Hollywood Comes to Acworth, GA
Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 11:42AM 
There is a buzz and excitement in the air that could only mean one thing to this small northern suburb of Atlanta.
Hollywood film crews have arrived in Acworth, GA to film the remake of the popular 80's movie Footloose.
This isn't some smalltime independent film mind you. This is a major motion picture, and all you have to do is look around Downtown Acworth to feel it. About 30 semis bearing the names of Paramont Pictures and other movie production staples are holed up in Acworrth. Calls for extras, and sightings of the crew and stars around town are happening on a daily basis.
Footloose is slated to be released in Spring 2011, and many are looking forward to this remake. I'm not sure myself why they are remaking this movie, but Director Craig Brewer got the go ahead and has set out to remake this cult classic.
Outside of the occasional road closures and the fact that it is harder than ever to find a parking spot in Downtown Acworth, it's not too much of a bother. The stars are Dennis Quaid, Andie MacDowell, Julianne Hough, and newcomer Kenny Wormald. Anyone I've talked with that has been on set has said everyone affiliated with the production has been nothing but nice.
I'm sure the stores in restaurants in Acworth will see a nice benefit from this filming that is expected to last about three weeks. It's not the first time Acworth has been the backdrop for a major motion picture. The movie Six Pack with Kenny Rogers was shot here in the 80's as was the recent movie with Bill Murray, Get Low.
The State of Georgia has made a big push in recent years to become a friendly place to make movies. They give incentives for filming in Georgia and this is paying off. No less than 3 movies are being shot around Georgia at anyone time and Georgia rolls out the red carpet for these productions.
They are filming at an old church off Main St. in Downtown Acworth and a house behind the church.
They have taken a break from the filming this weekend, but all the equipment is all stored and kept onsite for it to resume on Monday.
The weather has been hot, but perfect for filming this past week.
Dennis Quaid was spotted in Downtown Acworth last week, and at a local restaurant outside of Downtown Acworth last night.
Extras and members of the crew are using an old abandoned car dealership down the street for parking. Shuttles are running people to the set all day long.
Hopefully the weather holds out for the filming and Acworth makes a good showing for itself. Many are upset there is no Kevin Bacon this time around, but since this is Footloose, things must change. I'll update if anything interesting happens as filming progresses.
Reader Comments (5)
I am an Acworth resident, It has been very exciting to see all of the "Hollywood" goings on here in our little town,I have driven by the set several times myself. But, I'm trying very hard not to be a bother! I would love to catch a siting of a star though.
i live 30 seconds from here do they need any extras??
i would love to have part of the movie
I live only a couple minutes from here and it is SO exciting that they're filming this here. So I'm thinking, one day when it's nice (and I don't have classes or work) it might be a good idea to take the dog for a walk downtown. Lol
The church scenes are being filmed at Acworth Presbyterian Church; many lights/booms set up there even late at night. Trailers and large trucks parked at Acworth First Baptist. all over the parking lot there...others are at the old Day's Chevrolet lot which is now empty since Day's Chevrolet has moved over to US 41. Quite a lot of fun for people in Acworth to see all the things going on...quite a lot of excitement in the old "home town". I hope that the film makers, stars, and all the assistants and workers are welcomed to Acworth and have a nice time while working there.