LEWISTON, N.Y. (WBEN).....That the producers of "Christmas at the Starlight" reached out to Realtor Dana Fideli about one of her Lewiston listings was not a total surprise.
"I knew they were looking for a certain kind of house," Fideli said.
The producers ended selecting a circa 1817-era house on South Fifth Street as one of the key backdrops in the holiday-themed movie currently being filmed in Lewiston and other parts of the region.
But, for Fideli the real surprise came when filming began on June 14 and the producers kept her 'for sale' sign complete with her name and cell phone number.
Fideli assumed the producers would have created a fake sign with a made-up name and phone number.
She was wrong - in a good way.
"You can't ask for a better marketing campaign than being in a Christmas movie," Fideli said. "I was blown away when I saw that."
The six-bedroom house is listed through Fideli's agency of record, Keller Williams.
With a $665,000 list price and a prime location in the heart of Lewiston and just a few blocks from Artpark and the main Center Street business district, Fideli said she had some interest in the house.
But, now as it plays a central role in the movie, interest is beginning to ratchet upwards, Fideli said.
"On one level it is very sureeal," Fideli said. "On another level, it is great publicity."
"Christmas at the Starlight" (which may be rebranded 'Rewind Christmas') stars Mario Lopez and Tony Danza.
Fideli said she grew up watching Lopez on "Saved by the Bell" and Danza in "Taxi" and now, she had the chance to meet both because of her listing.
"I never would have expected that," Fideli said.
"Christmas at the Starlight" will air this holiday season on the Great American Family Network.
Filming will continue for the next few weeks.
Movie not only showcases historic Lewiston house - it also gives a plug to the Realtor
Movie not only showcases historic Lewiston house - it also gives a plug to the Realtor
