Crews prep for 'Twilight' filming
Saturday, March 15, 2008 5:47 AM PDT
By Leila Summers
KALAMA - Movie productions typically bring big bucks into the towns they locate in, but it's unclear what sort of economic boost the filming of "Twilight" will have on Kalama.
Aside from the school district - which received a $29,500 check from the production company for facility use, plus a donation to the student body - it appears the film crew is largely self-sufficient.
Catering is coming from a Hollywood, Calif., business and the crew is lodging in Portland, said movie publicist Peter Silbermann.
But set-up crews inside the Kalama High School gym, where some of the filming will occur next Monday through Thursday, said Friday they're spending locally.
"We will buy stuff all the time," said Catherine Kagan, an assistant with the location department, though big ticket items are purchased in Portland where there is no sales tax. She expects more than 100 people to be on-scene during filming next week.
"We already told Poker Pete's to buy more supplies for pizzas ... we buy a lot of gasoline here."
Another benefactor is the Port of Kalama, where crew members are paying to park their cars next week. Mark Wilson said "Twilight" is paying $400 a day for five days.
The movie is based on a best-selling novel by Stephanie Myer. "Twilight" will star Kristen Stewart ("Into the Wild," "Panic Room") as Bella Swan, a 17-year-old who moves from Arizona to live with her father in Forks, Wash., and meets a pale, mysterious but attractive young man named Edward Cullen.
Cullen is played by Robert Pattinson best known for his role as Cedric Diggory in the "Order of the Phoenix" and "Goblet of Fire" Harry Potter films.
Much of the filming is based in Washington, and Kagan said scenes have already been filmed at Clackamas Community College and Kadows Marina in Vancouver.
Ted Sprague, president of the Cowlitz Economic Development Council, said the movie could provide a larger economic boost to Kalama than what's immediately visible.
"If it's done well and makes Kalama look nice," it could become a tourism draw, Sprague said, noting that the movies "Goonies" and "Kindergarten Cop" turned into big draws for Astoria.
Movies also can provide a sense of pride and excitement for residents, said Mayor Pete Poulsen, who still remembers when Elvis stopped in Kalama in 1964.
"Those kinds of events do generate some interest," Poulsen said, though he hasn't heard a lot of talk about the movie around town. "It's exciting to have something like that happen in the community."
Kalama students seem to be some of the biggest benefactors. Those selected to appear as extras in the film will be paid for their time, which could help Kalama businesses.
"I'm confident that will go back into the stuff around town," Kalama Chamber of Commerce President Vic Leatzow said. He contacted a production representative about how Kalama businesses can be of service.
"I did meet with them Wednesday and they claim to be fairly self-sufficient," Leatzow said.
High school principal Mike Hamilton said filming could be extended to March 24 and 25 if needed, and crews expect to be gone by March 28.
amber. wrote on Mar 15, 2008 7:29 AM:
The Bizarro Beverly Hillbillies? wrote on Mar 15, 2008 8:06 AM:
So Excited wrote on Mar 15, 2008 8:09 AM:
Feel bad for forks but sure am glad it is going to be filmed here.
Awesome article, Thanks TDN "
Kalama Dad wrote on Mar 15, 2008 9:43 AM:
RE: Wrong wrote on Mar 15, 2008 9:44 AM:
1962 it was.
The bejeweled king of mascara and eyeliner stopped in Kalama on his way to Seattle.
It was all promotion for his less than spectacular worlds fair movie.
"
Re: Bizzaro wrote on Mar 15, 2008 12:26 PM:
WENDY wrote on Mar 15, 2008 5:03 PM:
To Kalama Dad wrote on Mar 15, 2008 5:24 PM:
twilightislife wrote on Mar 15, 2008 5:30 PM:
This is coolio! "
Agree with Kalama Dad wrote on Mar 15, 2008 5:46 PM:
Oh yes production crew,film crew and movie stars, you are breathing asbestos. Welcome to Kalama High School! "
woahness wrote on Mar 15, 2008 5:47 PM:
Too Bad they don't stay HERE! New B&B in town wrote on Mar 15, 2008 6:00 PM:
can't wait! wrote on Mar 15, 2008 6:22 PM:
TWILIGHT RULES!! "
Alison wrote on Mar 15, 2008 7:06 PM:
Justine wrote on Mar 15, 2008 7:26 PM:
Hibah wrote on Mar 15, 2008 7:31 PM:
ECSTATIC! wrote on Mar 15, 2008 8:06 PM:
kalama Dad wrote on Mar 15, 2008 8:13 PM:
PS: That "Hollywood money" is going toward your son or daughter's school for; books, equipment, repairs, etc.
