Parts of the Bay area are transforming from a vacation destination to a big screen set.
- 'Bernie the Dolphin' makes a splash in Pinellas County
- Film about two siblings and their adventures with dolphins
- Film to pump about $2M in local economy
Filming for 'Bernie the Dolphin' started last week in Palm Harbor. The family-friendly feature film has some big-name cast members including Patrick Muldoon from 'Melrose Place.'
It's the story of two young siblings and their adventures with a pod of local dolphins.
"We're trying to bring a little bit of LA down to Florida and make some good films," said producer and co-writer Marty Poole.
The cast includes some local talent as well and close to 50 residents were hired as crew members. The Film Commission for St. Petersburg and Clearwater estimates it will pump about $2 million in the local economy.
While the Bay Area has been the set for a number of independent movies, 'Bernie the Dolphin' is one of the bigger ones and will be distributed worldwide.
It's been a quick process so far. The film has gone from the concept phase to filming in just about seven months.
"The goal is to make a lot more of these, so if we can make a good solid film coming out of the gate with 'Bernie the Dolphin,' the goal is to bring more movies down here to your area," Poole said.