BUHL - As film crews traipse through town to film Buhl native Jaffe Zinn's independent feature film "Buhl, Idaho," The Cosmic Jolt coffee shop has become their unofficial gathering place.

Jolt owner Becky Hagerott said crew members are in and out nearly every day, and the experience is spellbinding.

"I've served a lot of coffee and meals, and it's been a lot of fun. I'm really delighted that Jeff would come back to Buhl and do this movie. It's stirred up the town," Hagerott said. "I preach community all day every day, and this is pulling the community together. Maybe we can become something more, something we wouldn't have had the opportunity to become, because of this film."

The shop will be used for filming next week, one of many locales making an appearance.

"They're filming a segment in here, and the joke going around here is that I auditioned for a part, myself, but didn't get it. I haven't seen who is going to play me, but she's got to be gorgeous and larger than life," Hagerott said.

Even without a speaking role - she's cast as an extra - Hagerott has enjoyed the behind-the-scenes experience.

Buhl resident Frank Holesinsky is closer to the action. He was filmed in a small role opposite Hollywood actor Scott Glenn, cast as a sheriff.

Holesinsky plays a farmer who sells Glenn's character hay for his horses. They exchange niceties while the transaction is completed and scene comes to a close.

"We didn't do much that required camaraderie; to say we became well acquainted, that didn't happen," Holesinsky said. "Glenn was a personable fellow. We did our scene, I'm hoping it comes out nice."

Holesinsky said he hasn't had much time to reflect on the experience, which he described pragmatically instead of gushing about his time up close with a high-profile character actor.

"I haven't really put it all together yet. Any experience in life, any new and novel experience, is beneficial to your mental frame," he said.

The 69-year-old was overwhelmed by the amount of equipment and support staff needed for filming.

"It doesn't look complicated when you watch a movie, but there was a lot of effort that a novice like myself had no idea about," Holesinsky said. "They had trailers and equipment, support staff everywhere. They even had catering up from Albuquerque. … It was a lot to take in."

He's excited to see the result, which will feature the family's Holesinsky Organic Vineyard and Winery north of Buhl.

Glenn told the Times-News that he never thought he'd drive from his Wood River Valley home to Twin Falls to shoot a film - but that it was worth it.

Glenn has appeared in hits like "Urban Cowboy," "Silence of the Lambs," "The Hunt for Red October" and "The Bourne Ultimatum." He's currently juggling three films including "Sucker Punch," a comedic fantasy action film written by Steve Shibuya and Zach Snyder, who is directing. Snyder has directed films like "Watchmen" and the popular "300."

Glenn was drawn to "Buhl" for its haunting yet hopeful storyline.

"It's about Buhl in a way that could only be told from a person who grew up and understands the area … but it's really about how days begin with our personal needs and desires and we live our lives, go about our days until something big ambushes us," Glenn said. "There is always something right around the bend, usually it's not good."

That story can happen within the Snake River Canyon or Wall Street, and Glenn said Zinn captures that truth.

"Jaffe has a specific vision and phenomenal sense of humor. He understands visuals and timing to make scenes funny but not over-the-top burlesque. He's the perfect director, leaves you alone. As long as you're not changing the rhythm or tenor of the scenes, you have room to work," Glenn said.

He's enjoyed working so close to home and said parts of his character have come from Blaine County Sheriff Walt Femling and Gooding County Sheriff Shaun Gough, both of whom Glenn knows personally.

While filming of "Buhl" is expected through mid-November, Glenn's screen time is wrapped up.

"The potential of an indie film can go two ways: It can go down the toilet and no one will ever see it, or it can become hugely successful and go on to win a ton of awards at Sundance," Glenn said. "I'm banking on the latter."

So is Buhl.

Blair Koch may be reached at 208-316-2607 or blairkoch@gmail.com.