Updated Press Release – February 22, 2018 –
After approximately six months of scouting and securing locations, Netflix’s production has wrapped their three weeks of filming in the Redwood Region. The film crew was in the area shooting the feature film, “Bird Box,” for the online streaming service. The film, which stars actress Sandra Bullock, is an adaptation of the 2014 post-apocalyptic thriller novel by writer/singer Josh Malerman.
Filming took place in Crescent City, Jedidiah Smith State Park, and on the Smith River. “Since it was important for us to film in California, we were excited to find the Smith River; you won’t find another river that has its unique beauty anywhere else in the state. Because of that, we did everything we could to keep the river just as pristine as it was before we started filming,” said Location Manager Phillip Jordan Brooks.
“Shooting in Del Norte County was a wonderful experience due to the accommodating and welcoming nature of the locals, as well as the affordability the area provided,” said Brooks. During their time in Del
Norte County, the 351 crew members were housed in hotels and Airbnb’s, dined at Crescent City restaurants, and shopped locally. The production purchased food from Safeway and Wild Rivers Market, as well as, served prepared food from Seaquake Brewing and Vita Cucina Bakery and Gourmet Foods. Restaurants including Seaquake, North Coast Ocean Sports and Grill, and Northwood’s Public House extended hours and remained open on days that they were typically closed to accommodate the traveling crew and to maximize on the increase in business. Cast and crew also enjoyed local attractions, including Beachfront Park, during their visit.
In addition to the hundreds of out of town crew, 25 Crescent City-area residents joined the crew to assist several departments during scouting and filming. Local California Highway Patrol and Del Norte County Sheriff officers also assisted the production with traffic control, escorting large equipment during relocation, and provided water safety supervision during filming on the Smith River.
While the production has not provided complete spending numbers yet, Film Commissioner Cassandra Hesseltine says, “A production of this size brings a substantial boost to the local economy. This one is especially exciting because they filmed during our off-peak season when we don’t usually experience tourism of this size.” The Film Commission will release official spending numbers once they have been received.
Hesseltine says, “Though this is the largest number of crew that either Humboldt or Del Norte has experienced during my time as the commissioner, it was a delight to work with such a well-organized
and professional production.”
“Del Norte County has a true asset in its film commissioner, Cassandra Hesseltine. She is seriously committed to growing the film industry in the Redwood Region. She felt more like a member of our crew than a typical film commissioner, because she understands how production works and knows how to get things done,” Brooks commended.
The film, which also shot in Los Angeles, is expected to be released this December.
Photo (left to right): Hannah Politizer, Senator McGuire office intern; Cassandra Hesseltine, Film Commissioner; Phillip Jordan Brooks, Location Manager; Boyd Wilson, Location Manager; Rob Christensen, Aide to Senator McGuire
