March 29, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Brewer Armory works overtime for `Graveyard Shift’

The Brewer Armory has been invaded, but the National Guard doesn’t seem to mind.

The advance film crew for “Graveyard Shift,” led by co-producer William Dunn of Augusta, is busy setting up production offices and building sets at the armory, located near the intersection of Parkway South and Elm and Brewer streets in Brewer.

The film crew has rented the facility from May through August, according to Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Copeland, non-commissioned officer in charge of the Brewer Armory.

“It’s disrupted the operations, but we’re getting used to it,” said Copeland. “I was at the Bangor Armory last year when they filmed `Pet Sematary,’ so I’ve gone through this before. Everyone’s been really cooperative, and it’s very interesting.”

Negotiations are under way between Bangor municipal officials and the “Graveyard Shift” crew to work out a deal that would allow filming at the former Bangor Waterworks, located off State Street in Bangor, according to Kenneth Gibb, Bangor’s community and economic development director.

“Graveyard Shift” is based on a short story from Stephen King’s “Night Shift” collection.

The film tells the story of a man whose life has been difficult. He goes to a small town in search of himself and takes a job at a mill, where he discovers hidden horrors.

It will be the third film based on King’s works to be shot in Maine, following a segment of 1987’s “Creepshow 2” and last year’s “Pet Sematary.” Local extras were given parts in “Pet Sematary.” Information about auditioning for extras in “Graveyard Shift” has not been released.

Dunn was location manager for “Pet Sematary,” and is also producer of “Inside New England,” which airs on WPXT TV in Portland.

“Graveyard Shift” will be directed and co-produced by Ralph Singleton, executive producer of Paramount’s “Another 48 Hrs.,” to be released this summer. He also co-produced last year’s “Harlem Nights.” Both films star Eddie Murphy.

Sugar Entertainment Inc. holds worldwide rights to “Graveyard Shift,” which is budgeted as a $10.5 million production. Larry Sugar, head of SEI, was quoted in Variety magazine as saying he would like to have the film ready for a Halloween release.


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