(NOTE #1: I am not responsible for the misspelling of Kris Kristopherson's name!)
(NOTE #2: Clearwater, where this movie is being filmed, is worldwide HQ for the Church of Scientology! Coincidence? Hmmm... got to think about this one.)
Winter the Dolphin movie brings economic boost to Clearwater
Eric Glasser 1 hr ago
(Source: WTSP.com)
CLEARWATER, FL -- A camera boom hovering over the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a sure sign of a boom for the local economy.
Area businesses are cashing-in as cameras started rolling this past week on Dolphin Tale, a major motion picture based on Winter, the aquarium's tail-less dolphin.
At Leo's Pizza, one block away and just across from the crews' trailers, hungry Hollywood types with a craving for crust have already brought Leo a little extra dough.
Today, he says, an actress with an appetite strolled in, and "she says 'I want to try something different.' So she came for a slice of pizza, you know?"
The economic wheels are also spinning for Airport Express car service, shuttling shutter-bugs and showbiz workers around town.
The fleet's owner, Ian Wright says it's a welcome boost at a normally slow time for business.
"We get all kinds of work. We get all kinds of people going everywhere, and so far they've brought us work," he says.
For Michael Bassous, who owns a cleaners two doors down from Leo, the movie has been heaven-sent
Bassous has been tapped to provide clean towels and tailoring. He's already raked-in about $2,500 extra in just the first two weeks.
"It's a blessing from God," says Bassous.
Local hotels are also seeing a boost.
The Hyatt on Clearwater Beach has reportedly set aside 40 rooms several nights to accomodate about two hundred cast and crew members descending on the area.
And local workers are getting gigs too.
"Electricians, carpenters, painters," says crew member Johnny Baio. "They live in the area here, so it's a great thing."
While shooting the movie in this area definitely provides a short-term economic impact for the area, local merchants hope people who see the film will then flock to our area to meet Winter herself.
Providing a long-term dolphin dividend.
Filming is expected to continue for several weeks. Dolphin Tale's stars include Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman and Harry Konick Jr.
There was also word among some on the set this week that singer / actor Chris Christopherson would be joining the cast.
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