Whidbey Island has benefited this year by the arrival of two movie companies from foreign lands taking advantage of our unparalleled scenery and unspoiled spaces.

In February, a crew from Korea arrived to shoot part of a movie called “Late Autumn,” described as a “melancholy love story.” Their time was largely spent at the Keystone Cafe next to the ferry dock on Central Whidbey.

During the first week of May, filmmakers from Japan spent several days on Central Whidbey filming a documentary about the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.

Both efforts brought many visitors to Whidbey Island. While they spent most of their time working, they also spent money. As Keystone Cafe owner Christy Kellison said, “It’s good for business.”

Whidbey Island has hosted a number of film crews over the years. The Ferry House on Ebey’s Reserve was used for scenes in “Snow Falling on Cedar,” Coupeville was the stage for “Practical Magic” which became a popular film, and Langley was the set for the infamous “Indian Summer,” which went straight to VHS, as DVDs weren’t around in those days. Nevertheless, townsfolk were entertained and money was made by a number of businesses.

Whidbey’s small towns with their rural surroundings are a natural attraction to filmmakers. But don’t count out the Navy. It would be fun to see an action film set at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, or perhaps Outlying Field Coupeville. Top Gun II, perhaps, starring an aging Tom Cruise called back to serve his country in a time of need.

Whidbey Island’s chambers of commerce should do as much as they can to publicize our ideal setting for movies. They already know something about us in Japan, Korea and Hollywood, so let’s build on the momentum.