Ben Kingsley Film Shoot Slated for Somers

A low-budget independent film that is set to include Oscar-winning "Gandhi" actor Ben Kingsley will be shot in Somers later this month, as well as several other locations in the area.

Somers town board members approved a permit for the filming of scenes from "A Birder's Guide to Everything" in late July and August. The film is being directed by Rob Meyer and produced by Chappaqua resident Dan Lindau.

The story of the movie is about a high school sophomore, named David Portnoy, whose mother just died and, on the eve of his father's remarriage he leaves on an epic road trip with his best friends to find an exotic bird, according to the Internet Movie Database. 

"It sounds like it’s a very uplifting and family-oriented film," Somers supervisor Mary Beth Murphy said. "To have Somers featured in a nice uplifting film reflects nicely on the town."

Another cast member that may appear, according to a New York Times overview of the movie, is Bryan Cranston, whose career has included playing the father on the TV show Malcolm in the Middle. The Times abstract information of the film also lists Kingsley, Lindau and Meyer in their respective roles.

Locations manager Kara Janeczko told the Somers board on July 5 that she is interested in Routes 100 and 35, the areas around and the Muscoot River. Shooting will take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.; traffic and other logistical details will be worked out with town police. Filming is scheduled for July 23, 24, 30, and Aug. 1 and 2. 

"Somers is a wonderful town," Murphy told Patch. "[The location scouts] looked at the beauty and bucolic nature of the area" and felt it was right for the film.

The total shooting period for the movie is expected to run from July 23 to Aug. 18. In addition to Somers High School, there are several locations elsewhere that are being eyed for shoots, according to Lindau. They include Chappaqua, the Hickory & Tweed ski and bike shop in Armonk, and the  area.

This isn't the first time Somers has been featured in a film. This past March,. That film, called "Lucky Dog," is about two French Canadian Christmas tree salesmen who travel to New York to sell trees. 

"A Birder's Guide to Everything" producers have committed to using local Somers businesses for their meal requirements, said Murphy. 

Janeczko approached the board about waiving the $500 filming fee but was denied the request. Local realtor Mancini Realty has since offered to cover the fee, said Murphy. 

"We felt it would help the community as a whole," said Joan Mancini, co-owner of Mancini Realty with husband Rick. "The town doesn't have enough recognition as it is and this puts Somers on the map a little bit more. It brings in more revenue into the town." 

Stay tuned with Patch for coverage of the film production. 

Editor's Note: Tom Auchterlonie contributed to this report. 

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for our newsletter