STATESVILLE, N.C. -- Filming on the upcoming George Clooney movie, “Leatherheads,” took the cast and crew to Statesville on Monday as dozens of people lined the streets to welcome the Hollywood stars.
Parts of Front and Center streets were closed down for periods of time while shooting took place during the day. Crews will be filming scenes for the next two weeks.
"I have never seen a movie filmed before. It's just a very exciting time," said Lorene Joines, who drove from Wilkesboro to try to catch a glimpse of Clooney or another movie star.
Filming on the upcoming George Clooney movie, “Leatherheads,” took the cast and crew to Statesville on Monday as dozens of people lined the streets to welcome the Hollywood stars.
Before shooting started, a number of modifications had to be made to give the city a 1920s feel. The Department of Transportation took down a couple traffic lights and crews revamped the inside of the old Vance Hotel and the third floor of City Hall.
Monday's City Council meeting had to be moved to the County Commission chamber at the County Courthouse.
"This may be the first time in our history that our City Council has actually moved," said City Manager Rob Hites, adding that it was a sacrifice they were willing to make for the extra exposure. "With the hundreds of extras and staff members we have, it's probably in the tens of thousands of dollars (coming into businesses in) the downtown."
Businesses in Statesville are also hoping to capitalize on the hundreds of visitors in town.
"I'm hoping to accommodate all the extras and crew members," said Chris Darmstraetter, a chef at Café Sfayess. "I've designed a special menu just for them.
“Leatherheads” has been filming in cities and towns throughout North Carolina, including Salisbury, Spencer and Charlotte.
The movie is described as a romantic comedy centered around the American pro football league in 1925. It's scheduled to be released in early December.