Hochendoner lands role in Spielberg film

By GUY D’ASTOLFO

dastolfo@vindy.com

POLAND

Jeff Hochendoner will play a key role in “I Am Number Four,” a science- fiction movie scheduled for a summer 2011 release. Steven Spielberg is one of the executive producers, and D.J. Caruso (“Disturbia,” “Eagle Eye”) is the director of the $60 million- budget film.

Hochendoner, 45, a Poland resident and Lake Milton native, learned Tuesday that he got the part. He called it the biggest of his career.

“I Am Number Four” is based on a series of novels by James Frey. The story revolves around a group of high school-age youngsters on another planet. The youths flee to Earth after their planet is attacked, but their enemies follow them.

“I play the sheriff in the [fictitious] town of Paradise, Ohio, where the aliens settle,” said Hochendoner. “I know that something is going on, but I can’t put my finger on it.”

The enemies are hunting the alien youths, Hochendoner explained.

They have already killed three of their targets, and the fourth has settled in the town of Paradise. Shooting will begin Monday in Vandergrift, Pa.

Hochendoner has had smaller roles in a number of major films recently filmed in the Pittsburgh area, including “My Bloody Valentine” and “Unstoppable.”