Want to see 'August: Osage County' stars? Wait for the film
By MICHAEL SMITH World Scene Writer on Oct 26, 2012, at 2:06 AM Updated on 10/26/12 at 5:29 AM
Forget about crashing the set for the house that serves as the scene for much of the filming of "August: Osage County." It's private property in a rural area, with transport on a road that has been shut down. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World file
RELATED ITEMS
Read the Tulsa World’s continuing coverage of the filming of “August: Osage County.”
Movie Extras
The build-up to the world premiere of "August: Osage County" was familiar to Tracy Letts, the playwright who penned the Pulitzer Prize-winning play and wrote the screenplay for its big-screen adaptation. Formal wear, a limo, a ride to the theater. But such a night would usually culminate for him in the debut of a play and, he says, "the thrum of live performance."
"I don't know how many times I've been written off (and) left for dead," says Vin Diesel's namesake character at the beginning of "Riddick," apparently the only one who doesn't know the answer to this question.
Many people have called me in recent weeks to inquire how they might sneak a peek at the stars of "August: Osage County" as filming continues in the area.
As far as actual filming of the movie, that opportunity is over. The outdoor filming options that found crowds gathering in Pawhuska, Barnsdall and Bartlesville in September and early October have been completed.
All filming is now taking place in the rural Boulanger area of far northern Osage County at the Boulanger House, named after the original owner.
This is the house that the "August: Osage County" production company purchased (it listed for $249,900) because it so closely resembled the three-story house employed in Tulsa native Tracy Letts' play, and because the 1918 Sears kit home fit their filming needs.
As far as important roles in this production, the house played a huge one in the decision to film in Oklahoma. This house was not the only option.
The Boulanger House is where producer George Clooney, stars Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts and the entire cast and crew are working, and they plan to keep filming at the residence into November, wrapping up prior to Thanksgiving.
How do you get out to the house where they're filming? After the many stories I've written based on the filming of "August: Osage County," some believe I may know some secrets to gaining access.
My advice: Forget about crashing the set. It's not going to happen. It's private property in a rural area, with transport on a road that has been shut down to protect the privacy of the current homeowners - the production company.
Ponca City real estate agent Johnny Shaw brokered the deal through his United Country Shaw Real Estate for "August: Osage County" to buy the property, located on 22 acres.
Shaw also supplied me with a few photos showing the inside of the house. See them at
tulsaworld.com/iseemovies Now that the house is loaded with cameras and lighting and dozens of people among the cast and crew, these interior shots should be considered as images of what the inside of the house previously looked like.
We'll have to see the movie in 2013 to see what changes were made to the Boulanger House.
Original Print Headline: Want to see 'August' stars? Wait for the film
RELATED ITEMS
Read the Tulsa World’s continuing coverage of the filming of “August: Osage County.”
Movie Extras
The build-up to the world premiere of "August: Osage County" was familiar to Tracy Letts, the playwright who penned the Pulitzer Prize-winning play and wrote the screenplay for its big-screen adaptation. Formal wear, a limo, a ride to the theater. But such a night would usually culminate for him in the debut of a play and, he says, "the thrum of live performance."
"I don't know how many times I've been written off (and) left for dead," says Vin Diesel's namesake character at the beginning of "Riddick," apparently the only one who doesn't know the answer to this question.
