Movie filmed at Deception Pass

Filming of a new movie slowed traffic at Deception Pass Bridge on Wednesday.

Washington State Trooper Jason Longoria helped control traffic at the location, but he said disruption was minimal. “The bridge was closed momentarily on and off during the day to allow the crew’s vehicles to drive across the bridge,” he said.

Cathy Sander, project coordinator for the Film & Video Office of the state Economic Development Division, said from her Seattle office Friday that the film is titled “Ring,” and is produced by DreamWorks. Individual producers are listed as Walter F. Parks, whose credits include “Gladiator” and the upcoming “Men in Black II,” and Laurie McDonald, who also helped produce those movies.

Trooper Longoria said he met the cast but he didn’t recognize any of them. “I can’t even remember their names,” he said, adding that the actors were young.

The film’s publicist, Alex Worman, acknowledged Friday that both stars are young. The female lead is played by Naomi Watts, while the male is an “up and coming young actor from New Zealand,” named Martin Henderson. Watts has previously appeared in “Mulholland Drive,” and Henderson in “Windtalkers.”

Worman described the film as a “suspense thriller,” but would offer few details. “We’re keeping a closed lid on our plot description,” he said, adding only that the film is “a remake of one of Japan’s biggest box office hits ever.”

Gore Verbinski is the film’s director. He has also directed “The Mexican” and “Mouse Hunt.” Worman said the director chose to film at Deception Pass because “it’s a very beautiful location.” The film crew has also worked in Stanwood and Bellingham, and will soon head for Seattle.

The crew may also do some helicopter shots in the Deception Pass area, but Trooper Longoria doubted that would disrupt traffic.

In addition, a state ferry will be rented by the production company. Worman said the ferry will be used as a setting for several days next week when the crew is based in Port Townsend.

The Film Office’s Sander said the movie business in this state has dropped off this year. In fact, “Ring” is the only film presently being produced in the Washington. “It’s got to do with the economy,” she said. “It’s a fickle business.”

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