HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) — Another big movie is being shot in Central Virginia, and this time it’s Hopewell that’s getting the spotlight.
The independent film is called Imperium, and it has a big name star, Daniel Radcliffe, who stared in all of the Harry Potter Films.
“We are pretty excited that the majority of a major motion picture will be filmed here in Hopewell over the course of the next month or so,” says Charles Dane, the assistant City Manager.
Filming is expected to start around September 20th and residents are excited.
“I think it’s wonderful. I think it will put Hopewell on the map in a good way,” says Mary-Tyler Mahaney, a Hopewell resident.
“Downtown and the city of Hopewell need inspiration like this, and I think it’s going to be a good thing, I really do,” Mike Mahaney said while eating lunch in a local restaurant.
“When any film comes into an area, it’s great for the economy because it touches all parts of the economy. I like to say everything from buying paper clips to renting helicopter,” says Andy Edmunds, director of the Virginia Film Office.
Local businesses are hoping to see an increase in customers. At the family owned Lisa’s Café on E. Broadway, one of the owners says they’d be prepared to remain open late to serve movie crews.
“Anything to draw attention to the downtown Hopewell area, maybe people will come down and they’ll be like I didn’t know this was here.” says Lisa Postic.
Producers are also looking for movie extras. If you’d like to participate, send a front and side head shot, along with your height and weight to ImperiumExtras@Gmail.com.
If you live in the Hopewell area, put “Hopewell” in the subject line.
City leaders say casting for extras begins in the next few days.
