A movie expected to be one of next summer's blockbusters has begun filming in New Orleans.
'The Green Lantern' has hit town.
Film crews are shooting scenes this week at the Old Point Bar in Algiers and other locations around the city.
Warner Brothers' 3D theatrical adaptation of DC Comics' 'The Green Lantern' stars Ryan Reynolds and Mark Strong, along with Peter Sarsgaard, Blake Lively, and Tim Robbins.
And, it's expected to be a summer hit, when it arrives in theaters on June 17, 2011.
"As I understand it, it will be another big picture, along the lines of 'Benjamin Buttons'," says Chris Stelly, with the Louisiana Film Commission.
Listen to Don Ames' conversation with Stelly:
"Louisiana continues to lead the nation as far as motion picture production and we've established a lot of credibility, reliability and sustainability in the industry," says Stelly.
He says a big budget movie like 'Green Lantern' is testament to this area's worthiness.
"Film makers, producers...whoever, know what they're going to get when they come to Louisiana."
Stelly says about 20 films are currently in various stages of production and pre-production in the state.
Here is a look at just a few highlights:
Treme
HBO's "Treme" is a New Orleans set and shot drama from "The Wire" creator David Simon. The show takes its name from a historically Creole New Orleans neighborhood rich in music and culture. Set just four months after Hurricane Katrina, the drama follows city rebuilding with a focus on local musicians reclaiming their lives and livelihoods. Stars include John Goodman, Melissa Leo, Wendell Pierce and Steve Zahn.
Blood Out
Films in Motion feature film Blood Out starring Val Kilmer, Randy Couture, Vinnie Jones, Brock Lesnar, and Tamer Hassan has been shooting in Baton Rouge from February through this month.
Love Wedding Marriage
The independent feature film Love Wedding Marriage starring Jessica Alba is shooting in New Orleans from February 4th until mid March.
Flypaper
Signature pictures feature film Flypaper starring Patrick Dempsey will begin preproduction March 1st and scheduled to shoot May 3 through June 4th in Baton Rouge.
Red
Summit Entertainment's feature film Red starring Morgan Freeman and Bruce Willis will begin shooting March 25 for 2 weeks in New Orleans.
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