Former Friendly's in West Hartford Center Transformed into Movie Set

The site of the restaurant has been quietly transformed over the past week, but the area is not going to be quiet for long.

Beginning Sunday, Dec. 4, Hollywood will be taking over part of West Hartford Center as filming begins for scenes from Pawn – an indie crime film starring Forest Whitaker and Michael Chiklis, a reunion of actors who co-starred together in The Shield.

"I'm always excited to have the Town of West Hartford in any production," said Director of Community Services Rob Rowlson.

Rowlson said that he is "thrilled to have them here," and anticipates that the crew will be in town for several weeks. "They've already been enjoying eating and shopping in West Hartford."

According to the website www.deadline.com, Pawn, which also features rapper Common and Ray Liotta, is based on "a hostage situation that has gone terribly wrong." The script was written by Jay Anthony White and according to Deadline.com, involves "an ex-con becomes entangled in a manipulative chess game between the Feds, local police and the mob."

The film will be directed by David A. Armstrong and is scheduled to debut in theaters in 2013. It is being produced by Chiklis’ production company, Extravaganza Films.

Rowlson has asked the producer to consider hosting the premiere at West Hartford's Bow Tie Cinema, but has not yet received a response.

A representative from the production company was not able to supply any further details at this time.

Most of the filming is scheduled to take place late at night.