Today marks the start of production for “The Choice,” the latest Nicholas Sparks adaptation to shoot scenes in Wilmington.
Just months after Sparks’ “The Longest Ride” wrapped production, “The Choice” rolls cameras this week as the novelist’s latest film project. The prolific romance novelist has also seen his stories “Safe Haven,” “A Walk to Remember” and “Nights in Rodanthe” become movies with scenes that were shot in the area.
“The Choice,” about a bachelor who is drawn to his female neighbor, starts filming today at a restaurant near Wrightsville Beach, where filming will continue through Wednesday, according to a permit filed with the City of Wilmington.
A description on the permit states scenes involve characters celebrating at a bar and talking about their relationships.
Later this week, production will move to a house in downtown Wilmington.
Related story: Second Sparks film, ‘The Choice,’ to film in Wilmington this year
“The Choice” stars Benjamin Walker (“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter”) and Teresa Palmer (“I Am Number Four”). Recent additions to the cast include Tom Welling, whose credits include the TV show “Smallville,” Alexandra Daddario (HBO’s “True Detective”) and Maggie Grace (“Taken”).
The movie is being directed by Ross Katz, a co-producer on 2003’s “Lost in Translation.” The screenplay adaptation is written by Bryan Sipe.
Sparks is serving as a producer on “The Choice,” along with Peter Safran, whose credits include the Wilmington-filmed “The Conjuring.” Chris Bromley, who worked with Safran on that film, is serving as unit production manager.
Production is expected to last about a month.
Related stories:
