Lights, camera, action!

Published December 18, 2006 5:00am ET



Did you know Baltimore is a famous movie star? Over 80 movies and television shows have been filmed in the Baltimore area. Can you name a few?

There?s “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Hairspray” and “Ladder 49,” for starters.

Filming a movie involves long hours and hard work from many individuals. It usually takes about three months to film a movie that lasts only two hours!

Some movies can even take years to make and cost millions of dollars. Besides the actors in the movie, making a film also involves the director, producers who make decisions, camera crews, caterers who provide food for everyone, and costume designers, just to name a few.

There are tons of movies and television shows being filmed in Baltimore all year long. You could become part of the process by becoming an extra.

So, start popping some popcorn and take a closer look at your favorite movie. You just might see your neighborhood!

Provided by the Baltimore Museum of Industry. To learn more, visit www.thebmi.org or call 410-727-4808.