I'd take the money and hush up.
;) "
antoinette wrote on Mar 15, 2008 8:24 PM:
Laura wrote on Mar 15, 2008 9:21 PM:
"
Edward...Need a break from Bella? :D wrote on Mar 15, 2008 10:09 PM:
Jen wrote on Mar 15, 2008 10:26 PM:
Twilight Mom wrote on Mar 15, 2008 10:34 PM:
Mrs. Edward Cullen wrote on Mar 15, 2008 10:50 PM:
Mrs. Edward Cullen wrote on Mar 15, 2008 11:05 PM:
Asbestos Breather wrote on Mar 16, 2008 7:25 AM:
yeeeeaaah!! go mrs edward cullen! wrote on Mar 16, 2008 7:25 AM:
Fan wrote on Mar 16, 2008 8:13 AM:
Twilight Rules wrote on Mar 16, 2008 9:39 AM:
Bigger issue, get the kids to READ wrote on Mar 16, 2008 9:57 AM:
So, I say go forth and make a great film and put our hardworking, safe little town on the map. Thanks for listening "
Re: New B and B wrote on Mar 16, 2008 9:59 AM:
Alannah wrote on Mar 16, 2008 10:05 AM:
And who really cares about having gym outisde? I'm in highschool right now and it would be awesome to have gym outside. its alot better than being stuck in my stuffy gym with no air conditioning. And they're probably not going to make kids run outside if its pooring. Geeze, Kalama Dad, lighten up. An amazing movie based off an amazing book is being filmed at you son/daughter's school!! "
Joanne Maria/Twilight Moms wrote on Mar 16, 2008 10:21 AM:
Awesomness wrote on Mar 16, 2008 11:06 AM:
To: Fan & Kalama Dad wrote on Mar 16, 2008 11:12 AM:
Also to the Kalama Dads--when you film at a school the school does benefit. You should be happy for the students, their school is a legacy now! I understand your anger about the unbalanced priorities, but honestly, if YOU were helping to get a movie in motion by letting them use your school, I'm sure you'd cancel some other things in light of testing instead of the filming. Remember, the film people DO have a schedule to keep on track with for the movie to come out on time, so if they interfere with the testing, it's not that big of a deal. "
Resident wrote on Mar 16, 2008 11:40 AM:
A tourism draw? Give me a break. It'll take some work to make Kalama look "nice." Maybe the City could order homeowners to clean up some of the dumpy looking places behind the baseball fields on Date Street. Right next to a bunch of 'Hollywierd' trailors is Kalama at its finest. Yes, I'm sure the trusses, weeds,and junk cars are making a nice impression...in fact, the semi trucks are the only thing blocking the 'stunning' view.
Arkansas might have been a better location to film this movie. "
Read announcements wrote on Mar 16, 2008 11:45 AM:
To Mrs. Cullen wrote on Mar 16, 2008 11:59 AM:
Don Benrstien wrote on Mar 16, 2008 1:40 PM:
I'm Very Jealous wrote on Mar 16, 2008 1:41 PM:
another Twilight mom wrote on Mar 16, 2008 2:38 PM:
Hard-core Twilight Fan! wrote on Mar 16, 2008 4:52 PM:
"
Breana Murphy wrote on Mar 16, 2008 5:59 PM:
utah girl wrote on Mar 16, 2008 6:00 PM:
Lulu on the Bridge wrote on Mar 16, 2008 8:11 PM:
And maybe next time, there will be a Walmart near Woodland and a casino near Exit 16 so the Hollywood types would want to spend some $ without having to drive to Portland because there is no where to shop in either Woodland or Kalama. "
kate wrote on Mar 16, 2008 11:22 PM:
Take a look wrote on Mar 17, 2008 2:53 AM:
Be Positive wrote on Mar 17, 2008 6:09 AM:
Our school could really use the money too, so consider yourselves lucky!
