Asheville as Studio City: Moviemakers scout locations across city as Galifiankis movie cranks up

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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bbt_studio_central_2014_ashevilleAsheville is set to transform into Studio City this summer with the filming of a movie starring Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson and Kristen Wiig. The movie’s working title is Loomis Fargo, and it’s based on the true-life story of a redneck bank heist that went down in Charlotte back in the 1990s.

Filmmakers have a base of operations in the BB&T building right smack dab in the center of town, which might make it prime stake-out territory for fans. Meantime, the moviemakers are scouting a variety of locations, both city-owned and private.

Jon Filman, who works for the city and handles the permitting of special events, said the city has had one preliminary meeting with members of the film company. The crew is looking at the possibility of using city-owned property, vacant private property, and even city streets.

The logistics of all that have to be worked out – from permits for temporary occupancy of buildings to the reservation of parking spaces on city streets, Filman said. There’s also the possibility that the film crew might use the U.S. Cellular center as a location. (Word on the street is that moviemakers are also looking at building sound stages at former Volvo Construction warehouses in south Asheville.) Whether moviemakers want to build a building facade or fire off some pyrotechnics, they’ll likely have to get city approval through city offices.

Keep your eyes peeled, Asheville. Movie production will kick into high gear following the July Fourth holiday.

 

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

  • 1

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