Lights … camera … Kenilworth?

Major movie shoot expected in east-end neighbourhood, but the city isn’t offering many details for now

A “major blockbuster-type production” is sniffing around Hamilton for locations for an upcoming shoot — and it’s promising to be explosive.

Coun. Sam Merulla said Tuesday a large production has chosen the city as the backdrop of its upcoming shoot.

The exact nature of the production is still top secret — not even Merulla has been given the full details — but the shoot will require a full shutdown of Kenilworth Avenue between Britannia and Barton streets for filming that will include pyrotechnics and explosives.

“Due to the extent of these scenes and for the safety of residents, motorists and pedestrians, the road must be closed to facilitate,” Merulla said in a post on his Facebook page.

Merulla explained that the closure would take place from 4 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Oct.16 and from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 17 (though the road will be reopened between 4 and 6 p.m. both days to accommodate the evening rush-hour traffic).

The city’s film office is being tight-lipped about the production, promising to release more details once the film permit application has been approved.

Judging from the response to Merulla’s Facebook post, the neighbourhood seems on board.

Even Boris Brott, the well-known opera and symphony conductor, chimed in.

“This is wonderful for Hamilton. Congratulations to all involved. If we can help in any way, please count us in,” he wrote, also suggesting the film score should be recorded in Hamilton.

“This a very exciting opportunity for Hamilton and we want to capitalize on that, while also ensuring we are addressing the needs of the businesses and residents affected by this closure request,” Merulla said.