A major motion picture starts shooting in New Orleans today. 'The Expendables' is written and directed by Sylvester Stallone, who also stars in the action flick.
Mickey Rourke, Jet Li, Jason Statham, and Dolph Lundgren are also in town, after filming the last few weeks in Brazil. New Orleans will play the role of an American city. "I don't want to give too much away," says Publicity Director Cheryl Main, "but suffice it to says this was the place to shoot these scenes that we're going to be shooting here."
The story follows an "expendable" team, hired to do jobs that no one else can or will, who are sent to infiltrate a South American country to overthrow the ruthless dictator and liberate the country.
Main says New Orleans diversity, as well as lots of local talent make the city a great place to make movies. "You have the tools that people need to make a good movie. That doesn't happen everywhere," says Main.
Listen to Don Ames' conversation with Cheryl Main:
In fact, New Orleans was hand-picked for the state-side filming by its writer/director/star. "Sly really loves New Orleans. This was his choice. And we're really, really excited to be here and we appreciate the hospitality that's been extended to us," Main says.
Main has been in the business for some time and is a strong supporter of making movies in California, "the home of Hollywood," as she puts it. "But everyone that I know that's ever worked here in New Orleans absolutely fell in love with it. I know people that have moved here because it's a great place to work. The people are great and the work ethic is great."
With Dolph Lundgren in the cast along side the 'Rocky' star, there's rumored to be a 'Balboa/Drago' rematch of sorts.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is also in the film, although the governor shot his scenes in California. The crew will be shooting in New Orleans through June. 'The Expendables' is scheduled to be released on April 23rd, 2010.
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