By Theresa Goffredo
Herald Writer
EVERETT — The stars are out in Everett these days, and not just the kind found atop Christmas trees.
A major motion picture is being filmed here, officials said Wednesday.
Actress Naomi Watts, most recently seen in "Mulholland Drive," and New Zealand actor Martin Henderson are starring in a new psycho-thriller called "Ring" that is being filmed throughout Snohomish County, including Stanwood and Monroe.
In September, DreamWorks Production, the Steven Spielberg motion picture company, selected Everett as its base for the new film and decided to build its production headquarters here.
Since then, DreamWorks has taken over about 36,000 square feet of space in three different warehouses for its sound studios. Officials declined to discuss exact locations.
DreamWorks expects to be in production of "Ring" by Sunday and wrap up filming here just before Christmas.
The $60 million production is a remake of the 1998 Japanese film "Ringu." The story is about a journalist who finds a mysterious videotape, and everyone that views it dies within seven days, according to accounts of the movie found on the Internet.
The DreamWorks team was attracted to Everett by, no kidding, the weather.
"We recruit the film industry. It’s a targeted industry for economic development," Lanie McMullin, Everett’s film office executive, said Wednesday. "And I take them packets about Everett and visited their studio in LA last year, and when they needed a place that was rainy and wintry, they pulled out the packets on the Pacific Northwest and found Everett."
"They don’t get rain — they have to make it," McMullin said. "Our weather is a real plus for them."
Another reason to come to Everett rather than say, Seattle, is that Everett has cheaper accommodations, including hotel rooms and warehouse space. And with the massive, 40-foot-long trucks that come with any production, it’s logistically easier in Everett because the whole town rallies around helping find a place to park the rigs, McMullin said.
Also, DreamWorks can base in Everett and still film in Seattle without paying extra because of a 30-mile rule that allows film companies to shoot productions and not pay extra union dues if they stay within a 30-mile radius.
"It’s to our advantage as well because Everett is getting to have a good name in the film industry as a film-friendly town that offers a variety of locations," McMullin said.
In May, the CBS television series "The Fugitive" wrapped up production here. Also, several commercials and educational productions are filmed here, such as the Lottery commercial "Lucky for Life," where the guy is wearing a suit of armor.
Besides being good publicity for Everett, film productions bring in money, especially when they set up production headquarters in town, because they fill hotel rooms and buy all their supplies and food here.
"The Fugitive" brought millions of dollars into Everett, and "Ring" will pump hundreds of thousands into the local economy, McMullin said.
City spokeswoman Dale Preboski said the city is already enjoying the economic benefits in terms of restaurant meals, truck and auto rentals, and lumber, clothing and carpet sales.
"A feature film brings our city all the benefits of a television series but in a compact time period," McMullin said.
You can call Herald Writer Theresa Goffredo at 425-339-3097
or send e-mail to goffredo@heraldnet.com.
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