Film brings big names, bucks to North Shore
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
HALE'IWA — Get actor Owen Wilson talking, whether it's about "The Big Bounce" or any other subject, and you're sure to get some of the bemused, laid-back language and attitude that have made him an audience draw in such films as "I Spy," "The Royal Tannenbaums" and even "Shanghai Noon."
On Wilson's experience filming "The Big Bounce" in Hawai'i:
"It was supposed to be in Detroit, but the producers reworked the script and decided to do everything on the North Shore." In the film, he plays a charismatic drifter named Jack Ryan in what is described as "a sexy noir thriller."
"I didn't question it," Wilson said, "because they might have changed their minds. But I can tell you it's going to really show Hale'iwa and the North Shore as pretty picture postcards; Hawai'i definitely is one of the characters in the film."
That's right, Wilson and his co-stars Morgan Freeman and Sara Foster share psychic billing in "The Big Bounce" with the beauty of Hawai'i. But beauty isn't the only possible incentive for the location, though it certainly doesn't hurt.
In the midst of wavering controversy about the state high-technology tax incentive called Act 221, the filmmakers — who don't have that tax break, though they have asked for it — have been aiming their cameras from Hale'iwa to Waialua, using real places such as Hale'iwa Joe's and Ali'i Beach Park to make Hawai'i very much a part of the story.
"Bounce" producers say they hope to qualify for the tax break, accorded Universal's earlier North Shore-based, surf culture-inclined "Blue Crush," but they're also willing to operate without it because they're getting fabulous scenics for the edgy romantic caper, based on Elmore Leonard's novel of the same name.
"Look at me, in T-shirt and shorts," said producer Steve Bing. "Who'd have thought that you could do a movie in winter in this kind of weather?"
"I feel like I'm on my own time, filming in a great location, after working in Eastern Europe for my past three films," said Wilson, the likeable actor with a head of surfer-dude hair and a distinctive crooked nose, who spearheads a star-studded cast happy to be spending time in what most people think of as a paradise.
"The Big Bounce" is produced by Shangri-La Entertainment. It will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures in 2003. Though the producers wouldn't divulge their budget, filmmakers are likely to spend $10 million here by the time the film wraps up New Year's Eve, according to insiders.
And the filmmakers have been good neighbors, sources say.
"It's a great crew," said Greg Gurstenberger, manager of the Keiki Beach Bungalows on the North Shore, where several days of filming took place.
Partner with the community
Producers rented Gurstenberger's bungalows — 10 of them over 8 1/2 acres — to shoot a lu'au scene. They hung a faux name, "Keiki Vistas," between two oversized tiki figures leading to the beach, and decked out two cottages with thatched roofs. About 30 aloha wear-clad extras filled the central yard for the lu'au sequence, which began with verses of "Hanohano Hanalei" played over a speaker.
Gurstenberger, his wife Annie, and their two children, Reese and Wina, were hired to look like partygoers.
"They painted and spruced up some of the rooms, which they'll repaint when they're done in the color we like, so we're happy with the arrangement," Gurstenberger said. "Instant renovations."
"The Big Bounce" is on a five-day shooting schedule — rare for location filming — giving cast and crew weekends off. The crew has become close-knit, members say, holding a big Thanksgiving dinner at the Turtle Bay Resort for cast and techies so no one would be left alone. A similar Christmas gathering is expected.
"We didn't want to make this a grind for anyone," Bing said. "And certainly, we didn't want to alienate the neighbors."
"I was at a Sunset Beach community meeting last week," state film office manager Donne Dawson said, "and I got a very distinct feeling from those there that this film production is much more a partner in the community than an objectionable presence. 'The Big Bounce' has been very good for the state and very good for our production community, many of whom have been directly involved in the shoot."
There were some snags, Dawson said, like an election-day traffic tangle triggered by the production, despite the fact that the crews had the proper permits to film. In that case, "Bounce" crews worked to speed up their operations and clear the area as quickly as possible.
