film crew

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Arlington Has High Kid Vax Rate — “Virginia schools have about 420,000 children between the ages of 12 and 15, and about 63 percent of them have received at least one shot, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) said during a news conference Monday. But vaccinations are not evenly spread: Alexandria has the highest vaccination rate for children in the state, at 98.5 percent, followed by 92 percent in Arlington.” [Washington Post]

Film Crew at DCA Today — “No parking except film crew” signs near Long Bridge Park are in place for some sort of a documentary that’s being filmed at National Airport, Arlington’s film office coordinator tells ARLnow. [Twitter]

Man Throws Drink at Honking Driver — “At approximately 8:41 p.m. on September 25, police were dispatched to the report of an assault just occurred. A lookout was broadcast and officers located the suspect in the 3500 block of Columbia Pike. The investigation determined that the victim was driving in the area when the male suspect, who was on foot, blocked his passage. The victim honked his horn to alert the suspect and as he was driving past, the suspect threw a beverage through the window, striking the victim in the head. The victim declined medical treatment and sustained minor injuries.” [ACPD]

County Reluctant to Loosen Lifeguard Rules — “It was a problem felt across Northern Virginia all summer – a lack of available lifeguards to keep watch over community pools. But should local governments provide exemptions for some pools to help alleviate a similar crisis next year? [Arlington] seems very hesitant.” [Sun Gazette]

Marymount Grad Wins Design Competition — “Tran Truong is a talent to be reckoned with in the design world. For the second consecutive year, the 26-year-old Marymount University student (now alumna) in May took top honors in a national competition hosted by the visual merchandising company WindowsWear. This year’s challenge: Design a store concept for the 40th anniversary of fashion label Michael Kors with an eye toward sustainability and social change.” [Arlington Magazine]

Photo courtesy Anthony Russo

New Reality TV Show Films Scene at Lyon Park’s Texas Jack’s BBQ

By Airey
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Lyon Park barbecue joint Texas Jack’s may be featured in a new reality TV show.

A crew of a new reality show about D.C. area young professionals visited the restaurant’s private dining room last month to film a conversation between one cast member and his father.

The restaurant’s Director of Operations, Remzi Yilmaz, told ARLnow that the cast member himself chose the restaurant as the location.

“This was one of his favorite places,” he said.

Yilmaz said he was not allowed to share details like the name of the show, citing a non-disclosure agreement, but said the crew might be spotted over the next four weeks filming at other area restaurants, as well as landmarks like the Washington Monument

The show is expected to air in January, though the network on which it is airing and other details are murky.

“I think they’re just giving insight into young professionals in this area, and how they live life, and what they go through,” he said.

A camera crew was also spotted last week at Pentagon Row, in Pentagon City, but it’s unclear if the crew was connected with the new reality series.

Texas Jack’s opened in 2015 and replaced the Tallula and EatBar at 2761 Washington Blvd in Lyon Park.

Movie Shoot to Close Roosevelt Bridge

By ARLnow.com

The filming of a big Hollywood movie will temporarily close the Roosevelt Bridge on Sunday.

The closures are scheduled from 8:20 to 9:10 a.m., and again from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. From the D.C. film office:

On Sunday, May 5 there will be intermittent closing of the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge to allow for the filming of a major motion picture set in the District. MPTD has negotiated an agreement with the DC Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Virginia Department of Transportation, Arlington Police and the National Park Service to close the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge.

The Theodore Roosevelt Bridge plays an integral role in the storyline. Aerial photography will be used to capture various angels (sic) of the bridge. While in the nation’s capital the production company will film other iconic sites.

VDOT is advising drivers to take alternate routes.

Drivers accessing the bridge from Virginia via I-66, Route 50 or the George Washington Parkway will be detoured. Virginia motorists heading into D.C. from I-66 have three options:

  • Take I-66 East to Route 110 to the 14th Street Bridge (this is the official detour motorists can follow).
  • Take I-66 East to Exit 73/Lee Highway to the Key Bridge.
  • Take I-66 East to Exit 72 to Spout Run Parkway to George Washington Parkway to the Memorial Bridge.

Motorists heading from D.C. to I-66 can use the same options in reverse.

During the closures, message signs on I-66 as far west as Centreville will advise motorists to use alternate routes.

Virginia State Police, Arlington County Police, and U.S. Park Service Police will be stationed at various traffic control points on Route 50, I-66 and the GW Parkway.

VDOT traffic engineers anticipate that the 8:20 a.m. shut down will create 15-minute delays and the 1 p.m. closure will create 30-minute delays.

