Crowe Enjoys Filming Latest Pittsburgh Production

For the past five months Pittsburgh has been home to some of Hollywood's leading actors.

Oscar winner, Russell Crowe, leads the cast, and has been among the first of the ensemble to arrive in the city.

Along with the Hollywood heavyweight new and upcoming "House" star Olivia Wilde, "Scrubs" Elizabeth Banks, and "Star Wars" star Liam Neeson, who makes a special cameo, all have been spotted on the streets of downtown Pittsburgh.

Director and Screenwriter, Paul Haggis, leads the all-star cast in this American remake of the 2008 French thriller "Pour Elle."

"The Next Three Days," tells the tale of a man's struggle to obtain his wife's freedom after she is falsely convicted of a gruesome murder, and all that he must endure and the characters he meets.

While some may question as to why such a big motion picture would be shot solely in Pittsburgh, it was Haggis who actually envisioned the entire movie here.

"I came to Pittsburgh while writing the screenplay, so I got to do some research and use actual the locations," says Haggis.

Scenery Key Greensman, Greg Jones, talks about how Haggis's visions brought him to the set, and how he can plays the part of a magician.

"This movie has many different seasonal changes. It begins in early May and ends in early November. One morning we may be shooting and there are green leaves. The next day we may need to change the leaves to fall colors. Everyday I get to change something we have used into something completely different. It's just the nature of my work," says Jones.

One key spot that the story takes place is in a prison. Luckily Pittsburgh holds one of the biggest prisons around. Allegheny County Jail major, James Donis, was very excited and looked forward to the upcoming film being shot in the jail.

"It's a pretty interesting and long process. It has taken several months of preparation, and now we are filming in the jail. It's a great thing. It's interesting working with the actors, and seeing everything behind the scenes. What's great about have this type of activity here in Allegheny County is the amount of jobs and the money that is being pumped back into the region. Anything that helps like this is always a plus," says Donis.

Not only does the movie industry offer professionals a chance to offer their specialties, but it offers everyday people a chance at being involved in a great production.

John Sedynich, production supervisor, is the man in charge of all the people when the camera roles.

"We have somewhere between one hundred twenty to one hundred and fifty people on the set, including background extras. I believe this is one of the largest film productions that has been shot here in Allegheny County, and it definitely has more extras then previous productions," Sedynich says.

When asked about Pittsburgh everyone responded with genuine satisfaction and happiness with the city.

Russell Crowe himself was said to have thoroughly enjoyed the city. He could be seen daily riding his bike through the streets, admiring the unique architecture that is offered through the city.

"I have ridden something like five hundred thirty miles on my bicycle. I know the North, South, East, and West. I think it's one of the most friendliest cities I have ever spent time in, in America. I have really enjoyed that, and I have enjoyed being here," Crowe states in a special interview shot by KDKA.

The filming production wrapped on December 12, and once again the city is back to its normal state. Even though there may not be movie cameras or Hollywood stars in the city, everyone will be reminded of the production when they see their city in the background of one of the most anticipated movies to be released in 2011.