Netflix movie 'We Have A Ghost' filming in Donaldsonville

The City of Donaldsonville has been hosting a film crew for the upcoming Netflix movie "We Have A Ghost."

The crew planned scene production with city officials. During the Aug. 16 Committee of the Whole meeting, the Donaldsonville City Council discussed the crew's rental of the Lemann Memorial Center.

In the virtual meeting, officials said the crew plans to maintain strict safety precautions due to the surge in COVID-19 cases. The production is requiring all cast and crew to be fully vaccinated. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the movie crew does not want large crowds gathering during filming.

The crew will be using Railroad Avenue from Mississippi Street to near Louisiana Square in Donaldsonville's downtown historic district. The park overlooks the Ascension Parish Courthouse. Crew members have been working on three storefronts along the avenue.

Donaldsonville officials, including Mayor Leroy Sullivan, the City Council, Director of Community and Economic Development Lee Melancon, Fire Chief Adam Gautreaux, and Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office Westside Captain Darryl Smith have been among the city leaders working together to accommodate the movie crew.

According to Melancon and the movie's location managers, the filming of scenes was scheduled to begin Aug. 23. The area from Mississippi Street at the 100 block of Railroad Avenue to the 600 block of the avenue will be utilized through Sept. 1.

The crew will be parking base camp trailers and crew vehicles on private lots. The crew has sought permission from the city to post no parking signs on impacted streets. These include the 400 and 500 blocks of Claiborne Street, the 300 block of Nicholls Street, the 300-500 blocks of Iberville Street, and half of the 100 block of Lessard Street.

The various entities are working together to minimize the impact on residences and businesses while the movie is in production.

Notably, the Grapevine Cafe announced in a Facebook post the restaurant would be forced to close from Aug. 24 to Sept. 2.

Over the years, Donaldsonville has been the backdrop of several movies. In 2018, the Netflix movie "Highwaymen" was filmed in the city. The retelling of the Bonnie and Clyde story starred Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson.

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," starring Brad Pitt, was filmed in 2008. That same year, "The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond" with Bryce Dallas Howard was set in Donaldsonville.

"All the King's Men," starring Jude Law, was filmed in 2006. "The Badge," led by Billy Bob Thornton, was in 2002.

"We Have A Ghost" is reportedly also filming in New Orleans, according to casting websites.

The upcoming Netflix film stars New Orleans native Anthony Mackie, David Harbour, Jahi Di'Allo Winston, Tig Notaro, and Jennifer Coolidge. It is written and directed by Christopher Landon.

Netflix announced via Twitter the beginning of production July 20. According to the streaming service, the movie is about a friendly ghost that turns a family into overnight social media sensations - and CIA targets.