Preparations for a movie shoot on Mill street were well underway early Thursday morning.
Crews were bustling around the Harvest Cafe, where scaffolding and an oversized, cartoonish doughnut have been installed ahead of filming, scheduled July 29 to Aug. 2.
“PushPin,” the working title of the Disney+ production, Flora and Ulysses, that is being shot next week in downtown Chilliwack.
The filming is slated to focus on the Harvest location at 9381 Mill St. where an oversize and cartoon-style doughnut with sprinkles has been mounted over the restaurant.
“All businesses will be open as per usual times,” according to a release from the Downtown Chilliwack Business Improvement Society.
The movie, listed as “Flora and Ulysses (aka PushPin)” on several industry websites, is described as family drama based on the novel by Kate DiCamillo, about a cynical girl and a squirrel that acquires superpowers after a run-in with a vacuum cleaner. It will be directed by Lena Khan and the producer is Gil Netter, say industry watchers, and principal cast includes Alyson Hannigan, Ben Schwartz, and Darien Martin.
Flaggers were in place early Thursday, with ‘no parking’ signs, Teamster trucks parked, and crews carrying equipment on-scene.
“Due to the nature of the scenes to be filmed, there will be intermittent traffic control, which includes lane or road closures on Victoria Avenue daily,” according to the notice. “Thank you for your cooperation and support of the BC Film Industry.”
Neighbours were advised there might be some special effects like glass breaking or sparks, but no pyrotechnics or explosions are expected during the filming.
Mill Street will be closed from Court Lane to Wellington Avenue for all five days of the shoot, and people might be redirected around the action, as need be.
@CHWKjourno
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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