-Some people don't know how to appreciate a good thing! "
deniselovestwilight wrote on Mar 17, 2008 7:55 AM:
Jenn in KY wrote on Mar 17, 2008 10:48 AM:
Comment Section wrote on Mar 17, 2008 11:18 AM:
No matter how good, it could be some wonderful story about a miracle and someone would have some long complaint!
Get a life! "
i wrote on Mar 17, 2008 11:25 AM:
iluvTwilightLexicon wrote on Mar 17, 2008 1:28 PM:
Hehe, JK! Y'all r SO lucky over there!!! I'm jealous. "
Kalama Student wrote on Mar 17, 2008 5:29 PM:
Kalama/LCC Grad 06 wrote on Mar 17, 2008 5:34 PM:
concerned parent wrote on Mar 17, 2008 8:41 PM:
K of Kalama HS wrote on Mar 17, 2008 9:26 PM:
Kalama Mom wrote on Mar 18, 2008 8:43 AM:
Cheers to K of Kalama HS! wrote on Mar 18, 2008 9:22 AM:
KALAMA BLOWS wrote on Mar 18, 2008 10:06 AM:
people had to pay for the parking spots that are now being used for this stupid movie.this money.our school sucks!! "
Hahahahaha wrote on Mar 18, 2008 10:07 AM:
Kalama Mom wrote on Mar 18, 2008 12:18 PM:
You owe us an apology and full public disclosure what that money is being used for. Reign in the production coordinator too. If a parents needs to call or visit the school, that is their prerogative. Glad to know that going "Hollywood" is more important than learning. I am beyond disgusted with the Kalama administrators and the school board. Shannon, I expected better of you. Guess the money is more important than the kids. "
Kalama Mom wrote on Mar 18, 2008 12:42 PM:
Mom as well wrote on Mar 18, 2008 1:59 PM:
Kalama Mom and teacher wrote on Mar 18, 2008 3:36 PM:
Corpsegrinder wrote on Mar 18, 2008 3:49 PM:
walk out stated " I see you as my equal."
It is bewildering to me how that statement inflicts any slanderous, or malicious values. The administrators obviously will just never get it "
Another unhappy mom wrote on Mar 18, 2008 9:11 PM:
Kalama grandma wrote on Mar 18, 2008 10:04 PM:
Get Over It wrote on Mar 19, 2008 8:11 AM:
If you actually cared, you would have been at board meetings years ago or even ran when their were vacant board positions.
Get Over It! "
K of Kalama HS wrote on Mar 19, 2008 8:40 AM:
Right on "Get over it" wrote on Mar 19, 2008 8:51 AM:
To Get over it and Right on Get over it: wrote on Mar 19, 2008 9:10 AM:
To TDN wrote on Mar 19, 2008 9:55 AM:
School Board wrote on Mar 19, 2008 10:11 AM:
To Kalama Mom and Teacher wrote on Mar 19, 2008 2:02 PM:
Bruce Rader wrote on Mar 19, 2008 2:41 PM:
I would be more than happy to discuss any saftey, health or other concerns you may have. Thank you and I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Bruce Rader
Kalama School Board President "
Kalama mom wrote on Mar 19, 2008 3:25 PM:
Kalama mom wrote on Mar 19, 2008 4:01 PM:
K of Kalama S wrote on Mar 19, 2008 5:15 PM:
Kalama Teacher wrote on Mar 19, 2008 5:59 PM:
I know the kids of Kalama, both tall and small, are excited and proud that their school is being used to film this movie. It has been interesting for us all. Who'd ever thought it would happen here? To all of you "Twilight" fans out there, it is AWESOME to be a part of this. The crew is very polite and professional. It's all very interesting to see.
