WHATELY — The Whately Diner and Shelburne Falls’ Iron Bridge will soon return to the silver screen — alongside the debut of other Franklin County locations — as a local director prepares to begin filming his first feature-length project.

Haydenville-based Director Michael Marantz and Two Roads Film LLC are preparing to start production of the film, which has a temporary title at this point, within the next few weeks in Whately, Shelburne, Buckland, Ashfield and Colrain. The movie follows a retired true crime podcaster whose sister has been taken.

With inspiration coming from Franklin County — Marantz’s wife and in-laws are from the area — it only makes sense to keep the production here in the Pioneer Valley.

“I wrote the script with all of these locations in my mind,” Marantz said in an interview. “I’m incredibly grateful to the area and towns and people who have been so supportive. … It’s been really heartwarming because I’m hoping to do many more films in the area.”

While this is Marantz’s first feature-length film, he has directed short films, such as “We Do This Once” and “The White Rabbit,” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2021 and 2024, respectively. He also has an extensive commercial and music video portfolio, having worked on Cetaphil’s Super Bowl LVIII spot, as well as commercials for Walmart, Starbucks and other national companies.

Marantz said it’s been a “childhood dream” of his to make movies. He’s ready to turn that dream into a reality.

“I think I have something I’m ready to share and a theme I’m ready to tackle with this film,” he said. “The film is all about grief and loss and how we overcome it as humans, as people. … It’s all packaged up in a thriller, which is a blast.”

Some of his team members, such as Producer Krista Minto, have been making the rounds to various selectboards to introduce the project and, in some cases, get film permits. In Whately, at least, the impact of filming will be minimal because it will take place at the Whately Diner, which was also featured in “Dexter: New Blood.”

“We’re a small crew. No road closures, no stunts, no explosions, nothing wild [in Whately],” Minto told the Whately Selectboard. “It’s shaping up to be a really special piece.”

The movie takes place in Maple Falls, which may or may not be inspired by Shelburne Falls.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Marantz added, “and we’re really pushing it from a visual perspective.”

Filming is expected to start around Columbus Day. To see some of Marantz’s previous work, visit his website at michaelmarantz.com.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.