A movie starring actor Sean Penn has begun filming in Bad Axe.
Penn will be here for the next week filming the movie, "This Must be the Place."
As we saw today, Bad Axe rolled out the red carpet for cast and crew.
"Been here 18 years, and this is the first time we've anything like this come to town," Police Chief David Rothe said.
Rothe and his officers are playing a lead role in the production of the movie. "When they need the set shut down, our job is to make sure everything's shut down and everything's done safely,"
During one of the scenes shot today, we got a good look at lead actor Sean Penn who plays a retired rock star, complete with big hair reminiscent of the 1980s.
This scene was filmed along Huron Avenue at Franklin Plaza, but City Manager Dale VanDeVusse says the impact of this one movie will be felt around the entire town.
"It's going to have a very positive impact on us, I think, economically," Vandevusse said. "It's going to give us something we can hang our hat on."
VanDeVusse says the crew rented 75 percent of the available rooms in Bad Axe, not to mention the restaurants they'll frequent during their week in town.
Businesses like Pete's Bar will get more than just an economic boost. "Next Wednesday, they're coming in here to film," bartender Marilyn Soper said.
Despite the minor traffic slowdowns around town, most hope all this extra activity won't be a one-time thing. "If you leave a good impression, they'll remember," VanDeVusse said.
"You know, I've been too busy, you know, directing traffic and helping people out, so I haven't had a chance to mingle yet. But, hopefully, as the week goes on, we'll see some neat stuff," Rothe said.
Businesses and city leaders are excited about the economic impact, while city residents are just excited to see a celebrity.
