Movie shoot brings taste of Hollywood, jobs to Bay Area
Filming began in the Bay Area this week on an independent movie called “No Postage Necessary.” This taste of Hollywood is a welcome change for industry professionals starved for local work.
“The script itself asked for a southern town that has good quality values,” said the movie's executive director Jennifer Closshey.
The entire shoot will happen around Plant City and Tampa, thanks to financial incentives offered by Hillsborough County.
“All the extras are from Hillsborough County and we're proud to say we have over 300, might be more,” Closshey explained of how many temporary jobs the filming brought with it.
Shooting will last through most of August, bringing in nearly $400,000 to the local economy.
“I think every morning, I pinch myself,” said lead actress Charleene Clossey.
For Closshey, the role is a homecoming. She’s from Plant City.
“It is surreal in a lot of ways. I couldn’t be more happy to be here and to be embraced by a community that’s shown me so much love,” she said.
She says the film is a dramatic comedy with a hint of espionage. It’ll have a unique look and is being shot on old school 35 millimeter film.
“There’s a different texture that’s required. We don’t have 30 takes. You have two or three, so it raises the stakes,” she said.
“No Postage Necessary” is set for release in mid-2017.