LEWISTON, N.Y. (WBEN)....Last year when actor Mario Lopez came to the region to film a holiday movie, he was greeted by harsh April weather including snow and sleet.
This year...not so much.
In the first day of shooting the holiday-themed movie "Christmas at the Starlight", Lopez and his co-stars including his son, Dominic; fellow actors Tony Danza, Taylor Kalupa, Alan Pietruszewski and Natalia Cigliuti were greeted by humid, mid-70s weather.
"Quite the difference," Lopez - the former "Saved By The Bell" star quipped.
The bulk of the movie will be shot in Lewiston but other locales including some scenes in Buffalo will be filmed during the next three weeks.
Tim Clark, Buffalo Niagara Film Commission executive director, said the Buffalo Niagara region was chosen by Lopez - who doubles as the film's executive producer, not only for the locations, architecture, state film tax credits but for the area's secret weapon - the people.
"Film makers love the Buffalo people," Clark said.
Lopez and Danza both agree, without any hesitation.
"The people here are so warm and friendly," Lopez said.
Danza, who hails from the New York City area, agrees.
This is Danza's first extended stay in the Buffalo Niagara region.
Danza was scheduled to be part last year's Hallmark Buffalo Bills holiday-themed movie but a last minute back operation threw a monkey wrench into those plans.
"It's great to be filming here, in a town (Lewiston) like this that is so Americana," said Danza, the former "Taxi" star.
Filming this year is "full cycle" moment, Danza said.
For both Lopez and Danza, this is the first time they have worked together but Lopez said when the script was written - he had Danza in mind.
Danza plays a nightclub owner who befriends Lopez's character.
The movie's central theme is about Lopez's character having a personal "come to Jesus" moment.
""It's all about love, family and priorities," Lopez said.
And, for Danza, the movie is a bit of double duty. He will be appearing on June 21 and June 22 at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino.
"Christmas at the Staright" will air this fall on the Great American Family Network.