Please realize that Kalama is great place to be with many warm and welcoming people. The view you have seen here is definitely not reality. "
K of Kalama HS wrote on Mar 19, 2008 7:02 PM:
just me wrote on Mar 19, 2008 8:04 PM:
We should thank our administrators for the chance to broaden our horizons! If you have a complaint about asbestos, rust in the water, etc., that has nothing to do with Hollywood! Keep your issues separate! Be happy that our children ar getting this experience! "
Corpsegrinder wrote on Mar 19, 2008 8:30 PM:
guy but did we really need a million dollar field for a team that didn't even make it to state? and the proof is there
that football is all they care about, look at the pathetic excuse for a track that surrounds it, it looks like crumbled oreos. and it has nothing to do with guts on calling Bruce Raider, there is no need, obviously he has read all of these comments and can take them into consideration. And the only opportunity this twilight business is bringing about, is the opportunity for the students to see how much care the staff really gives about there education, this
obviously being very little. the administrators are the most snobby condescending individuals I have ever seen. of course one can expect little attention to be paid to the students opinion, but to ignore the rash of complaints from parents, teachers and countless others, sends a clear message to everyone below them(below being in staff hierarchy power and in no way other). The only real thing they care about is the money they exploit. "
To K of Kalama HS wrote on Mar 19, 2008 9:37 PM:
SHERRY MOON wrote on Mar 20, 2008 1:16 AM:
For those few people asking why is everyone complaining about school issues. Well, Sutton & Hamiliton are getting away with jumping to conclusions,fasley accusing & treating students,employees and parents with dis-respect and list goes on. That's why the community is striking back at any given chance because of the board members not doing their job,brushing everyone's issues off instead of really investagating and getting to the bottom of the problem.Look at all the issues through the years about the administrators don't you think that their is some truth to these story ? I take it rader, you havent been up at the school lately?Whats the wait on fixing this sink hole in the playground?When was the last time the school had L&I come do a courtesy check?I'm done dealing one on one-see ya @ the B.Meeting "
Kalama Dad wrote on Mar 20, 2008 7:55 AM:
Kalama Dad wrote on Mar 20, 2008 7:59 AM:
Smoking on school grounds wrote on Mar 20, 2008 8:20 AM:
Kalama Mom wrote on Mar 20, 2008 8:21 AM:
The only comments I've made were these last few on the blog. I'm not the earlier Kalama Mom that complained. I have no complaints. I drop my kids off at school. I'm not late for work because I leave a few minutes early. But I believe people are making this a personal attack on the administrators. If you have a complaint or a problem go to the school board meetings. I believe they are the 4th Monday of the month. If you feel you're getting the run around, at least there will be other adults to witness it. And to everyone else out there that have stated that the administrators will be "pocketing" the proceeds from the movie, get real. "
School board wrote on Mar 20, 2008 8:52 AM:
Kalama Dad, I like your thoughts...I do believe you just got busy. Now the money....mmmm, per haps more sports equipment is needed eh board? "
kalama student wrote on Mar 20, 2008 9:13 AM:
30k for the school? wrote on Mar 20, 2008 10:15 AM:
joe odegaard wrote on Mar 20, 2008 10:18 AM:
Re:school board wrote on Mar 20, 2008 10:23 AM:
No Child Left Behind wrote on Mar 20, 2008 10:27 AM:
re: no child wrote on Mar 20, 2008 11:43 AM:
Rager1 wrote on Mar 20, 2008 11:49 AM:
Kalama Mom and teacher wrote on Mar 20, 2008 12:18 PM:
VOTE VOTE VOTE wrote on Mar 20, 2008 1:02 PM:
VOTE NO ON BONDS AND LEVIES!!!! To heck with this bunch, let's get some new people with new ideas and prospectives. "
Kalama Dude wrote on Mar 20, 2008 2:14 PM:
omg wrote on Mar 20, 2008 5:12 PM:
It is exciting that something like this is happening in Kalama. How many times does a major movie choose to film in Kalama? If you haven't read the book, you should. It's wonderful!
If this is all you have to complain about, then thank your lucky stars. Not everyone is as fortunate as you are. "
RE:Kalama Mom and teacher wrote on Mar 20, 2008 6:38 PM:
PIT IN THE STOMACHE THAT AGES A PARENT !) YEARS wrote on Mar 20, 2008 8:33 PM:
RE:PIT IN THE STOMACHE THAT AGES A PARENT !) YEARS wrote on Mar 21, 2008 5:35 PM:
consider homeschooling wrote on Mar 23, 2008 9:32 AM:
Homeschooling wrote on Mar 24, 2008 9:27 AM:
ewwwwwwwwww wrote on Mar 24, 2008 1:22 PM:
kiki wrote on Mar 24, 2008 4:08 PM:
Jynx wrote on Mar 24, 2008 6:54 PM:
Jynx wrote on Mar 24, 2008 6:58 PM:
http://www.kalama.k12.wa.us/press_release.htm
"
Kalama Alumni wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:54 PM:
HICK towns never change. Maybe all you whiners should move....... "
get real wrote on Mar 25, 2008 11:21 AM:
instead they complain about everything else like the track and maintenance. the district has addressed these issues and their is a plan but you would know that if they would ever actually attend a meeting. if you want to know about the track then call Nate and ask him what the plan is .
