Filming for New Miley Cyrus Movie Starts Monday

By Tuquyen Mach
Reporter
Published: June 8, 2009

Neighbors and leaders on Tybee Island are hopeful the filming of a major movie there this summer will bring a big economic boost to the area.

Some of the film crew members are already on Tybee Island getting ready for the shoot.  Filming for this latest Disney movie, starring teenager Mley Cyrus, is set to begin Monday. Neighbors are anxious to hear how the filming will affect them.

The Governor’s Office says “The Last Song” will bring about 250 jobs to The Peach State.  It is also expected to bring millions of dollars to Georgia’s economy. Miley Cyrus will not be playing her popular “Hannah Montana” alter-ego from the Disney series of the same name.

A big crowd greeted production executives of the new movie at Tybee Island City Hall Monday. The meeting was designed to let neighbors know when and where they could see movie cameras on their streets. 

“These are great people, and we’ve talked to a couple of them prior to today, and this is, this is just going to be great. I mean, we’re excited to death,“ says Monty Parks, owner the Csidesurf Cafe.

He hopes business will pick up as production kicks off. “We’re ready for them, and you know with the economy being what it is, this could be the real boost that we need,“ he says.

Some neighbors came with concerns about parking and potential headaches for residents, but many were satisfied with what they heard.  Others are taking a wait-and-see attitude.

“I was very very happy with the turnout and with their approach, and we’ll just wait and see if it all works out. I hope it works out,“ says Gloria Bennett.

Officials say a few locations in Savannah will also be used.

Some of Tybee Island’s most recognizable landmarks could be used in the film, so much so that executives say author Nicholas Sparks is allowing Tybee Island and Savannah to be used as the setting for the story, instead of the original Wilmington, North Carolina.

The movie’s special effects supervisor was also on hand to explain a scene featuring the burning of a church.

“They were building a church next to my house, and they said they were going to be burn it down. I wanted to make sure they’re not going to burn my house down,“ says Gloria Magune.

Many left the meeting encouraged about “The Last Song” and the current and future benefits of the filming.

“We have a motel on the island, The Royal Palms, and I think we’ll get a lot of business from it,“ says Magune.

“If you’d like a latte or a cappuccino, we’re there for you. I understand they drink those,“ laughs Parks.

Production executives have asked News 3 not to reveal the exact details of when and where they’ll be shooting this movie because of security concerns, but we will continue to keep you updated as filming goes on.

Filming starts on Monday, June 15 and ends August 18.

The following information was posted on June 3, 2009, by the City of Savannah Film Office.
“The Last Song” Looking for Specific Roles
Casting Update

The Last Song extras casting director is currently looking to cast specific roles for “The Last Song”. 

This includes Men and Women aged 18 to 90.  Casting needs are as follows:

Experienced volleyball players and coaches
Experienced stand ins (those who have stood in for actors in other projects)
Experienced medical types (doctors, nurses, etc.)

Those interested and that meet the above criteria should e-mail a recent photo and contact information to for consideration.