TRAVERSE CITY -- Wes Mayer stood bundled against the cold on Front Street as dozens of film crew members focused on a car parked near the curb.
Mayer, 19, of Traverse City, wore a headset and periodically darted out to make sure spectators weren't in the picture as the crew filmed multiple takes of an actress climbing in the car and driving away.
Mayer seeks a career in the film industry, and he worked Sunday as a production assistant on "A Year in Mooring," a film being shot in Grand Traverse County. He previously worked on Michael Moore's "Capitalism: A Love Story," and is thrilled to see a production in his hometown.
"I love having movies in Traverse City," he said. "It's amazing opportunity for people like myself, and it's a lot of fun for people who just want to come and watch."
Most of Front Street through downtown was blocked off all day Sunday for filming. Spectators clutched coffee and lined the street as crew members, extras, security workers and others scurried around.
"A Year in Mooring" stars Josh Lucas, an actor who appeared in "A Beautiful Mind" and "Sweet Home Alabama," among several others. Production crews arrived last week in Traverse City and will shoot into December at various locations around Grand Traverse County.
Traverse City resident Ed Hickey was curious after hearing about the shoot and came down early Sunday to watch. Hickey, 58, believes the production is a big win for the city.
"We're always glad to see something come ... that can put a spotlight on Traverse City so people know what kind of exciting town it is," he said.
But Hickey walked up during a slow moment in filming, so there wasn't much to grab his attention.
"It's like watching grass grow," he said. "I probably won't stay."
Others who stood and watched were completely caught off guard by the production.
"We were at church and we just came down to get hot chocolate, and it's like, 'Whoa!'" said Allison Taphouse, 13, who watched filming with her friend, Chloe Ostema, 14.
The Traverse City girls were excited to have a film in their town.
"It seems like it shouldn't be here, but it's really awesome to have a big movie," Allison said.
Production officials hired at least 75 local extras for the film, casting director Sheryl Hayward said. Many waited in Mackinaw Brewing Company.
Zsuzsi Danek, 67, a Traverse City resident and retired Interlochen physician, eagerly awaited her assignment.
"I think it's exciting," she said. "I'm at a stage in my life I can do anything I want, and this is one of the exciting things I can do."
Crews Sunday were using extras to walk along the street and drive cars, among other things.
"We're here to do anything, we'll even serve coffee if they want us to," Danek said with a laugh. "We're just here for the experience."
Hayward, a native of South Boardman, said her "primary agenda" was to hire and spend locally as much as possible. Extras are paid minimum wage, she said, a change from some film crews who take advantage of "starry-eyed" locals and gather extras on a volunteer-only basis.
"You get 100 bucks for the day, you get to touch stars, what's not to love?" she said.
Many crew members were from the Hollywood area, including unit production manager Brent Morris, a Los Angeles native who now lives in New Mexico.
"Traverse City's been terrific," he said. "We've been received very well; our location manager said it's one of the most film-friendly locations he's ever filmed in."
Much of the film will be shot on the water, and the crew fell in love with Grand Traverse Bay.
"It's beautiful," Morris said. "The scenery is gorgeous."
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