Hollywood stars to shine on Macleod’s Main Street

Hollywood stars Matthew McConaghey, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine and Jessica Chastain could be in Fort Macleod this summer.
Fort Macleod’s historic Main Street has been chosen for a scene in the major Hollywood production “Flora’s Letter.”
Oliver’s Arrow Films Inc. assistant location manager Laszlo Uhrik wrote seeking town council’s co-operation with the shoot planned for Aug. 29.
“We’ve always had our arms open to any film opportunities and it has served us well in the past,” Mayor Shawn Patience said. “I don’t know why we wouldn’t embrace it this time.”
“Flora’s Letter” is described as a science fiction movie about explorers who travel through a worm hole into another dimension.
Set in the future, “Flora’s Letter” details the toll climate change has taken on agriculture, with corn the last crop to be cultivated.
The scientists embark on a journey through a worm hole into other dimensions in search of somewhere other crops can be grown.
“The specific scene that we’d like to film on Main Street is of a truck driving on the street through town,” Uhrik explained in a letter to council.
The scene would take place on Main Street between Second and Fourth avenues.
Laszlo said the company would like Main Street closed to traffic for six to seven hours on Thursday, Aug. 29.
Filming will take place only on the street.
“We will not be required to enter any of the businesses,” Uhrik noted. “If that changes, we will contact the business and property owner directly to negotiate that access.”
Uhrik has already contacted most business owners and managers on Main Street.
“All my discussions so far have been positive and no issues were identified, other than obvious questions about access to shops during filming,” Uhrik told council. “It is our plan to keep all shops and businesses open to carry on their normal activities.”
Uhrik told council some signage changes will be required on businesses, which will be negotiated with owners.
“In addition, special effects will be creating a dusty storm blowing through the street with tumbleweeds,” Uhrik added. “The special effect dust material is a paper-based product, which will be collected and vacuumed after completion of filming.”
Municipal manager David Connauton said his only concern was the suggestion the film company would make a donation in lieu of location fees and payments.
“That would have to be up to the businesses,” Connauton said.
Patience said in the past film companies had to deal directly with the businesses regarding compensation for lost business during filming.
Council welcomed the news the film crew has chosen Fort Macleod for a scene.
“I think it’s a good thing,” Patience said. “Any way to get our name out there.”