The village of Elbridge is buzzing. Over the past weekend you could walk into any business and hear stories about movie crew sightings.

Some residents have claimed fame for living in the village as well as talking to the crew or having their land or business or themselves becoming part of the new supernatural suspense thriller “Lonely Joe.”

The movie, which features some scenes in Elbridge, is based on actual events that took place 20 years ago in Texas. A newspaper reporter returns home to uncover the mysterious disappearances of many people. The only common thread was the missing persons were last seen at a specific part of the railroad tracks in town.

The truth is discovered by the reporter, whose name is Michele Connelly and is played by Erica Leerhsen. Michele finds herself being drawn into the story that her character is supposed to be solving. Some of the more famous movies Erica has been in are “Blair Witch 2,” “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2003” and “Wrong Turn 2.”

I had the privilege of meeting up with co-producer and director Michael Coonce, who also co-wrote the script with his wife, Michele. He gave me the opportunity to visit with him and the stars of the production.

Erica told me “The upstate New York landscape is a central character in ‘Lonely Joe.' It provides a sense of wonder, mystery and ferocity. This area comes with a long area of violence, pain and religion; all important elements in a thriller. I think Mike has captured the essence of the fall\winter landscape on film.”

Dennis Pelmear, highway superintendent of the town of Elbridge said, “It has been exciting to have the ‘Lonely Joe' production in and around our town and surrounding area.

The production staff has been great communicating with the town about their locations and times, and it has certainly given the town something to talk about. I had the opportunity to see and talk to some of the actors and property owners.

To say the least they are extremely excited. Most have told me that they can't wait to see the movie, their property or see someone they know.I personally have enjoyed knowing more about the story behind “Lonely Joe” and how some of the scenes fit in.

It spans quite a range of generations and history. We have had scenes filmed in the village of Elbridge Ace Hardware, Gorham Road, Mead Road, Clinton Road, Valley Drive, Crego Road and Baker/Depot Road in nearby Sennett.

Town Supervisor Ken Bush said, “Lonely Joe is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2008. The town is very excited to work with the movie company and several local businesses have benefited from having the production employees as customers. The movie is putting the Jordan-Elbridge community on the national map.”