An out of this world movie production recently landed in Leetonia, with filming taking place at multiple locations in the village. Pictured from left are actors Angela Cole and Scott Schwartz, director and script writer Nicole Ice and co-director Jimmy Taaffe, author of the original source material. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

LEETONIA — Unearthly lights and smoke filled the second floor of a popular downtown Leetonia bar during an out of this world film shot last Monday and Thursday.

“It’s amazing to film out here. It’s a wonderful town and everyone has been nothing but nice to us,” said Director and Script Writer Nicole Ice. The film crew also planned to shoot at the historic coke ovens.

Rydar’s Corner Pocket in Leetonia served as the filming location for a new sci-fi action-adventure movie called Gemini adapted from the book of the same name by author and co-director Jimmy Taaffe. The film, the second co-production by Taaffe and Ice, follows two young sisters from an alien world, one of which has lived on earth since they were an infant and one who returned to their home planet, re-uniting and the trials these newly reconnected sisters face to stay together.

The production will feature stunt work led by Kevin Kent, best known for his work on the award-winning Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, and will feature Scott Schwartz, best known for his role as Flick in A Christmas Story in a supporting role, playing what he described as “a space pirate with the means and the transportation to do what needs done and get our hero to Earth.”

Schwartz’ character and the two heroines promise to be surrounded by a full cast of colorful characters, which Ice noting that “we have so many characters that have their own personas it’s like a cosplay shoot on set sometimes.”

Ice, a native of Cleveland who moved to Columbiana in 2015, said that the Corner Pocket had been chosen because its multi-level layout offered the opportunity to film multiple scenes in a single location as well as her personal connection with owner Jerrod Rydarowicz.

“When you’re deciding on a film location, one of the most important things to consider is how one location can be used for multiple scenes,” said Ice.

Ice said that Monday had marked day seven of 22 days of filming work and that they expected the film to be completed sometime early next spring with a PG-13 rating. Ice also said she is hopeful the project could catch the eye of a larger grow beyond the initial production.

“Our goal is to have it developed into a full series by a streaming service, so in a way the movie is kind of like a proof of concept,” said Ice.

Schwartz said that in addition to a personal connection with Ice he had joined the project because he “thought the script sounded like a lot of fun.” Schwartz also said that he felt the role had a great deal of room for interpretation and improvisation, and that he “really enjoys roles that I can play with.”

In his 46-year acting career Schwartz has spent time in cities across the country and rated Leetonia highly amongst them. He said he had been staying in the village for a few days.

“I’ve been to Ohio many times, and it’s great here. It’s a nice, quiet little town. When you travel a lot, you see a lot of cities trying to look big, that are loud and unpleasant. You learn to appreciate the nice, quiet places like this. Leetonia is great,” said Schwartz.

mahart@mojonews.com