J. J. Abrams’ Ghostwriter to shutter Providence streets for two-week shoot
Providence, R.I.— Filmmaking crews are turning parts of Providence into a working movie set for the next two weeks as J.J. Abrams shoots the film Ghostwriter in the city’s East Side. To accommodate the production, officials announced a series of street closures beginning today.
Starting at 10 a.m., Thomas Street will be closed to all traffic. Angel Street will also be shut down from Prospect Street to Benefit Street, and Benefit Street will close from Waterman Street to Meeting Street. Those closures are scheduled to lift this afternoon at 4 p.m. Later, this weekend, the Point Street Bridge will be closed from Sunday at 8 a.m. to Monday at 9 a.m.
While the plot remains under wraps, film listings on IMDb note that Ghostwriter stars Jenna Ortega, Glen Powell and Samuel L. Jackson. This marks the second major feature filmed in Providence this year, following a summer shoot of M. Night Shyamalan’s Remain at the Cranston Street Armory with Jake Gyllenhaal.
Officials say the production is expected to span about two weeks, with additional detours or closures possible as filming progresses. The project underscores Providence’s growing status as a filming location and a potential boost to local business during the production window.
What residents and visitors can expect
– Temporary traffic disruptions on the East Side, with several streets closed during specific windows of the day to minimize disruption.
– A weekend closure of the Point Street Bridge, which may affect weekend travelers and those attending events in the area.
– A potential uptick in local business activity tied to the film crew and visiting cast members, along with increased security and street presence.
Tips for travelers
– Plan alternate routes around the affected streets and give yourself extra travel time, especially during closure periods.
– Check local traffic advisories ahead of planned movements through the area, and be mindful of temporary pedestrian and vehicular detours.
– If you’re near filming zones, expect brief pauses or pauses in traffic as scenes are shot.
Summary
Ghostwriter’s Providence shoot is set to create a brief but notable upheaval in traffic patterns as part of a broader push to position the city as a magnet for film production. With a notable cast and a two-week filming window, the project aims to deliver both cinematic impact and a potential long-term economic boost, while adding to Providence’s evolving identity as a creative capital. A hopeful note for residents: the disruptions are temporary, and the city’s growing film credentials could translate into ongoing opportunities and visibility.