05/03/08 — George Deshner is used to working behind to scenes on shows at the Crawford County Fair, but this weekend’s filming of scenes for “The Road” at Conneaut Lake Park has been a new adventure.
“It’s similar to working a concert at the fair, but much more in-depth with much more going on with the entire surroundings,” the park’s general manager said Friday evening.
“It’s been extremely interesting to see what all goes on with a movie crew. Especially the equipment; it’s just like a small city that’s moved in and set up on the site.”
From all the cable needed to operate the cameras to all the generators used to supply power and lights, it’s been a sight to behold. “It’s really pretty amazing to see everything that goes on,” Deshner said. “Everybody has a specific job; they know what to do.”
He even caught a glimpse of Viggo Mortensen shooting a pivotal scene, but didn’t get to speak with the actor. “He’s an extremely private individual,” Deshner noted. “He doesn’t say much, even to the crew. He stays to himself.”
Deshner did see the stunt doubles for Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee, however, as well as “a few people trying to get in and see some things. But there’s security on the park and they’re doing a good job of keeping that under control.” Another early incident of a boat “running up and down the lake” was addressed after the noise easily carried across the water onto the quiet set.
As the park’s general manager, Deshner was on hand — with radio in hand — in case the crew needed something. For example, most of the benches along the boardwalk are fairly new, which wouldn’t play in a post-apocalyptic setting, so when asked for an alternative, he produced about eight charred ones that had been in the burned-out Dreamland Ballroom. “Be my guest,” he told the crew.
Deshner wouldn’t reveal the amount that the park is being paid by the production company. “We’re getting compensation, but it’s not as significant as most people would think,” he said, noting that people have come up to him and said they hope it would be enough to open the financially-troubled park this season.
He did say most of the money would be used toward maintaining the “huge” liability insurance for CLP, plus “maybe a little bit left over for repairs for areas that will open.” Among them is Camperland, which opened Thursday and is taking reservations for Memorial Day Weekend and the summer. Most of the boat dock spaces have been rented, he added, but there isn’t a schedule at this point as to what other areas of the park may open for the season.
Kevin M. Hart is editor of Bravo! He can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at khart@meadvilletribune.com.
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Film is a new adventure for park manager Deshner
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