Bollywood movie 'A Happy Ending/Writer's Block' still filming in Ann Arbor area
Photo from the film shoot of the Bollywood romantic comedy "A Happy Ending/Writer's Block," in a condo above Vinology on Sunday.
Photo by Stewart Beal
Ypsilanti-based developer Stewart Beal confirmed that the production team - including directors Raj and D.K. - has rented the condo belonging to his parents (Fred Beal and Nora Wright), situated above the restaurant Vinology in downtown Ann Arbor, for 15 days, but has "been there 5 days thus far," including Sunday, July 28, when Beal got to spend six hours as an extra, playing a party guest.
"It is always really exciting when a movie comes to Ann Arbor and Detroit, and it was really great they allowed me to participate as an extra in the film," said Beal.
As for the movie's plot, Beal said, "The movie is about a writer who is very successful and makes a lot of money, but then gets down on his luck when he hasn't written anything in awhile. Meanwhile, all these girls fall in love with him and he freaks out."
Beal added that although Bollywood films are famous for their musical numbers, "A Happy Ending/Writer's Block"'s 4 music scenes will be shot in India; and in addition to Lena, the production team has also used Detroit nightclub Bleu and Enspire Dental in Ann Arbor as filming locations, and is renting the Liberty Title Building on Main St. in Ann Arbor for the purposes of housing extras and catering prep.
"I would say there are 75 people involved, including extras," said Beal. " … The budget of the film is under $5 million, but they are definitely real professionals."
Jenn McKee is an entertainment reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.
Comments
Kyle Mattson
Tue, Jul 30, 2013 : 5:45 p.m.
For all you movie fanatics that may be out of the loop the Transformers 4 set has taken over a large portion of downtown Detroit. Check out some photos of it here: http://bit.ly/aadc-t4set
M-Wolverine
Tue, Jul 30, 2013 : 1:03 p.m.
Did he have any idea why they came all the way over here to film it? Even if the plot called for US locations, there had to be some closer to the West Coast with less costs than coming all the way to Ann Arbor. What's the tie in that brought them here? It's great that they're here, but I can't figure out the how the finances work for them.
RN81
Wed, Jul 31, 2013 : 2:58 a.m.
Yes, the filming incentives that Rick Snyder just stopped. No more movie industry in Michigan thanks to republicans!
Jenn McKee
Tue, Jul 30, 2013 : 4:01 p.m.
According to Beal, Michigan's film incentives are a primary reason for the production team's choice to film here.
Jenn McKee
Tue, Jul 30, 2013 : 2:38 p.m.
A good question. I'll see if I can get an answer for you, since this is something I'm wondering about myself.
Zhuk
Tue, Jul 30, 2013 : 3:06 a.m.
They lost me at Bleu. Calling that venue a "club" is a stretch. They could have saved money by filming the "Bleu" night club scenes in the bathroom located under the fleetwood. The fleetwoods bathroom is cleaner by the way.
amlive
Tue, Jul 30, 2013 : 12:49 a.m.
Is this what the film trailers parked on Ashley over the past week are here for?
EndWits
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 3:46 a.m.
Yeah, and if you happen to work nearby, the trailer's generators are often running until midnight or later and couriers, hipster extras and maintenance people are around 24-7. I'm all for films being shot in the area but a little respect for the residents would be nice. I wonder if the film will turn out as crap as Five Year Engagement.
Jenn McKee
Tue, Jul 30, 2013 : 4:03 p.m.
Beal confirmed that the film trailers on Ashely are indeed part of the "A Happy Ending/Writer's Block" film shoot, noting, "That is where the actors meet every day."
Jenn McKee
Tue, Jul 30, 2013 : 2:37 p.m.
I can't be certain, but it seems like a very reasonable guess, given how much the production team has been filming in the downtown/Main St. area in Ann Arbor.