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Lights, camera, action in Agassiz

Set construction for new series, Wayward Pines began this week

Hollywood is definitely coming to Agassiz.

It's been confirmed that a brand new television series, Wayward Pines, is being shot here. Location scouts were in the area several weeks ago, looking for a "bucolic" town in which to shoot the exterior scenes. At that time, they couldn't confirm Agassiz's Pioneer Avenue would be chosen.

But the show's director, M. Night Shymalan, was in town touring the area last week, and crews have now also met with the District of Kent to go over filming plans.

Every detail has received a green light, and construction of the sets began this week, said David Tamkin, a location manager for the show.

"In order to transform Pioneer Avenue into downtown Wayward Pines, we need to do a significant amount of construction and set dressing during the next six weeks," Tamkin said.

"This work will include construction of a number of facades on the north side of the street to give the appearance that there are businesses on both sides of the block. We will also be talking to each of the individual businesses on the south side about the possibility of doing some changes to their storefronts."

He added that there will be some partial and full closures of Pioneer Ave. on days the film crew is shooting.

Filming will take place between Aug. 19 and Feb. 28., in and around the Fraser Valley and Vancouver. Tamkin said the interior scenes will take place in their studios in Burnaby.

Yesterday and today, support poles were being put in place for the facades in Pioneer Park.

Next week, a temporary sidewalk is being poured on the north side of the street. That is expected to cover about a dozen stalls along the road. A facade is also being constructed in the parking next to the Observer.

Tamkin said they are hoping to hire some construction workers locally, to help with the facade building. Construction of those begins on Aug. 6, working west to east down Pioneer Ave.

Shooting for the first, pilot episode of the 10-episode series is expected to take place from Sept. 3 to Sept. 6.

Starring in the series is Matt Dillon, who is well-known for his roles in The Outsiders, Drugstore Cowboy, Crash and There's Something About Mary.

Wayward Pines is a mystery drama, set in a strange but bucolic town. The story follows Secret Service agent Ethan Burke after he is in a car accident and becomes trapped in Wayward Pines, left with no money, cell phone or identification. As he tries desperately to leave, it becomes obvious he is immersed in a conspiracy.

Also listed to act in the series is actress Carla Gugino, who played has multiple screen credits, including Californication, Chicago Hope, Watchmen and Spy Kids.

Anyone with questions or concerns regarding the construction or filming while the crews are in town can contact Tamkin at 604-431-5502.

 



Jessica Peters

About the Author: Jessica Peters

I began my career in 1999, covering communities across the Fraser Valley ever since.
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