While neither agency specified which movie is being filmed, ComicBookMovie.com speculates that the closures are for the filming of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, a new superhero movie that’s set in D.C.

Hat tip to @shticksstickler

Photos from ‘Argo’ Staging Area at Overlee Pool

By ARLnow.com

The Ben Affleck-directed political thriller Argo is filming in the D.C. area, and the Overlee Community Association and Pool is one of the areas where production vehicles have been congregating.

Period-specific cars and taxis can be seen parked in the club’s parking lot off of Lee Highway. A sign on a light poll reads: “Stage 16.”

The production has been casting for extras in Virginia. This casting call says the film will be shooting on Nov. 18, 19 and 20.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Ben Affleck Flick Filming in N. Arlington? — Local residents are telling us that ‘Argo,’ a new Ben Affleck-directed political thriller, is currently in production in the area near Overlee pool. [Forums]

New Restaurant Coming to Shirlington — A new Mediterranean restaurant called Medi is coming to Shirlington. The eatery will offer “uniquely blended flavors, healthy ingredients, and great value,” according to The Village at Shirlington Facebook page. [Shirlington Village Blog]

County Board Candidate Sims Launches Website — County Board candidate Terron Sims II has launched a new campaign website. Sims is one of three Democratic candidates who have formally announced for the upcoming special election to replace state Senator-elect Barbara Favola. The West Point grad and Iraq war veteran has already won support and endorsements from County Treasurer Frank O’Leary and Rep. Jim Moran. [Sims for Arlington]

County Scales Back Legislative Agenda — With Republicans firmly in control in Richmond, Arlington County may be abandoning hope of getting its quarter percent hotel taxing authority restored any time soon. [Sun Gazette]

Signs Biting the Dust in the Rosslyn Area — One local blogger has taken note of at least two recent incidents where signs have apparently been knocked down by out-of-control cars in the Rosslyn area. [Ode Street Tribune]

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Storms Rip Through Area — A line of strong storms ripped through the area in the pre-dawn hours this morning. Winds in excess of 60 miles per hour were observed as the fast-moving storms passed by around 4:30 a.m. A tornado warning was issued for the region, but Arlington was spared from the worst of the storm damage. Expect showers, gusty winds and colder temperatures for the rest of the morning. [Washington Post]

Tejada Plans Ballston Rally — County board member Walter Tejada kicked off his re-election campaign over the weekend at the Dominion Hills Recreation Center. Tejada lauded the county’s commitments to affordable housing, walkable neighborhoods, and fiscal responsibility. He is now planning a rally in Ballston tomorrow — no word yet on when or where exactly the rally will take place. (Update at 12:20 p.m. — The rally will be held outside the NRECA building at 4301 Wilson Blvd at 6:30 p.m., prior to the Arlington County Democratic Committee meeting.)

New Signature Theatre Line-Up Announced — Signature Theatre’s upcoming 2011-2012 season schedule has been revealed. Among the shows planned are The Hollow, based on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow; Hairspray, the 2003 Tony Award winner for best musical; Brother Russia, a rock musical about a “comically fourth-rate Russian theatre troupe;” and Xanadu, based on the 1980 cult film starring Olivia Newton-John. [Signature Theatre]

Clint Eastwood and Crew Drop By Arlington Home — Last week crews were busy scurrying about North Arlington filming scenes for the Leo DiCaprio-headlined production of  ‘J. Edgar.’ Among the locations where filming took place was kitchen of one family’s house. DiCaprio, director Clint Eastwood and dozens of crew members took over the Rasmussen family’s home to film one scene for the movie. [Washington Post]

Clint Eastwood Film ‘J. Edgar’ Filming in N. Arlington Tonight

By ARLnow.com

Clint Eastwood’s J. Edgar Hoover biopic, which has been filming in downtown D.C. and Warrenton, Va., will come to Arlington tonight.

A county official we talked to confirmed that filming is expected to take place in North Arlington tonight, but could not reveal the exact location or exact time. Neighbors have been notified of the production plans, the official said.

No word yet on whether the film’s star, Leo DiCaprio, or its star director will be on set.

Update at 4:45 p.m. — The movie is filming in the Donaldson Run area, near Marymount University. Here’s the letter the production crew sent to neighbors:

Dear Neighbors,

Tuesday evening, March 29th we will be parking production vehicles involved with the filming of the Warner Brothers film entitled, “J.Edgar” in the Leaf Mulch Site on 26th St. N. and Yorktown Blvd.

We will be filming scenes for the motion picture nearby in Arlington. The vehicles will be parked in the lot starting Tuesday evening and will be in place until the end of day Thursday, March 31st.

