Some of Hollywood’s big screen stars have made their way to the Ottawa Valley for the filming of a new movie.
Michael Cera and Pamela Anderson were seen in Carleton Place on Monday, as Cera makes his directorial debut, filming his movie Love Is Not The Answer. The new director is most notable for his starring roles in movies such as Superbad, Barbie, Juno, and Scott Pilgrim vs the World.
The anticipated romcom follows Anderson as her character comes to learn that love is not the solution to all of life’s problems. The film also stars Jamie Dornan, Steve Coogan, and Fred Hechinger.
Films crews could be seen Monday morning on Bridge Street in Carleton Place, where filming was taking place in front of Matt Durocher’s apartment.
“[The location scout] told me Michael Cera and Pamela Anderson were going to be in it, and I was stoked. I was frickin’ stoked, man,” Durochers told CTV News Ottawa.
“I spoke to [Michael Cera] for a few minutes, and he was thanking me for letting him use my place. And I was like, dude, you don’t have to thank me, man. Any time,” says Durochers.
“I told him how much I love Superbad, and he loved that. It was awesome.”
Filming was also taking place near the Carleton Place library on Monday, and crews will be at the Ottawa airport on Tuesday.
“We’ve had more than a few movies shot here,” says Carleton Place Mayor Toby Randell, who adds that having these types of productions in the area is good for the local economy.
“We’ve had them shot inside the town hall, in many of our businesses downtown, and at a few homes around the area. So, it’s always neat to see your local hometown is part of these big movie productions, and this is one of the bigger ones for sure.”
The chance to catch a glimpse of the stars was enough to draw big crowds, who watched as the film crew went through a series of shots and takes.
“Oh, I love watching all the background stuff, watching the background actors,” said onlooker Erin Lavadan. “But we’re really hoping to see Pamela Anderson or Jamie Dornan.”
“I was pretty excited. I didn’t believe it at first, but when I looked into the posts and I have seen it firsthand, it’s pretty exciting,” said Carleton Place resident Lauren Halonen. “Hollywood is in Carleton Place. I’m looking for the big actors.”
It’s not the first, and will likely not be the last big screen production to be shot in the Ottawa Valley, which is becoming a hot spot for Hollywood’s most famous.
“There was another movie filmed here too, it was Fat Man and Mel Gibson was in it,” says Durochers.
“I got to watch them film up the street too. I didn’t get to meet [Mel Gibson] though, but I was excited for that to come out when it came out. Sure enough, my building and my bedroom window were in the movie.”
Durochers says he was compensated $200 for having his apartment inconvenienced for the day but is ready for more cameras to roll up in Carleton Place.
“I’m blown away, I’m in shock, and I love it. I hope it happens more and more.”
