Colin Firth, Emily Blunt and a big cast behind the scenes turned parts of Graham into a Hollywood set on Friday.
Some spectators stood just feet away from one of the sets of "Arthur Newman, Golf Pro" along Highway 54.

"Everybody's like, 'Oh my gosh, it's Colin,' and everybody's like 'No, you're going to get kicked out, be quiet' and 'You can't take photos right now,'" said Casey Atherson, spectator.

"The girls were excited because they're always wanting to become famous one day, and we thought it would be neat for them to see how the movie was made," said Julie Dilello, spectator.

Filmmakers are using two motel buildings: the Ember's Motor Lodge and the Travel Inn right across the street.

Crew members said they chose one of the sets due to the Interstate 40-85 backdrop. More filmmaking will take place on Saturday, but crew members wouldn't disclose when or for how long.

Rebecca Clark, executive director of the Piedmont Triad Film Commission, said the movie is pumping thousands of dollars into the local economy.

"They just come and they rent locations. They stay in hotels. They need meals, dumpsters, supplies to build sets, and the list goes on and on," Clark said.

The movie, considered a dark comedy, is about a man who hates his job. His ex-wife and son hate him, so he stages his own death and takes on a new identity: Arthur Newman. Along the journey, he meets a woman who is also trying to escape her life.

Filming is also taking place in Raleigh and Wilmington.


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