Yesterday's hazy morning did not stop a burst of artificial light from shining in Glouster.

The main road in the village, state Route 13, was transformed into a bustling Hollywood-like set to film a scene in from the upcoming murder mystery movie, A Better Way to Die.

The sleepy town was selected as the ideal setting for one of the movie's scenes. The film should be released next fall. It was written and is being directed by Granville native Scott Wiper. Wiper will star in the film along with Lou Diamond Phillips and Andre Braugher.

A Better Way to Die is the story of a police officer named Boomer (Wiper) who decides to leave the big city behind because he is tired of urban life. On the way out, he becomes entangled with the FBI through a case of mistaken identity.

The scene, which was filmed in Glouster, begins with a policeman putting up caution tape in front of a hotel. Dexter (Phillips), an FBI agent, is investigating a crime scene where a sheriff has been shot and a girl has been found dead in a hotel room. The prime suspect is the film's hero, Boomer.

The film's production began a week ago in Newark. With two days of pre-production and one day of actual shooting in Glouster, Wiper said he hopes to wrap up the film in four more weeks.

Wiper, 29, worked on the script for two years with his cinematographer Larry Sher. Wiper and Sher were college roommates at Wesleyan College, a liberal arts school in Connecticut, and they have been a team ever since. Their first feature film was Captain Jack.

"The college influence was good to us," Wiper said, referring to the four other Wesleyan alumni involved in the production.

Wiper based the majority of his script on his Ohio upbringing, and the entire film will be shot in Ohio, including sites in Columbus and Newark.

Steve Cover, one of Wipers associates, chose the Glouster spot.

"I'm the one responsible for finding the location and bringing people here," Cover said "We looked at a lot of small towns before settling on this one. There are a lot of great looks and character to Glouster."

"I was surprised when Mr. Cover called me and wanted to do the filming here in Glouster," said Richard Kieth, mayor of the village. "I guess it's a unique little town."

Several actors made the trek from Newark to Glouster to be in the filming.

"They had auditions a few weeks ago in downtown Newark," said John Schumate, who played an FBI agent.

Ben Bisso, 23, of Newark, was cast as Phillip's body double.

"(You) might get to see the back of my head! It's going to be pretty cool," he said.

Crew set up began at 9:20 a.m. and the rehearsal started shortly after 11 a.m. The actual filming was delayed until later in the day, however, because of traffic problems caused by tractor trailer detour through the set.

Despite the time problems, Glouster was ready and waiting for this event, which was originally scheduled for Thursday, but changed because of a conflict with Phillip's schedule.

The Glouster Police Department and the State Highway Patrol provided security and blocked the road where the filming took place.

"We have had very good cooperation from the police, and the city of Glouster." Cover said regarding the location.

The village citizens also were enthusiastic. Before production began, Jeanne Nagucki, Kelly Herbert and Tamm

Tom were waiting with their cameras ready.

Once the film crew began the set up process, Nagucki and Tom were cast as extras.

Other fans also gathered around the barricades to watch the action. The crew worked around the spectators and did not seem to be bothered by their presence. Phillips caused a stir when he approached the set, but handled it calmly by talking to his fans and signing autographs.

"He was very cordial and real," one fan said, as another one almost fainted with excitement.

Kieth said the village was happy to host a portion of the movie's filming and help the crew because the attention will help to promote the town, as well as the state.

"This proves that they don't have to go to Hollywood to make a film," he said.