Bob did quip however, "Maybe they are scouting for a movie."
Turns out that Bob was right: it was a crew from Beleaguered Castle Film Productions, Inc. of Chicago. After having looked at a few locations in the immediate area, they decided that the Andorka's driveway was perfect for their scene. They talked about what they were thinking of doing, said the insurance information and contracts would be on the way soon and were gone.
"As fast as they were here, they were gone again," says Bob.
In speaking with Natasha Parker, assistant location manager, she indicated that the crew liked the curve of the street. They had been looking around the quarry, but needed a more residential feel to the scene and after driving through La Grange Park, they decided on the Andorkas.
The production company distributed a memo to all households on the 400 block of Waiola stating that the film is called Source Code starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga. The scene that was to be filmed on Waiola was that of a character named Derek who is driving through various parts of the city trying to find a short route to downtown Chicago. The company made arrangements with the La Grange Park Police and the schools in anticipation of the street being closed off for filming. The crew also removed the street signs and cleaned the street as well.
The day arrived - Thursday, April 8.
Everyone forgot about it being garbage day - ! The bins were moved to the backs of the yards for the shoot.
Bonnie Andorka took the day off from work so as not to miss anything. Kate Andorka, currently a student at Illinois State University, had just returned from a semester abroad the night before. Moe, the loyal yellow lab, was only too happy to greet everyone that came into the door. Neighborhood kids came to see the action and their parents were just as delighted that their block was a star.
And it was non-stop activity for the afternoon. The actors and actress who were playing the family arrived about noon. Spo was playing the dad, Laura Atwood was playing the mom and Spo's two sons, Brandon and Logan were the boys in the family. They filled us in on the workings of being in a movie, how you are picked, other things they have starred in and their other jobs.
Stunt man Rick LeFevour arrived to grand fanfare - he performed many stunts in 'The Dark Knight" and kept all of the kids in thrall telling them how he does the stunts, what he needs to suit up, how the cars are padded - he assured us that his mother is not at all surprised with his career of choice - he always was the daredevil.
LeFevour could not have been more gracious - he talked with the kids for about an hour, signing autographs for them all. LeFevour is the guy driving the van down the street.
Left: photo of LeFevour with Kate on his right, Bonnie two to his left and the kids from the neighborhood.
Wardrobe arrived just before the shoot to go over the costumes. The actors bring their own clothing and wardrobe goes through the items to determine which is best suited for the scene. Cameras were set up, directors chairs were in place and it was time for the shoot.
The scene that stars our fair village is this: A white van comes south on Waiola and the family jumps into their Jeep Cherokee that is parked in Andorka's driveway. The scene will play in about 30-45 seconds and we were all there for about 4 hours!
Bonnie Andorka will probably receive a special mention from this crew: she was most gracious, opening her home to all the cast and crew. It was a nippy April day and Bonnie made real hot chocolate (with milk!) for everyone. She received a cap with 'Source Code' on it for her warm welcome from the producer. She assured them all that is was 'midwestern hospitality' but I am sure she will long be remembered by everyone that was in attendance that day.
The film is scheduled for release in 2011.
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