A film crew took over Lewisburg this week by blocking off streets in the downtown area for the filming of a commercial for the West Virginia Lottery.
The Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center served as command central on Tuesday, and crew members in neon yellow vests have been visible everywhere busily handling cameras, lighting screens and filters. There was also a night-time filming scheduled for Church Street.
Once the Lewisburg site was scouted and secured, the film team enjoyed their stay in the area, said Bill Hogan, with IA Productions, in charge of the 40-member film crew. Dining at various eateries and exploring other offerings has been a big plus, he said. The downside is that lodging has been severely limited by the on-going PGA tournament at The Greenbrier, taking up all the available hotel rooms in the area.
Hogan, and Pat Strader, of Digital Relativity, in charge of the digital editing process, both emphasized their commitment to utilizing in-state employees and production operations to support and encourage keeping the money in West Virginia for West Virginians. Their companies and employees are all West Virginians, Hogan said.