Reel News
Sinise joins
Oahu-filmed
‘Big Bounce’Gary Sinise has just joined the cast of "The Big Bounce," which also stars Owen Wilson and Morgan Freeman. Sinise plays Ray Ritchie, a development magnate bent on corrupting Hawaiian traditions to construct a North Shore hotel. The film is scheduled to shoot on Oahu beginning Oct. 28 for 2-1/2 months, for a 2004 release. George Armitage is directing the adaptation of an Elmore Leonard novel. State and county film officials meet today with the producers to discuss locations and other issues. ...
Universal's upcoming film, (formerly titled "Helldorado"; now title-less) begins five weeks of filming on Oahu Sept. 23, with production offices at the Ilikai Hotel. The production will use the Hawaii Film Studio's main soundstage while the "Baywatch Reunion" TV movie is using the swim tank.
First scenes shot on the new "Baywatch" project Monday included "Baywatch Hawaii" alumni Jason Momoa and Stacy Kamano. Margaret Doversola is the casting director. ...
Business is booming for local crew members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees after a disastrous 2001. The union has 25 members working on "Baywatch," 20 are already hired for "Helldorado" with many more hires expected, and at least that many jobs are expected to be produced by "The Big Bounce" ...
Actor Don Johnson returns to Hawaii in October for the third time in as many months, hoping to lock in Act 221 tax investment credits for the 22-episode police-action television series he'll star in and produce, using locations throughout Hawaii.
During his last visit, Johnson met with HVCB honcho Tony Vericella, the state's high-tech guru Joe Blanco and Gov. Cayetano, in part to discuss marketing the show and how to qualify for Act 221, which is the deal-breaker. Johnson couldn't have a better ambassador or negotiator than his longtime friend, entrepreneur and promoter Shep Gordon of Maui. Assisting Gordon is former Maui state Sen. Tony Taketani.
The series would not require the usual pilot episode. Johnson wants to begin filming as early as January 2003. Sources said a network and a cable station are competing to show the series.
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Contact Tim Ryan at tryan@starbulletin.com.