Wyandotte is HUNG by HBO

[DetroitPetanque]

HBO has a new series that is supposed to be based in the Detroit, Metro area "HUNG" about a male gigilo....

Posted: Monday, 15 June 2009 6:18AM

Wyandotte Has "Hung" Its Hopes on Hollywood

Wyandotte (WWJ) -- Filming for the new HBO series "Hung" was scheduled to get under way Monday morning at Wyandotte's Portofino Restaurant--and elsewhere in the Downriver city.

"Hung" is a comedy about a reluctant suburban gigolo -- set to premiere in two weeks. The show is set in the Detroit area.

A shoot will also take place at First and Maple streets in the city. Drivers might find road closures as a result. Set up was slated for 4 a.m. and the shoot was to wrap up at 11 p.m.

It's thought to be the first major filming in Wyandotte.

http://www.hbo.com/events/hung/

By Jim Kasuba
WYANDOTTE — Portions of the city soon will resemble the back lot of a Hollywood studio.

On Monday, the City Council gave permission to Hangman Films to shoot scenes for the HBO series “Hung” at several locations. Filming is expected to run from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday.

The request came from David Wolfson, supervising location manager for the Troy-based company. Wolfson submitted a written request June 4 and was at the meeting to answer questions.

The first location will be Portofino Restaurant & Banquet Facility, 3455 Biddle Ave. Filming will take place in the restaurant, on the dock and on the restaurant’s tour boat, the Friendship.

“The scene we are filming involves a character waiting at the dock for his girlfriend,” Wolfson said. “When she does not meet him, the character calls her on his cell phone. Part of this scene would also be filmed at the octagonal-shaped dock, immediately south of Portofino restaurant, at (BASF) Waterfront Park.”

The second scene is a farmers’ market. Wolfson said the story at this location involves two ex-spouses who accidentally meet.

At the time of Wolfson’s written request, two locations were being considered: Maple and First streets, or Bishop Park as an alternative. However, Wolfson told the council that filmmakers decided to go with the Maple and First Street location.

The scene will require the closure of Maple, between First and Second streets, and First Street, between Elm and Maple.

“We anticipate the street being closed during the entire permitted period,” Wolfson said. “In the morning, our art department will set up and prepare the farmers’ market, and it would be filmed in the afternoon and early evening.”

Wolfson said assistant location manager Alex Fields had spoken to the business owners on the two streets and they raised no objections.

To film on those streets requires parking equipment trucks in the Yack Recreation Center lot. Wolfson also sought permission to use the arena’s restrooms and warming area for crew members.

In the event of rain or bad weather, the alternate filming day is Tuesday.

Promotional material from HBO said that “Hung” is a new comedy series starring Thomas Jane as a reluctant suburban gigolo. It’s set to premiere June 28.

Wolfson said the show is set in the Detroit area, and those associated with the series hope to be back for a second season.

Councilman Daniel Galeski, who served as chairman of the evening, welcomed Wolfson and his crew to the city. He said this will be the first major film project in Wyandotte.

Councilman Todd Browning expressed some reservations over what would be filmed because of the nature of the show, but Wolfson explained the scenes.

Resident Veronica Berryman was watching the council meeting at home when she decided to go to City Hall to protest.

“The name itself tells you what it is about,” she said. “It’s not a G-rated series. Think about what you are doing.”

The council approved the request with the stipulation of a signed hold harmless agreement and an agreement that the city will be reimbursed for services associated with the road closure. Browning voted against the motion.