Onlookers stayed up past midnight on Wednesday hoping to catch a glimpse of the major motion picture filming in downtown Bellingham.
It was a taste of Hollywood glamor unusual for a city of Bellingham’s size. Some locals even got to be a part of the action after being cast as extras in the movie. Though studios have not yet confirmed details, a job posting for Alessi Hartigan Casting specified background cast would “be a part of a Tyler Perry film.”
Filming on Wednesday, Sept. 23 centered on State Street at music venue The Shakedown, which was closed along with its sister pinball bar, The Racket. Crew members decorated the railing outside with festive red and green garlands, indicating the scene was likely set at Christmastime. Red lights outside the venue switched on late in the evening, illuminating snowflakes and baubles hung between them.
“It’s definitely something that’s got the town excited,” said Isaura Lopez, 24. She stood with a group watching crew members work from the sidewalk at around 9:30 p.m.
Alexa Johnston, 24, agreed. “It kind of almost takes you out of your everyday life, because it feels so special in a way,” she said.
Miranda DeJesus, 35, brought her young sons, ages 7 and 8, with her to join the excitement. One of her kids is a fan of John Cena, rumored to be in the film, while she grew up watching Tyler Perry movies.
“I’m from Connecticut so never really got to see anything like this,” she said. “It’s really cool to see any movie being filmed, never mind right around the corner from my house.”
Eric Tennesen, 22, got to do more than watch the production. He’s a part of it, having been accepted as an extra. “I’ve always been a little fascinated by show business,” Tennesen said.
Meanwhile, for one private security guard, it was another day at work. Sugar, who declined to give his last name “for security reasons,” said he’s just there to keep people safe.
“I don’t know anything about it,” he said when asked about the production. He added, good-naturedly: “I don’t care that much.”
Sophia Gates covered rural Whatcom and Skagit counties from October 2024 to September 2026 as a Washington State Murrow Fellow. Her work during this period was underwritten by taxpayers and available outside CDN’s paywall.
