Film Demoted comes to Milford

Hollywood magic turned drizzle into instant sunshine in downtown Milford last week. Excited star gazers gathered on Main Street hoping to see the cast of Demoted, a comedy about two tire executives who suffer payback when a mistreated employee gets ahead and they are demoted.

“I bought a coffee and heard they were filming,” beamed Milford resident Linda Shady. “This is just so exciting! Michael Vartan was posing for pictures.”

Michael Vartan “Alias”, Sean Astin “Lord of the Rings”, Sarah Foster, “The Big Bounce” and Patrick St. Esprit “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” walked the streets of Milford between scenes.

“I am really enjoying my time in Michigan,” said Vartan. “People are very nice and it’s great to be here.”

St. Espirit echoed the sentiment adding, “This is a charming community.”

Gina’s Bridal Shop and The Village Florist were two of several Milford locations selected for scenes. Judi Licavoli, owner of Gina’s was thrilled to have a shopping sequence take place in her store.

“They had a silly scene here with the groom (Vartan) and father of the bride (St. Esprit) modeling bridal veils for the bride (Foster),” said Licavoli. “Sean Astin was here even though he was not in the scene. He and Michael Vartan have some Scrabble word game they are playing on their phones. Sean was just here working on the game.”

Down the road at the Village Florist, the scene involved selecting flowers for the upcoming wedding. Shop owner Kathy Brock said the set designer moved things around and decorated the front of her store with soft white netting.

“It’s a gift,” said Brock. “I would definitely do this again.”

David Rumble, location manager for Demoted, is responsible for Milford’s moment of fame.

“I love Milford’s look and chose these locations because the town is film friendly,” said Rumble. “They made it easy for us to film here.”

Rumble’s comments brought a smile to the face of Village Manager Arthur Shufflebarger who is pleased the community is basking in the glow of a movie spotlight, and receiving a financial boost from Demoted. The Bar, Coratti’s and Main Street Tavern all report cast and crew members dining in their restaurants. Last Thursday, a group of 20 lunched at The Bar and several have become regulars.

“We like having a positive impact on the community and state,” said J. B. Rogers, director, Demoted. “About 90% of my crew is from Michigan.”

The movie may be called “Demoted”, but around Milford these days the warm feeling of being promoted is in the air, along with the crisp, cool chill of fall in Michigan.