The Perfect Day to be a star in Lakewood Ranch

Standing in Wolves Head Pizza & Wings on Monday, Lakewood Ranch's Garrett Lindgren gave a sigh as he thought back to a time he hopes is never forgotten.

"If I had another cup of coffee," he said, staring at the floor. "I wouldn't be here."

Lindgren worked a shift in Queens for the Fire Department of New York, Rescue Company No. 3 on the night of Sept. 10, 2001. He was at the firehouse drinking coffee early the next morning when he left for home because his shift had ended.

He was driving across the Triborough Bridge when the first airplane flew into the World Trade Center's north tower at 8:45 a.m. Lindgren headed to his usual firehouse, Rescue Company 4, and then rushed toward the World Trade Center with other firemen who previously were off duty.

Eventually, as he worked the devastated site, he learned that all eight members of Rescue 3 who answered the call that morning had died higher up in the south tower, which was hit by another hijacked aircraft at 9:03 a.m.

Lindgren also learned that six members of Rescue 4 had died in the south tower lobby. Rescue 3 and Rescue 4 were both special operations units trained for the worst disasters such as collapsing buildings. Three hundred, forty-three firemen died in the attack, among the 2,966 people who died that day and not counting hundreds who have died since due to complications from the attack.

Physical complications take their toll on Lindquist, who suffers from chronic sinus problems, a compromised immune system and neuropathy, all connected to his rescue work that day as toxic dust filled the air. "Those terrorists still are killing Americans," Lindgren said.

His friend, fellow fireman Tim Brown, was a first responder for Rescue 3 who was working in the department's World Trade Center office that day. "I was on Tower II (south tower) when it collapsed," Brown said. "I was one of the 5% who got out."

Brown collaborated on a 9/11 documentary with Christian filmmaker Jason Campbell immediately following the attack, but hadn't done any other films. Until now.

Brown, Campbell and producer/director Jenni Ivers have combined forces to film "The Perfect Day" for JCFilms.

The movie carries a fictional theme about two teen-aged girls who are recruited by terrorists but eventually encounter a group of military veterans and first responders who attempt to educate them about the realities of being Americans.

In order to make their topic more "real," Brown, Campbell and Ivers have recruited four Lakewood Ranch residents -- two military veterans and two New York firemen -- to appear in the film.

Lindgren, Korean War veteran Mickey Quinn, Vietnam veteran Gene Sweeney and New York fireman Richy Evers all have roles and will begin filming Thursday at Wolves Head Pizza & Wings, where they meet weekly with their Lakewood Ranch Veterans and Patriots group.

Although the four play different characters in the movie, they basically are playing themselves, first responders and veterans who have seen terrorism at its worst.

"Recruiting them to be in the movie was the most important part in my mind," said Brown. "They are people who have been victims of what we are talking about, terrorism. They have a connection to it.

"We came to Wolves Head and observed their interaction. In the fire service, we call it 'the kitchen table.' They have a great love for America even if they disagree on politics. Most of all, they are genuine, and we feel the audience will embrace that. That's good, because I don't have time in my life to do make-believe."

Ivers is making her directing debut, but she isn't worried about working with film novices like the four Lakewood Ranch residents, who all play supporting roles. "I have no fears whatsoever that these guys will knock it out of the park," she said. "We are going to create an environment that makes them comfortable. This is not about remembering lines. We want them to be themselves and to tell their stories."

"The Perfect Day" will be a "narrative feature," according to Ivers, who said the film should run about an hour and 40 minutes. It is set to make its premier in three theaters in Florida, Ohio and West Virginia, states where it is being filmed. Ivers hopes the movie is released in the fall.

If the film does well, it could be picked up for distribution in theaters or it could be offered to the Christian community, being marketed to churches.

A crew of about 10 will begin filming Thursday and Friday mornings at Wolves Head before switching to the 9.11 Victims and Fallen Heroes Memorial in Venice on Saturday before returning to Lakewood Ranch on Sunday for filming at the Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church.

"This film company has worked with my dad (Wooster, Ohio Pastor Mark Davenport)," said Cody Davenport, the worship pastor at Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church. "JCFilms ... 'Not that JC!' ... has done movies before, using Erik Estrada. They have done good work and they primarily will be shooting scenes in our church's youth room. They will be using our facility along with some people at our church as extras. Other people at our church will be providing food or whatever they need."

"We liked they are using actual veterans and people who survived 9/11. I wouldn't characterize this is a 'pro-America' film. It is more pro-people who have served our country and then connect it with our faith."

Cody Davenport said church members read the script to make sure it wasn't "propaganda."

"It just celebrates people who have served. I know we have at least 100 people from our church who are involved in some way, and they are pumped."