Amy Poehler plays Galifianakis’ sister in the film. Poehler is known for her roles in the television show ‘Parks and Recreation,’ and her movie roles in ‘Baby Mama,’ ‘Mr. Woodcock,’ and ‘Blades of Glory.’
Owen Wilson plays Steve, a local weatherman and womanizing bachelor. Wilson is known for his roles in films like “Wedding Crashers,’ You, Me and Dupree,’ and ‘Midnight in Paris.’
Zach Galifianakis plays Ben, an immature bi-polar man who’s father passes away leaving him with a surprising inheritance. Galifiankakis is a North Carolina native and is a well-known stand-up comedian and actor in roles such as ‘The Hangover’ and ‘The Hangover 2’ and ‘Due Date.’
Yadkin County residents could catch a glimpse of some major film stars in their neighborhoods.
Gilbert Films is filming its latest production ‘You Are Here’ in various locations in Yadkin, Surry and Forsyth Counties.
“They had some very specific things they were looking for and we were able to given them a couple of options,” said Bobby Todd, Yadkin County economic developer. “They’ve wound up shooting some of it here.”
The film stars Zach Galifianakis, Amy Poehler and Owen Wilson. The plot follows a local weatherman and bachelor, Steve, (Wilson) and his bi-polar, immature best friend, Ben, (Galifianakis) as they take a road trip home when Ben discovers his estranged father has passed away.
The Piedmont Triad Film Commission recruited the production company to the area.
“They were looking at other places to film to but they were looking for a place that has the best locations and the best crew and support,” said Rebecca Clark, the executive director of the Piedmont Triad Film Commission. “I always promote Yadkin County for films like this when they’re looking specifically for farmhouses. I’ve scouted a lot of farms in Yadkin County.”
The production company has made use of a farmhouse on Dinkins Bottoms Road for the past two weeks for part of the filming process. They also showed interest in the Amish areas located in Yadkin County and the Yadkin County Courthouse.
The production company had plans to use the courthouse until a statewide judge’s conference freed up the use of any courthouse in the state and they opted to use the Forsyth County Courthouse instead.
“We could free our courtroom and we could offer them the courtroom from Thursday afternoon through Sunday night and they were excited for that but it worked out where they could shoot that in Winston-Salem,” Todd said.
This production has provided millions in income across the region and will continue to contribute throughout the course of production.
“It’s a substantial boost to the local economy,” Clark said. “Not only are they hiring locals to work on the film behind the scenes as crew members or as extras or actors; they are also spending money on renting locations and going to nearby supply shops and hardware stores to get whatever they need to help dress or build the set.”
The cast and crew are currently staying in Winston-Salem due to Yadkin County’s lack of locations for lodging. Despite the fact that the stars aren’t staying in town a few sightings of Galifianakis have been reported at -Kitchen Roselli in East Bend.
Galifianakis is a native of Wilkesboro and owns a home in the area.
A Web page has been created that dedicates itself to sightings of Owen Wilson in Winston-Salem. Wilson has been quite active in the downtown area there with sightings at several bars and restaurants.
‘You Are Here’ is written and directed by Matt Weiner. This is Weiner’s feature directing debut. He has directing experience from the AMC channel’s ‘Mad Men.’
The film has already drawn a lot of excitement in the area but has managed to stay quiet with their filming locations and dates.
“They’ve tried to keep it relatively quiet regarding where they’re shooting and they don’t post much where they’re at that particular day,” Todd said. “I think one reason that they like shooting out in the country like this is because most of the time people respect their privacy. I think courtesy is a little more appreciated here.”
Reach Lindsay Craven at 679-2341 or at lcraven@heartlandpublications.com.
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