Despite the lack of reports and photos over the past few weeks, filming for Iron Man 3 is still well underway in vast areas in North Carolina. Following the “parachuting” stunt scenes filmed in Oak Island, StarNewsOnline reports that filming will soon occur at the Port of Wilmington. According to a NC State Ports Authority spokeswoman, the shoot will begin at 1 Shipyard Blvd. on August 17 and expected to wrap on September 2.
“The shoots, which will feature special effects and stunt work, will mostly take place overnight – from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. – at the south end of the port near the facility's container cranes, Shannon Moody said. On Aug. 24-26, a helicopter will film aerial scenes, according to a letter distributed by the production to Sunset Park residents. The aircraft's pilot will "avoid" flying over nearby homes, the letter said. Some scenes also will feature smoke and machine-gun fire. The filming will be "sufficiently far" from the neighborhood and should not be noticeable to homeowners, the letter said.”
With nearly 150 people expected to be involved, the production will not only hire employees from the Port of Wilmington to operate equipment, but also reimburse the authorities for “out-of-pocket” expenses, and provide insurance coverage. In related news, primary filming has been quietly taking place in Rose Hill, North Carolina. With scenes involving snow & water tanks, an onlooker was able to see the action and share what he saw.
Described as a “technological crisis thriller,” set in the world of international war, arms & terror, Marvel Studios' “Iron Man 3” stars Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Andy Lau, Ashley Hamilton, James Badge Dale, with Sir Ben Kingsley and Jon Favreau. Shane Black (“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”) takes over directorial duties from Jon Favreau, who helmed the first two “Iron Man” films. Principal photography will occur primarily in North Carolina and China. And “Iron Man 3” is set for release in May 3, 2013.