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Indie Movie "Dial-A-Prayer" Filming In Downtown Ferndale

FERNDALE (WWJ) - An indie flick is filming in Ferndale.

A section of 9 Mile Road was closed, Tuesday, for production of the upcoming movie "Dial-A-Prayer."

John Murray, who has a prime seat for the action,  believes the attention will pay dividends for the city and for local business.

"For us, as a small business owner, this is a phenomenal thing to have right in front," Murray said. "You know, a car crashed right in front of Modern Natural Baby? Thank you! This is great free advertising. They're spending millions of dollars and they're right in front of my store."

"I mean, what I think is great about it is ... the world is gonna see what our street looks like," he added. "They're going to see all the different businesses and think, 'You know what? I'd like to go to that street someday.'"

Ed Lane was also among the onlookers happy to see filmmakers set up shop in a small city.

"Downtown Ferndale's a unique place; that's why I have my business here: Digital Lane Photography," said Lane. "I thought about going out and taking pictures, but it looks like everything's under control here. I just thought I'd have a little resemblance of what happened here in Ferndale."

"Dial-A-Prayer" stars Brittany Snow and William Macy. According to the Michigan Film Office, the movie follows Cora, a young woman who's sentenced to community service in a prayer request call center. Cora finds out that a boy she thinks she helped save is keeping a secret from her.

"Dial-A-Prayer" was approved for film incentives from the state totaling $243,002 on $850,160 of projected in-state expenditures.

It's being produced by Detroit native Jason Potash alongside Paul Finkel. The duo also produced "Beside Still Waters" – a project that filmed in northern Michigan and metro Detroit in 2012. Maggie Kiley is directing the film.

The project, set in which is set suburban Michigan, will film throughout metro Detroit into the summer.

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