BIDDEFORD – Some may grumble about the recent snow, but for those involved with the production of film Holly Star, the white stuff came at just the right time.

Holly Star, an independent comedy written and directed by Michael A. Nickles, is about a broke puppeteer who comes home to Maine for the holidays and finds herself on a bizarre treasure hunt.

Filming began Dec. 2 and will wrap up Dec. 21. Much of the film has been shot in Saco and Biddeford, with scenes also shot in Kennebunk and Portland.

Wednesday afternoon, cast and crew were in Mechanic’s Park, which was transformed into a Christmas tree lot for filming.

Actors Katlyn Carlson, who plays female lead Sloan, Teya Patt, who plays her best friend Kay; and Brian Muller were acting out a snowball fight scene.

Producer Tom Hiotis, of New York, said the recent snowfall was a welcome sight.

“We needed it and it showed up,” he said.

Patt, from Los Angeles, said the New England weather was an adjustment, and one of the first tasks for here out of town was to buy some thermal underwear. But despite the cold, she was enjoying her first trip to Maine and the beauty of a New England winter.

“It’s nice to be here at Christmas time. It’s why you make a movie this time of year,” she said.

Carlson, from, Missouri, described Saco and Biddeford as very picturesque.

 “It’s a great community – very welcoming,” she said.

Hiotis said they had “breezed right through” filming, because the quality of the actors and the chemistry between them.

Producer Scott Taylor of Brunswick said the Saco-Biddeford area has a lot of character. He said there’s been a lot of local interest in the film and officials in both cities have been very helpful and supportive.

The film is set to be released in November 2017.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.

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