The police department had given its approval, and no problems were anticipated, said Mayor John J. Dunne.

In the spring, the council adopted a strict ordinance regulating commercial filming in public places. Waverly Place merchants had complained, last year, about the disruption of pedestrian traffic and business after a film crew parked numerous trucks and cars on the street for several days.

School Drama

Most of the new film, called "Bringing Rain," is being shot on the Bayley-Ellard Catholic High School campus, off Madison Avenue and Danforth Road. Extras from Madison and nearby towns, mostly teen-agers, are being used for classroom scenes, a prom, a baseball game and other situations.

Additional scenes will be shot at a theater in Maplewood and elsewhere, said Belladonna spokesman Shane O'Dell.

The film is about the two most popular juniors at a boarding school, Clay Askins and Neisha Sanders, O'Dell said.

"Clay is the handsome catcher and captain of the varsity baseball team and Neisha is the fastest swimmer in the state," said a Belladonna synopsis of the plot. "But all this changes when, driving under the influence, Clay crashes the car, with Neisha sitting next to him in the shotgun seat. She loses a leg. He gains a massive scar across his forehead. When senior year comes around, Neisha and Clay no longer speak to each other. Neisha is in denial of her prosthetic leg and terminated swimming career."

The students aren't allowed off campus anymore and resent Clay and Neisha. Clay cuts so many classes, he's kicked out of school, but comes back to confront Neisha, his classmates and his demons.

The synopsis continues: "He takes off his hat so his deep scar is visible. He knocks on Neisha's door. He can't confront the problem without her help, and she needs him, too. But will she open the door? Her hands are shaking. So much has happened. She's ashamed of her leg and what's become of her, and how she got high that night and let him drive. Will she open the door? If she can accept her new self and Clay's, the whole school begins to heal. If she can't. . . "

The principals of Belladonna Productions are Linda Moran and Rene Bastian, who won the IFP Best Independent Producers award in Santa Monica, Calif., in March for their feature, "L.I.E."

Dan O'Meara, a native of Livingston, is the executive producer. The script was written and is being directed by Noah Buschel, O'Dell said.

Scenes for the film, "Bringing Rain," will be shot over two weeks there, and additional scenes will be shot at a theater in Maplewood and elsewhere, said Belladonna spokesman Shane O'Dell.

Extras will be needed for "all sorts of scenes," mostly in background shots such as a baseball game and a prom, he said.

"There will be no pay, but a lot of fun work with some new, upcoming actors," said O'Dell.

The principals of Belladonna Productions are Linda Moran and Rene Bastian, winners of the IFP Best Independent Producers award in Santa Monica, Calif., in March for the feature, "L.I.E."

The award recognizes independent film producers "who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity and vision to produce quality independent films." With it came $20,000 from the Motorola Corporation.

Dan O'Meara, a native of Livingston, is the executive producer. The script was written and will be directed by Noah Buschel, O'Dell said.