the kids loved the film and learned a lot from watching the process. the district got some money for repairs so that you the taxpayer won't havt to pay for them
if you have questions take that school board member up on his offer and call him. if you don't like that then call another one "
what do you really know wrote on Mar 25, 2008 1:53 PM:
funny that you have not followed through and filed a formal complaint, but instead have chosen to sling mud instead of the INVESTIGATION you expect the school board to conduct. you need to file the complaint folks because the rest of the world has rules and organization instead of living in a fantasy world of hate where the school board members steal to pay for BMWs and vacations and the asbestos filled halls have untold dozens of strangers aimlessly roaming the halls.
I asked some questions about the track and guess what I got.....a plan and a good plan at that. maybe more people posting here shoul actually go attend a board meeting and work on ideas instead of the fiction going on here "
drama wrote on Mar 25, 2008 1:59 PM:
Kalama Grandma wrote on Mar 25, 2008 2:29 PM:
TO: get real wrote on Mar 25, 2008 2:59 PM:
FOR GET REAL FROM SHERRY MOON wrote on Mar 25, 2008 3:48 PM:
Nobody Cares Sherry wrote on Mar 25, 2008 9:50 PM:
I hope we don't hear from you until the next movie comes to town. If that ever happens. "
Get Real about "To: Get Real" wrote on Mar 25, 2008 10:05 PM:
Moon go down to the school and ask for a copy of what you have to do to speak to the board about a personel issue. Read it. Make a written request and submit it on time. Maybe even ask for a receipt or send it certified mail. It is not that difficult if you follow the protocol. That is policy in Kelso, maybe you should see what it is in Kalama and act accordingly? If you know what the policy is why dont you share that with us so we know that you know what you are talking about. Lets talk facts. Just what is the policy. Do you know exactly?
I was to late too (should be too and to) be / it to be possiable (possible) / For your accuisation on Osbestos and BMW your fasley (accusation , asbestos, falsely) / IT IS WHAT IT! (huh?) Did you say you were a teacher? Is your husband in charge of the maintenance into "
dearest unknown wrote on Mar 25, 2008 10:47 PM:
dearest unknown wrote on Mar 25, 2008 10:59 PM:
Barnett wrote on Mar 26, 2008 8:36 AM:
I want to echo Bruce's sentiment that the Board is available to address any concernes parents and students may have, but would appreciate it if you woulf first allow the staff the opportunity to address the issue according to the policy and prcedure established for the District. please feel free to call and we will be more than happy to talk about the plans for the track or how the filming plans were layed out and negotiated. more importantly we would prefer to see you all at the School Board meetings each month where all of these plans are discussed.
thank you to the Twilight crew for their donation to the ASB fund and for the educational opportunity they brought to our students, staff, and community. I hope the opportunities were many and the inconveniences were few "
Moon -POINT THE FINGER TO WHO ? wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:10 AM:
Kalama Grandma wrote on Mar 26, 2008 8:37 PM:
To: Petty Parents wrote on Mar 26, 2008 9:31 PM:
Moon wrote on Mar 28, 2008 12:35 AM:
gatoraid wrote on Mar 28, 2008 8:51 AM:
WITH LOTS OF SUPPORT wrote on Mar 28, 2008 2:06 PM:
Kalama Mom wrote on Mar 29, 2008 3:19 PM:
re: Kalama Mom wrote on Mar 31, 2008 11:19 PM:
greeneyez wrote on Apr 1, 2008 6:50 AM:
RE:Get Real about "To: Get Real" wrote on Apr 1, 2008 11:54 AM:
My 2 cents wrote on Apr 8, 2008 8:09 AM:
Moon wrote on Apr 8, 2008 8:25 AM:








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