Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - An independent feature film is currently under production in Buffalo. "The Panic" centers around JP Morgan's bailing out of the U.S. in 1907. Buffalo's M&T Bank Gold Dome building at Fountain Plaza was the setting for filming on Wednesday.
Producer Michael Mailer says Buffalo has done such an incredible job of preserving its architecture, it allows one to come here to shoot period and contemporary films alike. He's using M&T's gold dome as the headquarters of the Knickerbocker Bank, headed by Charles Barney who was trying to corner the copper market, and it went horribly awry.
"We needed something incredibly grand and opulent looking, and this just completely fit the bill to every last piece in this glorious space," said Mailer in an interview with WBEN.
Mailer says there's one thing about Buffalo among actors.
"I have yet to meet an actor who complains about Buffalo, and normally actors complain about every state they're shooting when it's not their home state," Mailer said.
He says Buffalo has everything to offer of any major metropolis with a great cultural scene, a great food scene and interesting attractions.
Actor Malcolm McDowell is starring in the film, along with Christiana Dell’Anna, Cary Elwes and Colm Meany.
The movie is being filmed entirely in Buffalo throughout the summer. Dozens of Western New Yorkers are serving as crew and extras.