Johnny Depp drew a crowd Friday evening while filming a scene of “Public Enemies” at Indiana Dunes State Park and some Chesterton residents got their pictures taken with him.

According to Gail Vogan, filming started between 12:30-1 a.m. and didn’t wrap until at sunrise at 5 a.m.

“There were about 150 people there when we arrived at 9 p.m., Vogan said, adding that she, her daughter, Tara and husband, Jim were among the 12 people that stayed until 5 a.m.

“It was worth it!” she said. “We got our pictures taken with him and he talked to us and he is really a nice person! He is taller than I thought. I’m 5’7” and my daughter is 5’8” and he is taller than both of us. It was his 45th birthday on June 9!”

Vogan said they were not allowed to go on the sand, where the scene was filmed. The car was put on a skid and moved to the location. She also said the crew brought in trees for background and they used leaf blowers and rakes to make the sand look smooth. The “set” was on the beach, east of the Pavilion promenade, near the tree line.

“We got to see Director Michael Mann and Depp’s casting double, too,” she said, adding that there were a lot of trailers and equipment for such a small scene. The trailers filled the parking lot, she said.

Vogan said although they could not see the takes, they could hear the director calling “cut” and directions to take the scene from another angle. There were many takes and time in-between, she said.

“I hope the scene makes it in the movie!” she concluded.

Posted 6/11/2008