Ben Kingsley Film Shoot Slated for Chappaqua

An independent film that is set to include actor Ben Kingsley will be shot at several locations in Chappaqua later this month.

The film, A Birder's Guide to Everything, is being directed by Rob Meyer and produced by Chappaqua resident Dan Lindau, who appeared before the New Castle Town Board at a work session to give the details. He told the board about the film, its casting and planned shooting locations.

At a regular meeting that followed the work session, the New Castle Town Board voted unanimously to waive the town's film permit fee

The story of the movie, accordng to Meyer's overview, is about a high school sophomore named David Portnoy, who joins two friends and a new girl in the school to find a bird thought to be extinct. Lindau told the town board that the bird is a labrador duck. The club's members decide to show the photo to Ben Kingsley's character, Lindau told the town board.

At the same time, Portnoy is dealing with family problems. Lindau explained that his mother died but that his father wants to marry a nurse who took care of her.

Lindau described the film to board members as one where the character comes of age, has romance and reconciles with his father.

“It’s really a sweet story,” he said.

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.

The production company plans to do shoots in roughly eight locations, according to Kara Janeczko, who is the film's locations manager. Places in Chappaqua will include the interior of Lindau's home on Douglas Road and sites on nearby streets that will feature exterior shots. The street scenes are expected to be around dead ends.

Janeczko told the town board that she doesn't expect any street closures being needed. Logistically, Lindau doesn't expect there to be issues with getting residents in the area on board because he already knows them, he explained to the board.

The outdoor street shots will take about three and a half days, while about six days will be spent at Lindau's house, the producer told the board.

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

The production company is expected to pay for any extra costs that may be incurred that could impact the town, Councilman John Buckley explained before the town board's filming fee waiver vote was taken.

“This is exciting," he said.

New Castle officials were supportive of Lindau's desire to shoot the film locally and offered tips.

Buckley suggested that a Girl Scouts' camp near by could be used as lodging for people work on the film. Supervisor Susan Carpenter encouraged folks to shop locally.

“When you go out to dinner, come to Chappaqua sometimes," she said.

In the meantime, Lindau is looking for kids to be cast as extras.

“I’ll give you my two," Buckley joked at the work session.

“I could look childish," joked Clinton Smith, New Castle's town attorney.

To learn about the movie, click here for an overview video.

Editor's Note: The spelling of the director's name was initially listed incorrectly. It has been updated.