Roberto Dei 5/12/17 Roberto Dei 5/12/17

About the Movie Being Shot in Lowell This Week...

Production crews descended on the city this week to film scenes for Screen Gems' action thriller "Proud Mary", starring Taraji P. Henson with Billy Brown, Jahi Di'Allo Winston, Neal McDonough, Margaret Avery, Xander Berkeley and Danny Glover.

If you've spotted several dozen people gathered around equipment on a sidewalk on Central Street and were wondering, the answer is yes, actress Taraji P. Henson is in Lowell. A Golden Globe winner for her role as Cookie Lyon in Fox's "Empire", Henson will play a contract killer whose maternal instinct is awakened when she meets a young boy. Directed by Babak Najafi, the film is set for release in January 2018.

Filming for the movie, which started yesterday, will continue over the next week at various locations in downtown Lowell and sightings are due to become increasingly common. The most recent one took place Thursday morning while the cast and crew were working smack in the middle of downtown Lowell in front of WCAP studios on Central Street.

By noontime, a few onlookers were hanging out on site, hoping to get a glimpse of the star, while equipment and police detail officers lined the street.

Exterior shooting is scheduled for May 16 on Palmer Street between Middle and Merrimack Streets. This block will be closed to traffic but Middle will remain open as will Palmer from Market to Middle. CASE staff have been coordinating shooting schedules, traffic control, logistical support and street closures with location managers.

Several movie production trailers were setting up on a city lot in the Hamilton Canal District across from 110 Canal Street in preparation for the cast and crew. Lowell's unique sites and neighborhoods make the city a popular place for film production. There has been a number of notable films shot in the city including 'The Fighter', 'The Invention of Lying', and more recently 'Professor Marston & The Wonder Women'.

Roberto Dei 5/3/17 Roberto Dei 5/3/17

Hollywood Returns to Lowell

Actress Taraji P. Henson (photo thanks to Wikipedia user Bill Ingalls/NASA, some rights reserved).

By Henri Marchand on May 3, 2017 - Hollywood returns to Lowell for five days of feature film production beginning Thursday, May 11. Screen Gems Productions will be in town at several locations filming scenes for 'Proud Mary', starring Taraji P. Henson, Neal McDonough and Xander Berkeley.

A Golden Globe winner for her role as Cookie Lyon in Fox’s “Empire”, Henson plays a contract killer whose maternal instinct is awakened when she meets a young boy.

The production will shoot scenes May 11-15 in the WCAP studios on Central Street. The right lane will be blocked during filming but Lowell Police will provide traffic control.

Location managers have been working with downtown businesses and the City to coordinate shooting schedules, traffic control, logistical support and street closures.

Release date is scheduled for January 26, 2018 according to IMDb.com.

Other feature films shot in Lowell include 'The Fighter', 'The Invention of Lying', and 'Professor Marston & The Wonder Women'.

Guest User 12/2/16 Guest User 12/2/16

7 must stop-by-and-check-out places for your Lowell holiday shopping trip

Yeah, I know, we’re biased, we totally believe that There’s A Lot To Like about Lowell. Shorter days, colder temperatures, holiday shopping? Bring it on!

Yeah, I know, we’re biased, we totally believe that There’s A Lot To Like about Lowell. Shorter days, colder temperatures, holiday shopping? Bring it on! With Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and City of Lights behind us, Lowell is now in a 100% Holiday mood.
That said, we thought it’s the perfect time to share a few of our favorite must stop-by-and-check-out places with you. There are plenty more local and independently owned businesses you will pass on your way as well - don’t hesitate to visit those too!

1. Lowell Gallery and Framing

Lowell Gallery and Framing is your one-stop-shop for high quality custom frames and digital prints. This Holiday Season, why not get a specially framed picture for your loved ones?
Find it: Lowell Gallery and Framing is located at 219 Central St., Suite 1C, in Lowell, MA. That’s right where The Canalway Cultural District meets Hamilton Canal. Lowellgallery.com

2. Red Antler Apothecary

When you meet artisans Rachel and Rick from Red Antler Apothecary for the first time, you will fall in love with their warm and genuine character. That character and love is reflected in all products sold in this quaint and adorable shop. From soap and cleaners to herbs and cures, Red Antler has it all, and each ingredient is personally and as locally as possible sourced.
Find it: Red Antler Apothecary is located on the fourth floor of Mill No. 5 on Jackson Street in the Hamilton Canal District in Downtown Lowell. redantlerapothecary.com

3. Bad Moon Shop

What do you get when you have two women who believe there is life and beauty after death and want to bring their vision to others? Bad Moon Shop. After a few years of online and market selling, Jamie and Jennifer moved into the hallways of Mill No. 5, and just like their home, their shop is filled with the “discarded and no longer wanted parts and pieces of the ones who’ve passed”. All cared for and handled with a deep respect for animals alive and dead.
Find it: Bad Moon Shop is located on the fourth floor of Mill No. 5 on Jackson Street in the Hamilton Canal District in Downtown Lowell. badmoonshop.com

4. Roger’s Toys

There aren’t many original toy stores left anywhere, so it’s exciting and special that Roger’s Toys calls Lowell home. From vintage and rare to find toys and brands to today’s must-have character toys, you will find it at Roger’s.
Find it: Roger’s Toys is located at 150 Middle Street in the Canalway Cultural District in Downtown Lowell.

5. The COOL Place

A new addition to Downtown Lowell and Lowell’s Canalway Cultural District, the COOL Place is a shop dedicated to locally made products from some great artists around this city. COOL Place is open 7 days a week and has well, a cool selection of jewelry, ceramics, clothing, cards, books and more. Proceeds from every sale support the Cultural Organization of Lowell.
Find It: The COOL Place is located at 122 Merrimack Street in Downtown Lowell. cultureiscool.org

6. Sweet Lydia’s

There are experiments that are so sweet, they need a name! Sweet Lydia's started out as an experiment in the kitchen and has grown into a local favorite. For everyone on your list with a sweet tooth, you will be amazed by the selection of flavors and delicious marshmallow combinations, hand crafted chocolates, caramels and more. Let your sweet tooth know no bounds!
Find it: Visit Sweet Lydia in downtown Lowell at160 Merrimack Street. sweetlydias.com

7. Humanity Boutique

For the last 8 years, Humanity Boutique in downtown Lowell has brought timeless style and fashion into the lives of many. For us, Humanity encompasses some of what Lowell is all about: style, beauty, peacefulness and a bit of attitude. For your latest fashion cravings make sure you visit Ani at Humanity right away!
Find it: Humanity Boutique is located in Lowell’s downtown at 128 Merrimack Street. humanitystyle.com

Note: Some quotes and descriptions taken from featured businesses webpages