It will be “lights, camera, explosions” as the filming of Ant-Man lights up the skies near Pinewood Atlanta Studios over the next week. Movie making in Fayette, which up to now has been a quiet affair involving occasional sightings of famous stars connected to the film, is getting real. And possibly noisy.
People who live near the studio have been alerted that scenes involving gunfire, explosions and pyrotechnics will be filmed in the area overnight for the next week. Letters from Pym Particles Productions LLC were found tucked behind the flags of mailboxes Thursday, Oct. 23, in neighborhoods within a few miles of the studio. According to notices, filming of these scenes will take place from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, and from Monday through Friday, Oct. 27 to Oct. 31.
The scenes will “involve gunfire, explosions and pyrotechnics,” the letter said, further stating that local police and fire authorities have been notified. “We will take all necessary safety precautions while conducting these activities,” Mike Fantasia, location manager, wrote. Area residents reported an increase in activity around the area this week. Cranes and various construction equipment has been seen near the studio as well as an increase in helicopter traffic, although the latter may be related to nearby Piedmont Fayette Hospital.
The word “BigFoot,” which appears in bold lettering at the top of the letter, is an apparent codeword for the production. Various entertainment websites refer to Pym Particles Production LLC as Marvel’s production banner for Ant-Man. Residents report receiving letters a few months ago asking for the best way to get in touch with them for announcements like this. The letters included a return card for reporting this information.
Email notices were also sent to residents who provided their email addresses. Marvel began filming Ant-Man at Pinewood Atlanta in August. According to a press release, the film is set to release on July 17, 2015. Directed by Peyton Reed, the movie stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang aka Ant-Man, Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym and Evangeline Lilly as Pym’s daughter, Hope Van Dyne.
“Ant-Man” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy” and the upcoming Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” The film is based on the Marvel comic character first published in 1962.
