Crews preparing for Leonardo DiCaprio’s new film set to take place in San Juan Bautista
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Calif. (KION-TV): The countdown starts now for Leonardo DiCaprio to be shooting scenes on the streets of San Juan Bautista for his upcoming new film.
People in San Juan Bautista might see actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn roaming around the city because they'll be filming for a new movie and local businesses are getting ready to hopefully see Hollywood stars next Sunday.
"Hopefully we have more foot traffic for customers and actors hopefully they come to enjoy our burgers." said Jesus Zavala, owner of JJ's Homemade Burgers & Gigi's Cafe.
San Juan Bautista is the backdrop for the new Paul Thomas Anderson film tentatively called the "BC Project." Pre-production for the multiple movie sets in the city are underway.
"It's going to take them 10 days to decorate the sets," said San Juan Bautista City Manager, Don Reynolds, "So, this is the first crew to come out and they have furniture, they're reinforcing floors, for heavy camera equipment and so forth."
Reynolds said the movie is shooting at San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, specifically the Plaza Hotel and the Zanetta house.
Filming runs from next Sunday through Wednesday after the project was delayed due to actors' and writer's strikes in Hollywood.
"When all those issues were cleared up, we got the green light and they bumped it up to February." Reynolds said.
Reynolds said some businesses in downtown are usually closed Monday and Tuesdays, but some of them will be open because of the film.
For business owner Kammie Osborn, she said her business is open 7 days a week and hopes more people visit San Juan Bautista.
"Not only has it been all over the news, but drawing people before they're even coming," said Osborn, owner of Jans Rock Shop, "It gives San Juan exposure, this is a cute gem of a town."
Reynolds said around 200 people who are part of the movie production will be in town starting Feb. 25.
Reynolds said the local hotels are booked and the film crew will be renting out the community center.
It is unknown when the Warner Bros. film will be released.
