Paramount Pictures Eyeing Lakewood Neighborhood for Upcoming Movie

The lights of Hollywood could soon be shining on Lakewood.

Representatives from Paramount Pictures have been scouting neighborhoods in Lakewood — specifically Arthur Avenue near the — to shoot its new film “Fun Size.”

The film — an adventure comedy about Halloween — is set to begin production in June.

However, nothing is final.

According to a letter from Paramount Pictures — posted on the doors of Arthur Avenue homes — the company is working with the Greater Cleveland Film Commission to select a neighborhood for shooting.

The company is also reportedly looking at neighborhoods in Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights and Euclid.

City officials have met with representatives from Paramount Pictures to discuss details, but nothing has been set in stone.

“We expect to have future meetings with Paramount and we’re looking forward to talking with them in greater detail should this become a reality in the near future,” said Dru Siley, the city’s assistant director of planning and development.

“It’s a nice affirmation for the community of those qualities that the residents of Lakewood already know about. We have great homes, great streets and a rich visual environment and all the right elements that make it attractive for movies.”

Siley talked about the economic impact that a movie shot in Lakewood could mean for the city.

The immediate impact could mean a film crew of about 100 people shopping and spending money in the city. In the long-term, he said, it would help raise the profile of Lakewood. 

“Those are important boosts to a community’s economics,” he said. “Lakewood could be the Vancouver of Ohio.

“Even that they’re looking here is good for the city.”

Patty Ryan, the president of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, is a resident on Arthur Avenue. She said scouts spent an afternoon recently taking photos of some of the homes — including hers — on her street to get an idea of the neighborhood.

“They said ‘this is what we’re looking for,’” Ryan said. “We’re really excited about it. The other thing the fact that we would like to be considered for location shoots in the future.”

“As more films more comes to town, we want them to be more aware of our city. It’s a fun and eclectic city — we all know that.”