Coaster Photo
Cars from the 80s are being used in the film, “Deliver Me from Nowhere,” about Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 album “Nebraska” being filmed at Frank’s Deli on Main Street in Asbury Park this week.
By PAT MCDANIEL
Frank’s Deli took center stage earlier this week for the long-anticipated filming in Asbury Park of “Deliver Me from Nowhere,” the movie about Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 “Nebraska” album.
Crews began filming in the city this week at the deli, and The Boss himself made an appearance there Monday.
Frank’s is an iconic Main Street eatery in Asbury Park and a favorite of Springsteen’s in his early days – and today. The answering machine on the deli, owned by Joe Maggio, said it was to be closed Dec. 9 and 10 – the filming dates.
Look for Maggio in the film. He was hired to play Tom the Grill Man in the film.
But it wasn’t Frank’s alone that figured in the movie magic.
A carousel has been built in the decorative Carousel House building at the south end of the Boardwalk, said Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn. Plus versions of the former Palace Amusements Ferris wheel and The Zipper ride have been re-created, she said.
And Quinn said she couldn’t be more pleased that the production is hiring local people as extras – and local businesses have become part of the effort, too.
Casting notices had gone out for locals who could portray Springsteen fans and background crowds for scenes from the 1980s and other eras. And Second Life Bikes on Main Street was called in to provide vintage bicycles, Quinn said.
The production “is expanding out – including locals and
local businesses,” Quinn said.
“Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska” is written and directed by Scott Cooper, based on Warren Zanes’ 2023 book, according to online information. It stars Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen. The film recounts the making of Springsteen’s sixth album.
White currently portrays chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto in the hit FX comedy-drama series “The Bear” (2022–present), and he also appeared in the long-running “Shameless” on Showtime.
Matthew Whelan, executive director of the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, said the filming can only mean good things for the city.
“It’s wonderful they are filming in Asbury Park – it brings more attention to the city,” he said.
When the movie is released, Whelan said it will create even more interest in Asbury Park.
And Sgt. Michael Casey, public information officer for the city Police Department, agreed that the filming helps promote the city – and hasn’t created any inconveniences the police can’t handle.
Casey said he’s seen videos posted by some onlookers so there’s a lot of interest among the public, but no major issues near the filming sites, which include the Stone Pony, as well as the deli and carousel building area.
The film is expected to be released theatrically by 20th Century Studios in 2025, according to online information.
Filming here and in other towns in New Jersey, including Bayonne, has caused quite a buzz, especially since locals were sought to work as extras on the project – and Springsteen also visited the sets.
Filming took place in Morris County on Dec. 5, according to a previous casting notice. Asbury Park casting notices were for Dec. 9 to 13 and Dec. 16, with scenes set in 1950s and early 1980s. There is casting for Bergen County Jan. 9 and 10 for scenes set in the early 1980s, the casting site says.
