WV Film Office launches ‘Super 8’ promo site
CHARLESTON, W. VA. – “Super 8” is one of the most anticipated films of the summer, and the West Virginia Film Office is launching a dedicated website to celebrate the release of the film which was shot in and around Weirton.
The website, www.wvfilm.com/super8, will allow fans to get a look at some of the behind-the-scene elements of what is expected to be a blockbuster for Paramount Pictures. The film will open nationwide on June 10.
“Super 8” is set in a small town in the summer of 1979. A group of young friends are making a super 8 movie when they witness a catastrophic train crash, after which they suspect it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin happening, prompting the local deputy to investigate. The truth is something more terrifying than any of them could have imagined.
The movie was directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg, and stars Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler, Ron Eldard and Noah Emmerich. In addition, numerous West Virginians were hired to work on the crew and hundreds were extras in the film.
The website features a timeline that reveals how “Super 8” came to shoot in West Virginia, from the first call to the state Film Office to the theatrical release. “People often ask how we do what we do, when every project is different in its scope and needs,” said Pam Haynes, director of the Film Office. “We hope this site, and in particular, the timeline, will provide a glimpse of the work that goes into recruiting the film industry to the state.”
Other special features include interviews with local crew members, community leaders and visiting industry professionals who were made to feel welcome in Weirton. Also, you can find selected news clips and behind-the-scenes photos of the production. Haynes added that the website will be regularly updated with new information as it becomes available.
Part of the lure for Paramount to shoot in Weirton was the West Virginia Film Industry Investment Act, a tax credit program designed to recruit film business to the state. Paramount filmed in Weirton for four weeks in September and October 2010 with additional days in February 2011.
Haynes said one of the ways Weirton is taking advantage of the tourism potential from the film is by conducting tours of the locations where “Super 8” was shot. There also is a brochure that includes a list of those locations available for fans. Weirton was recently named one of the top five movie location destinations to visit this summer by Fandango.
The West Virginia Film Office is a section under the WV Division of Tourism at the WV Department of Commerce, and can be visited at http://www.wvfilm.com/.
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