By Mark Shanahan & Meredith Goldstein
Boston Globe
June 3, 2013
Shooting of “The Judge” has begun in Shelburne Falls, and we know that because there was a big, make-believe funeral procession through town and Robert Downey Jr. was there. The film, directed by David Dobkin, stars Downey as a lawyer who returns home for his mother’s funeral to discover that his father, played by Robert Duvall, is suspected of murder. Filming will continue for several more days in the historic village on the Deerfield River before cast and crew come to Boston. “We’re thrilled to have them here. It’s great exposure,” said Mary Vilbon, executive director of the Greater Shelburne Falls Area Business Association. “We created a welcome packet for all of the crew and we created a ‘shop local’ card to help us track the economic impact while they’re here.” But has she seen any of the stars? Wednesday, the Dedham selectmen will consider a request from the movie’s producers for permission to film there. Assistant Town Administrator Nancy Baker said she was meeting with studio representatives Monday to discuss the request, but declined to provide more information.