Indie Movie Filming In Morristown Stars Julianna Margulies, Ed Burns

MORRISTOWN, NJ — An independent film crew and several notable names have been shooting scenes in Morristown for the upcoming Ed Burns-directed movie, "Miller by Marriage."

Patch's Hoboken editor first reported on "Miller by Marriage" crews set up there in late March, and we've learned that "ER" star Julianna Margulies and New Jersey resident Patrick Wilson are among the billed actors.

On Friday, producers Ellen Schwartz and Aaron Lubin talked with Morristown Patch about the plot, and why Morristown was a good fit for the film's setting. Film crews have already shot some scenes at St. Elizabeth University and the Madison Hotel, and will be in neighborhoods filming this week, Schwartz and Lubin told Patch.

"We have seven days of a 20-day shoot in Morristown, and a few days in Hoboken and Union City and a couple other communities, but Morristown was a perfect fit for our story," Schwartz explained.

Director Burns has appeared as an actor in movies including "Saving Private Ryan," "27 Dresses," and "The Holiday." The Queens native has also written, directed, and produced a number of films himself. This includes the 1995 Fox Searchlight picture "The Brothers McMullen," and 2011's "Newlyweds."

Fans of television's "ER" and "The Good Wife" will recognize Margulies' name, and she also has been starring in Apple TV's "The Morning Show." Wilson is a Tony-nominated actor who has starred in the "Insidious" horror movie series and was also in the movie "The A Team."

"Miller by Marriage" follows three siblings and their spouses, who are deciding what the next chapters of their lives will look like as they enter middle age.

"It's an exploration on this stage of life, and we've got a terrific cast of people who are occupying those roles," Lubin said.

Other actors in "Miller by Marriage" include Gretchen Mol, Minnie Driver, Morena Baccarin, Benjamin Bratt, Brian d'Arcy James, and Campbell Scott.

The film's characters, two sisters and their brother, live in New York City, and the producers thought Morristown's setting was a good fit for a fictitious town where they have a second house.

"This is a great movie that showcases the state of New Jersey as a second home," Schwartz said.

She mentioned the bar and restaurant at the Madison Hotel, Convent Station, the gym at St. Elizabeth, and the university's recital hall as places Morristown residents might recognize. This week, crews will be in residential neighborhoods, so drivers may see police escorts and cameras if they are driving around.

"We're pretty low key, we're considered an indie (film) and it's a smaller shoot," Schwartz noted.

"Our goal is that it has a theatrical release, and ultimately it will be available for everybody," Lubin said.

Patch hopes to share a photo from the set later this week.