We understand we are guests in your neighborhood and we will do our best to ensure that our brief stay is a pleasant one for all.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the number below.

Thanks again and we look forward to the opportunity to be your temporary neighbors this week.

Sincerely,

(Redacted)

Photo via Wikipedia

Capital One Commercial Films On the Pike

By ARLnow.com

Dozens of gaffers, grips, extras and producers were hard at work filming a Capital One Bank commercial at the corner of Columbia Pike and Monroe Street this morning.

The giant “pin” of one of the company’s signature red push pins was propped up on the sidewalk next to the bank. A lone tennis ball was glued to the top, to act as a guide for 3D artists to later inset the pin’s giant red handle.

The film crew set up their gear around 6:00 this morning, and broke most of it down by 10:00. They used The Broiler, across the street from the bank, as a base of operations.

We hear the crew was heading into D.C. to film at another Capital One bank location this afternoon. That shoot, we were told, would involve Capitals star and Arlington resident Alex Ovechkin shooting pucks from the bank’s roof.

Hat tips to Johnny K., Rebecca K. and M.E. Photo (top right) courtesy Johnny K.

Transformers 3 Films at Air Force Memorial

By ARLnow.com

Despite an Autobot mishap in the District earlier in the day, Transformers 3 production crews came to the Air Force Memorial last night (sans actors) to film a few scenes for the upcoming sequel.

A crowd of spectators armed with lawn chairs and cameras kept watch from across Columbia Pike. Reader Stephen McCay was there and sent us these photos. See more photos here.

‘Transformers 3’ Set to Film in Arlington on Monday

By ARLnow.com

If you’re planning on driving near near the Air Force Memorial Monday night, watch out. Rumor has it that some Decepticons may be prowling the area, cooking up an evil plot to attack the National Mall.

The Michael Bay-directed sequel Transformers 3 has filed an application to film in Arlington on Monday, and we’re told the filming will likely take place at or near the Air Force Memorial.

Pete Lindquist, managing director of the Air Force Memorial, says that there are “a lot of moving parts,” but the current plan is for crews to start setting up in the morning and start filming at night.

“The actual filming will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.,” Lindquist said. He said visitors will still be able to visit the memorial on Monday, but “there may be some interruptions” during filming.

Part of the filming may involve vehicles driving up and down Columbia Pike, which may result in temporary road closures. The Arlington County Police Department will be assisting with traffic control.

Despite the excitement of a big-budget Hollywood film coming to Arlington, there is some bad news to report for Shia LaBeouf fans: Lindquist does not expect any actors to be a part of Monday’s shoot. But all hope is not lost. Transformers 3 is also expected to film several scenes in the District in coming weeks.

Update at 6:15 p.m. — The police department has confirmed that sections of Columbia Pike near the memorial will be periodically shut down between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. They’re also advising pedestrians to avoid the area “due to security surrounding the film.”

Flickr pool photo by Rozanne Hakala

Group With World Cup Dream Films Music Video in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

On Sunday, the soccer field at Barcroft Park served as the stage for what some area residents hope will be an official music video of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

You wouldn’t know a production with lofty international goals was taking place by the look of things. The catering consisted of a folding table and some Domino’s pizza boxes. The primary camera was an aging standard def digital camcorder. A wheelchair was being used as a dolly. There were no lights set up, no technicians running cables. The director’s mother was one of the dozen or so extras.

But the modest production values didn’t seem to limit the imagination of the producers, most of whom emigrated to the DC area from various parts of Africa. They are on a quest — perhaps a bit quixotic, but a quest nonetheless — to have their catchy dance song, “Twenty Ten In Africa,” played at the World Cup (listen to it here).

“I want this to be the people’s song,” said Nkeng “Mr. Cole” Alemanji, the song’s writer, producer and video director. He said the first pick for the official 2010 World Cup song was a unpopular with Africans because it was performed by pop star Shakira, who is South American. FIFA, the World Cup’s governing body, should adopt his song because it’s written and performed by Africans, he said.

Alemanji, who runs the Alexandria-based production company Songs From Above, says he was personally inspired to write “Twenty Ten In Africa” after seeing soccer’s “ability to bring people together” during Cameroon’s run for the World Cup in 1990, a time of economic and political upheaval in his native country.

“If people like the song, they’re going to demand it,” said Ajua “A.J.” Alemanji, Nkeng’s brother. Together, the brothers are working to get the song played on radio stations in eastern, western and southern Africa. They say it should begin playing in Johannesburg within a week.

(more…)

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