due to its rustic look and feel and is being used as a setting for a 1940s dance hall. Antique cars were lined up outside the dance hall for an exterior shot earlier this week.
"It's just beautiful," Borowski said of the setting in Clutier. "It's amazing. You can't fake this on a Hollywood back lot. It's reality and that's what makes the movie."
Clutier Mayor Ardene Cross said it's been exciting to have the film crew in town and she is even among the local people who are serving as extras on the film. During some of the outdoor shots in town, residents have brought lawn chairs and watched the filming.
"It's very exciting and we're really glad to have them," Cross said. "It's an experience that being in a small town you wouldn't expect to have."
The film was written and is being directed by Scott Thompson. It stars Paul Sorvino, Sally Kellerman and Daniel Roebuck. There are also up-and-coming actors like Samantha Tuffarelli, Bill Sorvino and Ben Easter in the film.
Tuffarelli, who plays Nola, has experienced the niceness of Iowans during her time in the state. She is one of several of the East Coast cast and crew members who are getting a taste of what it's like to interact with people who are "Iowa nice."
"Everybody's been so welcoming and nice," Tuffarelli said. "People actually acknowledge you and are so helpful."
The timeframe of the release of the film is up in the air. Borowski said there are plans to debut it at film festivals before its theatrical release, but the editing process will need to be done after shooting wraps.
Borowski said he plans to have screenings of the film in the area when it is released.