Still, she says, "I hope the community can recognize the tremendous value the film industry can have on Hawai'i's economy, because so many of these productions want to do the right thing within the communities they are shooting in."
Apparently, makers of "The Big Bounce" think Hawai'i's worth it. Bing said filming in Hawai'i cost $10 million to $12 million more than anticipated because some equipment wasn't available here and had to be shipped in.
"We've worked hard to earn the respect of the community," Bing said. "Two-thirds of our crew are local hires; we could have used the tax break offered 'Blue Crush,' but we came anyway."
"There really have been a lot of pluses being here," said executive producer Zane Weiner. "It's working in the USA, not a foreign country, and we've had wonderful cooperation from the local unions and crews. The film office has been exemplary."
Cast of veterans
It's a pretty big movie, with high-profile names in front of and behind the cameras.
Bing, whose earlier credits include "Night at the Golden Eagle," is a co-writer on a pending Jerry Bruckheimer film, "Kangaroo Jack." Director George Armitage boasts credits that include "Grosse Pointe Blank" and "Miami Blues." Executive director Brent Armitage worked on "Gross Pointe Blank." Weiner, another executive director, was unit production manager on "8 Mile," "Wonder boys," "October Sky" and "The Lord of the Rings."
Owen Wilson chimes in to say, "The filmmakers were able to assemble a great cast — one of the reasons I'm happy to be aboard."
That cast includes the latest Hollywood "it" girl, Sara Foster, cast opposite Wilson as Nancy Hayes. Until recently, Foster hosted MTV's "ET on MTV," and she has been a regular model for such labels as Guess and Tommy Hilfiger, with exposure in such mags as GQ and Glamour.
Charlie Sheen was last seen in his Golden Globe-winning role as deputy mayor of New York, on ABC-TV's "Spin City." In "The Big Bounce," he plays Bob Rogers Jr., a cohort of construction magnate Ray Ritchie, played by Gary Sinise.
Oscar winner Morgan Freeman plays Walter Crews, a powerful local businessman, bringing even more marquee appeal to the talent roster, which includes Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Bebe Neuwirth, Harry Dean Stanton and Vinnie Jones.
Surf and fun
During a recent shoot at a lodge-like house on the rolling grounds of Waialua Farm, Foster said her movie debut has been a real eye-opener, in a manner of speaking.
"I get up early, like 5 a.m., and it's so dark in the morning," she said. "But at the same time, I get to open my curtain, and the ocean's out there. You couldn't ask for a better atmosphere, but it's a whole different ball game from television."
Foster describes her character as "very manipulative, someone who knows what she wants and is going to get it. ... She meets this boy, played by Wilson, and he's wonderful, so part of the movie is how their relationship evolves and develops.
As for that boy — Wilson: "Off-camera, Owen has been so sweet; like a big brother to me, very protective. I don't know if I can ever work with anyone else again; I think we have chemistry."
Generally beloved for being a likeable screen doofus, Wilson said he's quite comfortable with his character (not to be confused with the same-named spy in some other movies):
"And I had some sex scenes with Sara that were fun to shoot. There are tougher ways to spend the day, believe me."
Sheen, who grew a mustache for his part, said he feels his career pendulum is swinging in the right direction now. He's actually been pretty visible lately, sharing the TV spotlight with his dad Martin Sheen, the star of "The West Wing," in a funny credit-card commercial.
"It's one of those (Hollywood) cycles," he said of a see-sawing career. " 'Spin City' was good for me, and this is my first film since doing TV. It's been a fun adventure, but I've been happy since getting married (to actress Denise Richards, who spent Thanksgiving with him).
"Denise has been very good for me," Sheen said.
So has the assignment; he uses his film breaks to focus, limber up and concentrate, he said, and he's thankful he's "got a chance to do some good acting with a great cast."
It's certainly not all work. With the North Shore beckoning and surf in the actors' front yard, a couple of them have taken to the waves — with assist from such local pros as Brian Keaulana.
"I did some surfing, for the camera and for fun," said Wilson.
"I went out there, too — but no, not on the day of the big waves," Foster said.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
