Jersey Girl’ is just the ticket in Paulsboro
All it took was two magical signatures, and the Paulsboro fire companies’ white leather helmet became a prize.
Leading man Ben Affleck wrote: “All the best to the firemen, many thanks.”
To the borough’s all-volunteer companies, costar Jennifer Lopez penned: “Love to all the firemen.”
Firefighters are banking on the famous scrawls from the stars of Jersey Girl. Eventually, the chief’s helmet will be auctioned off to benefit the companies.
Over the last few weeks, the $35 million Miramax film has been pumping dollars into shops, restaurants, the police department, and the school district in one of Gloucester County’s poorest municipalities.
Paulsboro is doubling for Highlands, Monmouth County, the setting for the film and the hometown of director Kevin Smith, who made the indie hits Chasing Amy and Clerks.
Although borough buildings are free for Smith’s use, the costs needed to keep production running smoothly have begun to accrue.
Paulsboro police officers have benefited from the $40 per hour rate they earn for overtime.
During five days of shooting, about 12 officers have worked between 12 and 16 hours daily.
“They do pay the bills,” said Chief Ken Ridinger, referring to the filmmakers.
Over at the firehouse on Swedesboro Avenue, the company has been providing a place for cast and crew to chow down between takes. On one recent shooting day, production rented the hall from 5 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. The fire hall space rents for about $495 for five hours.
For use of Loudenslager Elementary School and Paulsboro High School, Jersey Girl will donate $2,000 to the district.
“Every penny is helpful,” Superintendent Frank Scambia said.
Near the schools is Hill Studio, Mayor John Burzichelli’s production company, which had also been rented as the film crew’s staging area for two days.
At Weiss True Value in Paulsboro, set dressers have routinely been patrons, purchasing items that include lightbulbs, tools and tape.
But the total impact of Jersey Girl on the borough pales in comparison to its impact on Philadelphia, where the film company is likely to spend between $10 million and $20 million.
The borough could absorb “anywhere from a few thousand to many thousands of dollars,” said Sharon Pinkenson, executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office.
Several New Jersey towns have had their fair share of big-ticket movies, said Steven Gorelick, associate director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission based in Newark.
Director Steven Soderbergh spent a cool $729,000 when he brought Ocean’s 11 – featuring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Julia Roberts – to Atlantic City for five days of filming.
A Perfect Murder, starring Michael Douglas and Gwyneth Paltrow, was filmed for 21 days in Jersey City, and brought $5.4 million to the area.
In Paulsboro, extra revenues have been generated by fans, some of whom are on all-day stakeouts that require them to patronize local restaurants and shops.
At Romeo’s Records in Paulsboro, Jennifer Lopez’s music has enjoyed a new and frenzied popularity with local kids.
“Anything with her picture on it, they’re buying to get autographs on,” said owner Romeo Dixon.
“This town is big in wrestling, football and this movie,” said Dixon, who sold 60 of Lopez’s CDs during a recent two-day period.
Local business leaders are encouraged by the much-needed attention borough shops are receiving.
“It’s a wonderful thing that’s happened to our town,” said Virginia Scott, president of the Greater Paulsboro Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s spotlighting our people and restaurants,” she said. “Hopefully, it will bring some people back to town.”
South Jerseyans also have a chance to mug for the cameras. Each day of shooting in Paulsboro requires between 15 and 100 extras. The Screen Actors Guild rate for extras in a feature film is $110 for an eight-hour day.
“Everybody wins,” Fire Chief Gary Stevenson said
