Film crew on the set of Russian production Montana prepares lighting at the intersection of Frazier Mountain Park Road and Lockwood Valley Road. The film will show in Russian theaters.
By Gary Meyer
The Russian mob came to the mountain last week looking for their hitman—or, actually a film about the Russian mob was shot here over a period of several days.
Montana is the story of a guy who is sent by the Russian mafia to do a hit, but has a change of heart, falls in love, dumps his assignment and must then run from the mob.
Our mountains provide a believable look-alike for the state of Montana.
Filming took place at the filling station at Frazier Mountain Park Road and Lockwood Valley Road, with driving shots in Lockwood Valley and a roadside scene at the Mil Potrero "Y," where a State Trooper catches the story’s hero taking a pit stop behind a tree.
Leading actor, Oleg Taktarov has played parts in two dozen films and television shows, including Air Force One, Rollerball, Alias, National Treasure and JAG.
Director Aleksandr Atanesyan’s work has been seen predominately in Russia.
Montana is being shot on high definition video and will be transferred to film for release in Russian theaters during the Christmas holiday season. A DVD release in the United States will follow.
This is part of the March 23, 2007 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.
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