San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood and the BART system became unlikely co-stars alongside Olivia Wilde and Seth Rogen for the filming of a new movie. The independent film "The Invite," directed by Wilde, has been creating a buzz around the city as high-profile actors were spotted casually blending in with residents and daily commuters during the production. According to KRON4, Molinari’s Deli in North Beach took a break from serving their signature sandwiches to transform into a movie set for the star-studded project.
The production did not cease to draw attention as Wilde and Rogen ventured onto the Bay Area Rapid Transit system during rush hour, swiftly jumping aboard between Glen Park Station and Daly City. The scene seemed to unfold effortlessly with the actors submerged in the everyday lives of those around them, even though one might hardly expect to see A-listers rub shoulders with the public on public transportation. As per The San Francisco Standard, Seth Rogen was noted, claiming to be "a regular commuter" as he waded through throngs of people while carrying a commuter bike and wearing a gray helmet.
The presence of the production in one of San Francisco's signature locales and on BART has been seen as a positive by city officials and spectators alike. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie's office indicated that such productions are welcomed for their economic benefits and for placing the city in the cinematic spotlight again. Manijeh Fata, the executive director of the San Francisco Film Commission, expressed a similar sentiment to KRON4, stating, "We’re always working to attract more films to San Francisco because every production brings jobs, supports local businesses and inspires more people to experience this cinematic city in real life."
While the transit system remained delay-free despite the presence of Hollywood faces, shooting a film in such public spaces presented logistical challenges. There were instances of orchestrated chaos where paid extras were instructed to "Stay behind Seth!" and confused everyday commuters were ushered onto trains amid takes. Officer N. Navarro from BART Police conveyed to The Standard that the shoot was "the most abnormal thing that’s happened at a BART station" during their tenure. This setting is a testament to the determination of a film crew to weave seamlessly into the urban fabric even as they document a tale of romantic comedy unfolding.
