Is Smiths-based flick filming in region?

A production crew filming this week in Albany and Troy is likely shooting a star-studded movie about The Smiths.

A special events permit filed in Albany on Oct. 16 says the “low budget independent feature film” is “Shoplifters of the World.” A movie of the same title is currently being produced by Joe Manganiello ,who is best known for his role in “Magic Mike.”

“Shoplifters of the World” is being directed by Stephen Kijak, whose website lists this description of the film:

“1987. Denver, Co. One crazy night in the life of four friends reeling from the demise of iconic British band The Smiths, while the local airwaves are hijacked by an impassioned Smiths fanwitha gun.”

Neither the event coordinator nor the on-site coordinator listed on the Albany permit responded to requests for comment.

Hudson Valley Casting sent out a call for extras on Oct. 9.

The posting said a “1980s”-themed film would be shooting in the Albany area during October and November, and requested some actors have a “Rockabilly or Smiths” hairstyle.

Another online posting for upstate-area extras asks “Smiths-obsessed” actors to put “SMITHS VIGIL” in the subject line of their email application. It also says the band has “completely approved” the project.

Online music magazine Pitchfork reported in 2016 that Morrissey had signed off on the film.

The IMDB page for the film “Shoplifters of the World” says Manganiello will play the radio station DJ, and also lists Ellar Coltrane (known for his starring role in “Boyhood”) and Nick Krause (of “The Descendants”).

A film crew worked near Troy’s Frear Park on Sunday and on River Street on Monday.

For Albany road closures and more details, see timesunion.com.