Upcoming Amazon Sci-Fi series with J.K. Simmons films in Woodstock and other local areas

Island Lake, Wauconda and Woodstock all got the opportunity to be featured in Amazon Studios’ latest sci-fi drama series “Lightyears,” which is co-produced by Legendary Television.

The show stars Oscar-winners Sissy Spacek and J.K. Simmons as Irene and Franklin York, a couple who discovers a chamber buried in their backyard that inexplicably leads them to a strange, deserted planet. The series follows the Yorks’ quest for answers to the mysterious chamber they’ve kept secret, as their quiet lives become upended when an enigmatic young man enters the picture.

Filming took place in both Island Lake and Wauconda on June 8 and on June 23 in Woodstock.

Island Foods grocery store located at 223 E State Rd. was the filming destination for Island Lake. Having been in operation since 1972, this grocery store maintains the same retro aesthetic from that time, to this day.

Island Lake Mayor Richard McLaughlin, feels that was part of the reason why that location was chosen to appear in “Lightyears” as he explained that the only changes made in the store, were advertisements placed in the window to add to the illusion of being set in a past time period.

“They’re going to send a couple other people that are site coordinators as well, to come out here in the northwest burbs to start filming more out here. I guess they like it. They were very happy. They gave us good compliments and it was a fun time. We were glad to help our village because we haven’t had anything like that before. So, it was kind of nice to have them come out [and] do their thing,” McLaughlin said.

Island Lake resident Jessica LoBue, described her time filming as an extra for the series as “surreal, but a fun experience.” LoBue, who has other acting credits under her belt, stated she started working in film and TV just a few years ago and finds most agency casting calls through Facebook.

“It’s a fun job, and what it lacks in glamor it makes up for in experience—As an extra, the goal is to blend in, rather than stand out. But I’ve learned so much about how shows are made behind the scenes while being on set, and it is fascinating to see all the elements that go into producing a show or a movie. It’s also led to bigger opportunities and full roles in other films,” LoBue said.

“Working on ‘Lightyears’ has been a great experience; not only has it been interesting to work so close to home and see familiar places transformed into whole new backdrops for this story, [but] the background actors have been [repeatedly] booked, and familiar faces are fast becoming new friends, which makes it an even better experience.”

Wauconda Pharmacy (222 South Main St.), was the 100-year-old business where filming took place in Wauconda. Filming started at 6 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m., and approximately 70 to 100 cast and crew members arrived on location.

Pharmacy owner Terry Bruner, stated that site coordinators for “Lightyears” were in search of an independent pharmacy and had narrowed their decision down to four locations. After having taken photos of all four pharmacies, Bruner’s store was ultimately chosen for filming.

Wauconda is no stranger to Hollywood as a portion of the 1980’s comedy film “The Blues Brothers” was filmed at Phil’s Beach, located right off of Main St. in the village.

Bruner credits his wife for the unique vintage design of the store, also expressing how pleased he was with the whole project.

“I don’t want the pharmacy to be the main object of this. I want Wauconda [to be], because it was good for Wauconda and to see the Waucondan people happy and out and about and buzzing around, kind of like we were years ago. It really was a nice feeling for that brief moment as we come out of this lock up,” Bruner said. “I was really impressed with it and that’s really what my takeaway was. It’s not so much good for the store, it’s good for the town.”

In addition to being witness to the behind-the-scenes filming process, Bruner did also get the opportunity to momentarily talk with Simmons, who Bruner describes as being “a down to Earth guy, super nice guy.”

“I was impressed with all the people walking around…They hired local police departments. They paid different places for parking different vehicles and stuff. Amazon really does a good job. I mean it was a top-notch production…It was eye-opening seeing Hollywood. A lot of work goes into one little scene that’s going to be in the drug store. I mean I was shocked how much [work it is],” Bruner said.

The City of Woodstock needs no introduction as it already has notoriety for being featured in the 1993 cult classic film “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray. Woodstock gained national attention once again in 2020, after being the filming location of an award-winning, 60-second Jeep Super Bowl commercial, once again starring Murray in a brilliant reprise of his role in “Groundhog Day.”

Jane Howie, executive assistant to Woodstock’s village manager, explained that she was contacted by one of the location managers for “Lightyears” telling her that Woodstock was chosen as one of the locations for filming.

“I believe the reason they chose the Woodstock Square is because it had the feel. They were going to have it set in the Northeastern U.S. you know, like Maine, somewhere out there. So, when the directors, producers, writers, whomever, saw the Square, they thought this was the perfect spot. They loved the historic feel of it. They loved how the Square has been updated, but we’re still keeping that historic charm,” Howie said.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) issued a full closure of Illinois 120 (Washington St.), between Rt. 14 and Rt. 47 (North Eastwood Dr.). The road closure was to accommodate filming for “Lightyears” and was in effect until 12 a.m. Thursday, June 24.

Howie stated that “Lightyears” is greenlit for one season containing eight episodes. Oscar-winning Argentinian director Juan José Campanella will direct and executive produce the first two episodes of the series.

Filming for “Lightyears” began at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, the second largest film studio outside of Los Angeles.

The series will premier exclusively on Amazon Prime Video with filming anticipated to finish by October.

Both Bruner and McLaughlin hope the series will attract further attention to their respected towns, and are eager to welcome film makers for future opportunities.

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