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Posted on Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 2:46 p.m.

Andy Dick comedy 'Tetherball' scheduled to shoot in Ann Arbor

By Jenn McKee

andydick.jpg

Andy Dick will star in "Tetherball," scheduled to start filming in Ann Arbor in September

Add one more movie to the list of those slated to be shot in the Ann Arbor area. (And prepare yourself for Screech sightings.)

“Tetherball” — a comedy feature written by Rick Dawson, starring Andy Dick (“Newsradio”) and Dustin Diamond (“Saved by the Bell”) — is scheduled to have a three-week shoot in late September and early October, according to producer/actor Joel Reisig.

“(The movie) is about three guys who are fairly dissatisfied in their current jobs, so at night, they go to the bar, they get drunk, and then they go to a playground and play tetherball for bets,” said Reisig. “More and more people come out with them to do it, and eventually, they form tetherball league.”

The movie, which Reisig expects to go straight to DVD and major cable television stations, will be set in Ann Arbor. And while Reisig’s team is currently scouting locations and doing preliminary casting, they will also soon announce an open casting call in Ann Arbor for additional principals and extras. (One unconfirmed online casting call for the film can be found here.)

“We thought that (Ann Arbor) would be a good match for the film,” said Reisig. “I’m shooting a G-rated Christmas movie later this year in the city of Grand Rapids. But I thought that city wouldn’t be as receptive to a screwball comedy with guys like Andy Dick and Dustin Diamond — in the same way that Ann Arbor could have worked, but would not be as good of a fit for a G-rated Chrismas movie. We thought people in Ann Arbor would be more likely to enjoy a movie like (‘Tetherball’) being shot there.”

Two of “Tetherball”’s three producers (including Reisig) are Michigan natives, so while “having the (state's tax) incentives in place doesn’t hurt, we’d probably shoot in Michigan regardless,” said Reisig.

Reisig couldn’t name any “locked down” locations for the film, but while the production team scouts for locations, they’re also seeking business/corporate sponsorships, and Reisig will be in Troy later this month (August 21-22) to teach a two-day intensive seminar for filmmakers.

When asked if “Tetherball” might use locations outside of Ann Arbor, Reisig said, “We are not 100 percent sure yet. We definitely plan on Ann Arbor being the primary location and filming as close to home base as possible, unless it’s absolutely necessary to go somewhere else.”

Jenn McKee is the entertainment digital journalist for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.

Comments

Lola

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 10:04 p.m.

Lock up your wives and daughters. Two of the biggest pervs in Hollywood.

Goodneighbor

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 7:58 p.m.

A few years back "Mr." Dick brought his "act" to the Michigan Theater. The sponsors lost lots of money, and his "act" inspired many folks to simply walk out feeling both disgusted and cheated....a "rare talent" indeed. [ Fortunately! :-)! ]

kamie123

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 7:44 p.m.

This should go straight to VHS (or trash.)

Macabre Sunset

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 2:44 p.m.

bunnyabbot, yes, that's true. Dick has been repeatedly cited for groping young women in public. Even after a very public rehab stint (the whole Dr. Drew charade). I have no idea why he hasn't done any significant jail time. And Diamond did a porn movie which included a scene where he smeared excrement on a woman's face (according to Howard Stern). Our governor had visions of Meryl Streep and Clark Gable dancing in her head when she gave away millions. Instead, she's bringing us quite the pair of pervs.

Somewhat Concerned

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 2:31 p.m.

Ann Arbor is the perfect place to shoot a movie about loser guys getting drunk, going to a playground and gathering tons of other loser drunks to play tetherball. The premise is very funny. Ann Arbor will have lots of guys who can play bit parts realistically.

bunnyabbot

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 2:19 p.m.

hasn't andy dick been arrested multiple times for some degree of sexual battery on young woman 18-19 years old for unwanted drunken groping on public streets? and hasn't Screech been in a porn movie. Two real winners there.

Macabre Sunset

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 2:10 p.m.

It's too bad Jenny's tax incentive for this venture will eclipse the total revenue it will create. Of course, Andy Dick's in town, so at least the local drug dealers will get some trickle-down Jenny money.

RichRodisGod

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 2:04 p.m.

Ann Arbor is fortunate that two absolute lions of comedy in Screech and Andy Dick will grace our humble city.