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New Movie Starring Denzel Washington To Be Filmed In Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A new movie starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis will be shot right here in Pittsburgh.

Most Pittsburghers already know the Hill District was the home of playwright August Wilson. In fact, there's a move to make his home there a historical landmark.

But there's another house in the Hill District getting lots attention these days.

Crews are hard at work on the house, transforming it to fit the needs of Hollywood. Director/actor Denzel Washington reportedly stops by on a regular basis to see how things are progressing.

"I happened to be coming down the street, and there he was, setting up the scenery for the movie he's getting ready to do," said Mark Harris of the Hill District.

A fixture on the big screen, Washington is now becoming a fixture around the city. He's a regular in the Hill District, where it appears the home of "Fences" character Troy Maxson will be filmed.

"He looked at the house; he told his team to take pictures," said Jacqueline Hopson, of the Hill District. "He's just a really nice person."

Production is set to begin on the film in mid- to late-April.

The excitement around the filming is growing. Sala Udin, personal friend of August Wilson, believes the Denzel Washington-effect on Pittsburgh will be far-reaching.

"We also know that Denzel has signed with HBO to film the other nine plays," said Udin. "That's 10 plays, if they do one a year, that's 10 years of work."

Udin is working with the Friends of August Wilson to try and identify vendor opportunities for minority companies during the production. But right now, it's all about Denzel sightings.

"I asked him what was going on," said another Hill District resident, Monty.

Prior to filming, an open casting call will be held in Pittsburgh as well. According to the casting call posting on backstage.com, auditions will be held on March 13.

Filming is scheduled to take place from April 18 through June 10.

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