In an independent film now shooting in the Valley, Tempe actor and producer Lanny Rethaber plays a paranormal investigator searching for a female demon.

But as Rethaber, 50, pursues his dream of making it big in the movie business, he's calling on veteran actor Corbin Bernsen to give the film some star power.

Patrick L. Nash, a friend of Rethaber's, also is helping by allowing him to film part of the movie at his house in Buena Vista Ranchos, a custom neighborhood in south Tempe.

Other Valley locations in the film include aerial shots of Mesa, Apache Junction and Saguaro Lake; the Durango Jail in Phoenix; a palm reader's shop in Phoenix and Seamus McCaffrey's, an Irish bar in downtown Phoenix.

"In this case, they have a great script," said Bernsen, 55, when asked why he decided to appear in the movie. "It's well-written and has good dialogue. It was interesting they explored demonology instead of ghosts."

Bernsen has enjoyed a long, successful career as an actor in movies and television. His memorable roles have included playing prima donna third baseman Roger Dorn in the comedy "Major League" in 1989 and divorce attorney Arnie Becker in the television show "L.A. Law."

He also has appeared in daytime soap operas "The Young and the Restless" and "General Hospital," and television series "The West Wing," "JAG" and "Psych."

Rethaber is teaming with Tampa, Fla., producer Russell Hess to film and market the movie, tentatively called "Closets." The two have worked together on three independent films.

Bernsen's reputation alone should help sell the movie, Hess said.

"Lanny and I collaborated. In order to make his third film more marketable, we needed a star," Hess said. "It will be a lot easier because of his name."

Rethaber said he is using money he made as a business executive to pursue film-making, his true passion.

"It's a kick. We hope with Russ' help it will lead to some dollars coming in, too," he said. "As long as the money holds out, this is what I'll continue doing."

The success of "Paranormal Activity," a low-budget movie where a young couple moves into a haunted house in San Diego occupied by a demon, may give "Closets" a boost, tapping into the latest Hollywood buzz, Hess said.

"Paranormal Activity," also an independent movie, has earned $103,690,184 at the box office, according to rottentomatoes.com.

"We would hope because of the popularity of that film, this film will garner more success," he said.

In "Closets," Rethaber plays the lead role as a paranormal investigator named Jonas Littleton, who is hired by a family to track down a female demon who has stolen their son. He believes the same demon killed his wife and daughter.

Other than Bernsen, the cast and crew are Valley residents, including Sallie Glaner Braden, who plays Bernsen's wife.

In one scene, Bernsen and Braden enter Nash's house through the front door. Bernsen kissed Braden in at least 10 takes until director Charles Peterson was satisfied they got the scene right.

Braden, who worked with Rethaber in "Blood Guardian," a horror movie , said it was a pleasure to work with a seasoned actor like Bernsen.

Hess said he sold Rethaber's first movie, "The 11th Aggression," to a California distribution company. The horror mystery thriller should be released in early 2010 on DVD, video on demand and pay per view.