Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Kevin Costner movie to film in Belen for five weeks

Jackie Schlotfeldt News-Bulletin Staff Writer; jschlotfeldt@news-bulletin.com

Belen Hollywood is focusing on Belen again.

A movie production is once again making its way into New Mexico and work on the new film "Swing Vote," starring Kevin Costner will begin on July 23.

The movie will be filmed in Belen and Albuquerque, and Mayor Ronnie Torres said they have looked at shooting on location on Becker Street, near Our Lady of Belen Church and parts of Main Street.

The movie, produced by Kevin Costner and directed by Joshua Michael Stern, is a comedic look at the disillusionment people have with politics and politicians.

When the election for president comes down to one vote — Kevin Costner's — he finds that politicians will do anything to win his vote.

Claudette Riley, executive director of the Greater Belen Economic Development Corp., said the director and one of the producers will be coming to town later this week to look at other possible locations and facilities in Belen to film.

"They will be filming for about 10 weeks, (total) and they will film in Belen for about five of the weeks" Riley said. "schedules at this time."

Riley went on to say they will be working closely with the City of Belen and the Economic Development Corp., so the process goes smoothly for the community and local businesses.

Besides the boost to businesses such as hotels and restaurants during the filming, Torres said he hopes the exposure from the film will help draw more tourism to the city - like the film "Road Hogs" did for the town of Madrid.

"I think when people see the film they may want to come down," Torres said. "That's what I'm hoping for."

Because the movie revolves around an election, with two parties vying for the win, Riley said they will be looking for a lot of extras in the film.

She went on to say some of the movie will be shot at the Belen Alexander Municipal Airport, where Air Force One — with the help of movie magic — is scheduled to land, bringing the president to Belen to try and win Costner's vote.

At this time, no information is available as to casting call dates or how many extras will be needed.

This is the first film produced by Costner's new production company, Treehouse Films.

In spring, 2006, a movie, "Living Hell," was made partly in Belen. Later, last year, "West Texas Children's Story" with Denise Richards also did some filming here.

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