Film crew to shoot scene in Lynn eatery

LYNN – Early bird diners at the Porthole Pub will get a little lights, camera and action with their chowder today when the makers of “My Hometown” stop by to film a scene in the bar area of the restaurant.Johnny Wowk, associate producer for the film that has a strong tie to the North Shore, said three different scenes will be shot at the popular Lynnway eatery and they will include some fairly big Hollywood names.Ryan Merriman, most recently seen in the Hallmark station’s “Elevator Girl,” has five movies in post-production. Fans may have also caught the 27-year old as Jake Spoon in “Comanche Moon,” or in “Final Destination 3” or “The Ring 2.”Along with Merriman, Wowk said Casey Margolis will also be on hand to sign autographs and talk with patrons. Margolis is probably best known for his turn as Budnik in “The Hangover,” Billy in “Commander in Chief” and young Seth in “Superbad.”In “My Hometown,” Margolis plays J.J. alongside Peabody actor Mark Munford. The movie focuses on a high school senior who is given the opportunity to graduate by making an extra-curricular movie on why his hometown is such a great place to live, except the student doesn’t believe it is.Director Joel Greenberg of Jomar Motion Pictures will also produce the film along with Bash Naran, who will also be on hand Saturday. Greenberg is also a local guy who keeps offices in both Peabody and Burbank, Calif. This is Greenburg’s first foray into comedy. His previous two movies were action films, “You Have the Right to Remain Violent,” and “Ironsides.” The latter was filmed in Salem and had a scene shot at Parker Funeral Home in Lynn.