Jim Fair
David Thienes, co-producer of "Chronology", is filming in downtown Greer and will use the jail cells at the Greer Police Department.
Jim Fair
The cast and crew are producing the movie under Dark Corner Films.
It’s safe to assume that William Baldwin or Danny Trejo know. Apparently the Greer Police Department plays a role, too.
The thriller, “Chronology”, produced by Dark Corner Films, was filming at Greer Station Diner and Carolina Treasures, an antique store, on Trade Street Wednesday.
“It’s set at a New Year’s eve party,” co-producer Jeff Sumerel, said. “A man goes to the bathroom in this restaurant and when he returns he takes on a different personality."
“The scenes flash back to Poland where we have already filmed,” Sumerel said.
Baldwin (“Backdraft”), playing the lead, was scheduled for his first shoot Wednesday at Carolina Treasures. Co-star Trejo (“Machete” and Snickers commercial) is scheduled to be filmed next week in Greenville.
“It’s a feature, ultra low budget, SAG (Screen Actors Guild) film,” Sumerel, from Greenville, said.
The cast and crew set up its base at the Diner at 10 a.m. Wardrobe, hair and makeup were handled downstairs and the side room was for crew and cast to prep for scenes.
Sumerel said Greer had been scouted for months. “We needed the diner and antique store for location. And Greer has a jail cell that has bars and we needed that.” Filming at the Greer police department will be next week.
Sumerel communicated to lunch guests when quiet was needed and cameras were rolling.
“I love it in Greer and the people have been great. We set up to arrive at 2 p.m. (closing time) but called last night to say we needed to be here at 10 a.m. They were very accommodating,” Sumerel said.
Diners moved to one side of the restaurant to accommodate scenes performed at the front window while other members of the cast assembled or walked past outside. The diner’s name did not change for the movie, if it makes the cut.
Some diners received free meals for being inconvenienced.
It’s not the first time Greer has been inconvenienced for the film industry.
“They will enjoy it, especially if it’s a hit,” Jimmie Thrasher, of Greer Station Diner, said. “It will be like “Leatherheads” where they will say ‘I was there when they were shooting …’”
“Leatherheads” starring George Clooney and Renee Zellweger was filmed partly in downtown Greer.