A frenzy of filming in Philly

Pinkenson counts about 400 film-industry workers in her production guide, plus a contingent of about four times that many working part time.

About half of the Marley crew is from the Philadelphia area. During a break, makeup artist Diane Heller and hairstylist Diane Dixon, veterans whose credits include Shyamalan's films, said they thought the tax incentives were responsible for their new work. Heller also thought that the Philadelphia area - "rural, cosmopolitan, a little bit of everything" - made it desirable as a location.

Marley, whose production budget has not been disclosed, began shooting March 10 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where Grogan and his wife, Jenny, lived when they acquired Marley. About two dozen dogs are being used in the movie, said Frankel, who has five of his own.

The production will set up next at a farmhouse in Birmingham Township, Chester County. Then they're off to Ireland for vacation scenes with Wilson and his costar, Jennifer Aniston. The movie's scheduled release is Christmas Day.

During filming yesterday, reporters and editors viewed the goings-on - which more than doubled the newsroom population - mostly with amusement. Wilson, as Grogan, and an editor played by Clarke Peters (The Wire) walked through the newsroom and met in the editor's office, which is the real-life office of Inquirer editor Bill Marimow.

Business writer Jane M. Von Bergen went about her day's work with a union extra at her side. When the extra seemed bored, Von Bergen asked her to open some mail. The extra, Von Bergen said, managed to get through the mail that filled two large plastic tubs.

For video of Owen Wilson and the making of Marley & Me, go to