Tom McCarthy Filming “The Statement” in St. Petersburg, Florida | St. Pete Beach Movie Set

St. Pete Beach, Florida is set to become a Hollywood hotspot next week as filming begins on “The Statement,” a dark comedy/drama starring Paul Rudd, Paul Giamatti, and a host of other prominent actors. Production is scheduled to take place at the iconic Don CeSar hotel, with local residents already participating in preparations as extras.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, Oscar-winning director Tom McCarthy is leading the production. The film also features Evan Peters, Amy Ryan, John Turturro, Tatiana Maslany, and Jason Clarke. Preparations were already underway on Thursday, with costume fittings taking place for local extras.

The movie is based on Nathaniel Rich’s book, Losing Earth, and tells the story of a 1980 conference held at the Don CeSar where 20 scientists gathered to discuss the emerging threat of global emissions and climate change. Producer Jonathan Schwartz explained that filming at the actual location was a deliberate choice to ensure “authenticity.”

Schwartz stated, “If you can come to a place where the real thing happened, and the location and the Film Commission are accepting, and helping you realize the vision, then you would be foolish not to take up on it.” He also noted that while exterior scenes will be shot at the Don CeSar Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, most interior scenes have already been filmed on a soundstage in New Orleans.

The decision to film interiors elsewhere was due to renovations at the Don CeSar following damage sustained during the 2024 hurricane season. The hotel required repairs after significant sand accumulation impacted its ground floor amenities, according to reporting from Fox 13 News.

Local Involvement and Historical Significance

Approximately 175 local residents were fitted for 1980s-era costumes on Thursday to serve as background extras in the film. The production has been working closely with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater and the Pinellas County Film Commission to bring “The Statement” to the area. The Don CeSar has a history of Hollywood presence, previously serving as a filming location for Robert Altman’s 1980 dramedy, H.E.A.L.T.H.

The 1980 conference depicted in the film was a pivotal moment in the early discussions surrounding climate change. The goal of the attendees was to formulate a unified statement on the issue, the outcome of which remains central to the film’s narrative, as explained by Schwartz.

The production highlights the importance of preserving historical locations for filmmaking, emphasizing the value of shooting in the place where events actually unfolded. This approach aims to enhance the film’s realism and connection to its source material.