Published: 3/18/2021 6:37:00 PM
SHELBURNE FALLS — With wreaths on windows, tinsel on banisters and lights strung about the trees, Christmas has returned to the village — at least for now.
Filming for the new 10-episode limited series of “Dexter” is expected to begin early next month in Shelburne Falls over a period of two weeks, a spokesperson for the TV network Showtime said — though she didn’t confirm whether the holiday decorations were associated with the TV set.
On Thursday morning, the Shelburne Falls Fire Department posted on its Facebook page informing residents that a drone will also be in the area filming for the production.
“We’re very much looking forward to working with the production crew,” said Buckland Town Administrator Heather Butler. “They’ve been really good guests in the village and I anticipate that we’ll be seeing a lot more of them in the next couple of weeks.”
Two movies have been shot in Shelburne Falls: “Labor Day,” starring Josh Brolin, Kate Winslet and Tobey Maguire, which was released 2013; and “The Judge,” starring Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga and Billy Bob Thornton, which was released in 2014.
“Dexter” follows forensic analyst Dexter Morgan, who spends his days solving crimes and his nights committing them, according to a synopsis on the production company’s website. But the character lives by a “strict honor code” — acting as a vigilante serial killer.
The final episode of the original series, which lasted eight seasons, aired in 2013.
Although they couldn’t speak to specifics, local businesses confirmed that the production company had been in touch regarding the production process. McCusker’s Market, for example, plans to be closed from April 5 to April 9 and on April 12, as a result of the production.
Butler previously explained that Showtime approached Buckland officials in October about using Town Hall — which is currently closed to the public — as well as State and Conway streets.
The Shelburne Selectboard also offered the company a “positive nod” of approval at the end of last year, Selectboard Chair Andrew Baker said previously. He called it a “mixed blessing” for the community under the current circumstances.
In January, Showtime announced in a press release that in addition to the original series regulars — including Michael C. Hall, who plays the titular character Dexter — the cast includes Clancy Brown, Julia Jones, Alano Miller, Johnny Sequoyah and Jack Alcott.
Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne