Oscar-winning actor Casey Affleck took on an unexpected role last weekend, not as a movie star, but as a grill master at a local eatery in Upstate New York. Affleck was at First Prize Mike’s, also known as Mike’s Hot Dogs, filming a music video for country sensation Zach Bryan.
Affleck spent approximately two hours at the restaurant, situated at 1135 Erie Blvd, according to owner John Mantas. Despite Bryan being on tour and absent from the shoot, Mantas noted that Bryan chose the location after being inspired by the film “The Place Beyond the Pines,” which was shot in Schenectady.
The iconic restaurant, serving the Capital Region for over 75 years, featured Affleck in a dark baseball cap, cargo pants, and a casual button-up shirt, handling the grill and posing with staff members. Photos from the shoot highlight Affleck’s casual yet engaging presence at the grill.
Mantas declined to disclose which song was featured in the video.
Schenectady, known for its film-friendly environment, recently hosted HBO productions including the reboot of “Pretty Little Liars” and scenes from “The Gilded Age.”
Zach Bryan, who performed at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo earlier this year, will return to New York this fall for two shows at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn as part of his “The Quittin Time Tour.”
