According to The OD, Utica’s going Bollywood:

Ilion filmmaker Michael Patrei will film a Bollywood-type dance number using local residents for a scene in his feature-length comedy, “Falling Frames.”

The scene is open to any who wish to participate in the filming at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, in the parking lot across from the Tramontane Café, 1105 Lincoln Ave.

Those not participating in the filming, which will take all day, will be asked not to observe the filming, Patrei said.

Participants should expect Bollywood-style choreography, but shouldn’t be put off if they’re rhythmically challenged, he said.

“Anyone can be in it,” Patrei said. “When we go through the run-through, I’m going to rearrange people so that the people who are getting the dance moves will be in the front.”

Patrei welcomes all people in whatever they want to wear, but would love to see various groups and teams dressed in their uniforms.

“A different eclectic group of people really would work,” Patrei said. “The movie really is surreal, so it lends itself to that sort of zaniness.”

The film follows an actor who kidnaps the director of the film he’s a part of in order to force him to write a happy ending. After a few twists and turns, the film builds to the Bollywood dance number, Patrei said.

Most of the film has been shot locally – Utica, Ilion and Clinton — and is expected to be completed and submitted to film festivals early next year, Patrei said.

Patrei’s most recent film, “Ballou,” received national acclaim and attention by telling the story of a Washington, D.C., marching band seen as a beacon of hope in a high school riddled with violence and crime.

Patrei’s currently working on a documentary that recounts the history of Ilion, his hometown.
Visit www.ilionfilmcompany.com or www.balloumovie.com for information.