Local Car is Star in Michigan-Based Film 'Freaky Deaky'

Actor Christian Slater was the big name on set Friday, but local cars were the stars as in downtown Rochester.

Based on the 1988 novel of the same name, Freaky Deaky is set in 60s and 70s Detroit.

The film is under the direction of Charlie Matthau, who it would be made entirely in Michigan, where Leonard lives. But to look the part, downtown Rochester needed a few four-wheeled props.

Bob Hughes of Macomb Township is a collector of classic cars, and lent two vehicles to the film: A 1968 GT convertible and a red 1973 Monte Carlo.

In his opinion, the crew did a nice job mixing different kinds of vehicles from the time period to make the scene look realistic.

"You want to have a wide mix," he said. "If all you have is show cars, it won't work."

Hughes said the crew was looking for a variety of cars from 1968 to 1973 and added that he is getting paid for it, though he didn't want to say how much. 

"The money don't compensate for the time involved, but I think it is more the experience on how they are making the movie," said Hughes, who took a vacation day from work to attend the filming in Rochester.

"It's for bragging rights."

Bill Stanley of Rochester lent his 1973 black Cadillac El Dorado to the film crew for the day.

The car collector said he was excited for his car to have a part in the film. 

"It is fun," Stanley said. "It is the first time I have ever done it."

Teri Fowler of Holly also lent her car for the Friday shoot.

"And now my car is a movie star!" she said.

Fowler said movie producers told her to show up at 3:30 p.m. with her car and not to wash it—that it would get messy. She said they invited her to dine with some of the crew and cast at 9 p.m.—for a meal they called "lunch," she said.

For more on the movie, its stars and what it means for the Michigan film industry, .