Dear Hollywood: Rochester Has a Few Movie Storylines For You!

Dear Hollywood,

It's getting kind of obvious that you've run out of ideas.  

If you're not ripping off material from some ancient television show (The A-Team, The Dukes of Hazzard, Charlie's Angels), you're "rebooting" old franchises in an attempt to make them fresh (Batman, Spider-Man, Superman). Fortunately, there are still good books for you to make into movies (Water For Elephants, The Help, Twilight).

But if you are looking for some original ideas that don't involve buying the book rights, look no further than Rochester-Rochester Hills. As a recent proved, we're a creative bunch.

We challenged our readers to tell us the actor they'd love to catch filming around town and, because we live in such a beautiful and interesting area, where that filming should take place. That's what we asked, but we got so much more.

Such as this from reader David Gifford, who outlined an entire movie plot for us.

"Robin Williams as a bum who sleeps in the lookout tower and hangs out under Rochester Road on the Paint Creek Trail, talking to everyone who rides or walks by. Then he befriends a blind student who works for."

Or reader Stacey, who tapped into your love for old television and came up with this idea:

"Donny Most, Scott Baio, Erin Moran, Anson Williams and of course, Henry Winkler reprising their roles in a movie sequel to "Happy Days" filmed at (during Dancin' in the Streets/Rockin' Rods). The comedy-drama will be directed by the one and only Ron Howard and will go on to receive six Emmy awards — a feat previously achieved only by the legendary "Lonesome Dove" miniseries. You'll laugh, you'll cry ... you'll give it two thumbs up (and say 'Aaaaaa-yyyy.')"

Sounds like a winner to me!

Location, location, location

Some of our readers tapped into the unique locations and events Rochester/Rochester Hills offer — something you might want to keep in mind if we manage to hang on to those film industry tax incentives.

Some went the comedic route, such as Katherine Nitz:

"Will Farrell dodging in and out of stores at Lagniappe to avoid someone and winds up with Santa and the reindeer in full public view."

Reader Jen mentioned a book series that's become a favorite of Rochester children:

"My daughter would like to see a sequel to 'Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief' filmed with the same actress who plays Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario) at ."

While others, such as K. Henry, went for romance:

"Colin Firth, between , and , on and around the bridge and gazebo and utilizing the Paint Creek Trail."

While we're on the subject of romance ...

Never forget that Rochester and Rochester Hills have more than their fair share of desperate housewives, and the entries showed it with multiple mentions of George Clooney and Hugh Jackman. So feel free to send either of those guys our way. We've got a welcoming committee ready.

And reader Sue wants to remind you that Seattle isn't the only city with a hospital. We've got and she'd love to see Eric Dane and Patrick Dempsey there in scrubs.

Eminem, need I say more?

Grammy winner, actor and Chrysler 200 commercial superstar Eminem also happens to be a local resident. Reader Joshua Raymond wants you to keep that in mind, along with this final idea:

"Jessica Alba filming the next 'Fantastic Four' with Eminem's house as the Avenger's Mansion."

So, Hollywood, remember Rochester when you're in need of a breath of fresh, Midwestern air. We're more than ready for you.

Sincerely,

Laura Cassar 

And our winner is ...

Rochester Hills resident Janet Raymond had the winning entry with this comment:

"Ooooh, Hugh Jackman sounds good, but I'd also like to see Orlando Bloom in a smart, romantic comedy downtown or a period piece at Stoney Creek Village/ ."

The mother of three doesn't get to the movies as often as she used to, but she did manage to see one Oscar nominee, Inception, and really enjoyed it. 

As for what film she'll use her  Theatre gift card on, she tells us with a laugh, "I'm not sure what we'll see. ... First, I have to line up a sitter!" 

Good luck with arranging that date night, Janet! And thanks for reading, Patch!