SPOKANE- Uncle Rusty’s Diner was transformed into “Ernie’s Diner” for the horror film “213 Bones” which was filmed Monday and Tuesday.
“213 Bones” is a murder-mystery, horror movie set in Washington.
Uncle Rusty’s Diner, Eastern Washington University and homes in the South Hill neighborhood of Spokane and Cheney were used as filming locations.
Brian Northcraft, one of the owners of the diner told NonStop Local one of the producers stopped by the restaurant in September and thought Uncle Rusty’s would be the perfect setting for the film.
“Originally, we were going to film this in the Seattle area. But we found that…just the locations and the Pacific Northwest look that we were going for spoke to us in Spokane,” John Michaels, “213 Bones” producer, said.
Kate Hudson, the public relations director for Visit Spokane told NonStop Local that in the last five years, Spokane has become a growing hub for film and television productions.
“Spokane has such a diverse landscape geographically. You can be on Mt. Spokane filming in what appears to be in the middle of nowhere. We have gritty, urban settings, we have the Palouse with rolling wheat fields, your options are huge. We have direct flights from L.A. to Spokane. It’s such an easy city to get around in to tell your story,” Hudson said.
In 2006, the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program was created by the State Legislature in order to draw filmmakers to Washington.
It’s managed by Washington Filmworks, an organization designed to enhance and increase the competitiveness of the film industry in the state.
In 2017, it was renewed for another decade.
The state also offers some financial incentives for production companies to film.
For movies, the state requires $500,000 of in-state spending to qualify. For television shows, $300,000 of spending per episode and for commercials, the requirement is $150,000 of in-state spending.
“What Washington Filmworks is doing an what we as filmmakers and financiers do is we have to find the right marriage of…who do you want to be partners with. So, with Washington Filmworks, we get what they’re trying to do: stimulate filmmakers in this community and this area,” Michaels said.
Producers hope the film will be released around Halloween in 2024.
Meanwhile, Northcraft hopes the movie will bring even more business to his restaurant.
“As the fans see the movie, they’ll want to come here, especially if it has the great success we’re hoping the movie will have… it will kind of make this [Uncle Rusty’s Diner] a destination that people will want to come to,” Northcraft said.
Uncle Rusty’s closed at noon Monday and Tuesday for the film crew to work. They will resume normal business operations Wednesday.
