Esmeralda shuts down for film shoot

Dozens of Los Angeles filmmakers descended on Esmeralda Avenue Thursday morning to produce scenes for their 13-part Web series "Backwash."

The road was blocked off from Highway 395 as film crews unloaded a retro cop car and antiquated ice cream truck for the shoot.

According to film spokesperson Andrew Appel, " 'Backwash' is a 13-part Web series that tells the tale of three slacker friends and the adventures that ensue after one of them inadvertently robs a bank armed only with a large salami."

"With echoes of the Marx Brothers and the Keystone Cops, 'Backwash' is a surreal, slapstick look at the effects of sudden wealth on three American losers," said Appel.

Film producer Daniel Schnider said downtown Minden was an ideal location for the shoot.

"I love the location," he said Thursday. "It has the old-time feel we're going for."

Crew member Mike Williams, holding an overhead microphone, agreed.

"The look here is beautiful," he said. "It's like stepping back in time."

Schnider said when production wraps up, the film will be released on www.crackle.com.