Oaklanders, keep your eyes peeled for movie stars in your backyard! Freaky Tales — a new film based on the song of the same name from legendary Bay Area rapper Too $hort — is currently filming across various local spots in the city.
Deadline reports that the film is set in 1987 and is heavily informed by Too $hort’s experiences growing up in the Bay (the rapper also serves as an executive producer). Though the plot of the film is still under wraps, it’s said to follow four interconnected stories, incorporating real-life Oakland locations and significant historical events.
Too $hort isn’t the only heavy hitter on the film’s creative team — Pedro Pascal of The Mandalorian fame is set to lead the film, alongside fellow Star Wars alum Ben Mendelsohn and Top Gun: Maverick standout Jay Ellis. Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden (the directors of Captain Marvel) are helming the movie, while Grammy winner Raphael Saadiq will oversee the film’s music.
Too $hort and Pedro Pascal
Filming began on November 14. According to SFGATE, the production has thus far been centered in the downtown area near Telegraph Avenue and 18th Street, and will set up shop in more Oakland locations in the coming months.
Local residents and officials have expressed excitement about the production’s presence in the city, both about the jobs it will create for Oaklanders and the film’s focus on the unique character of the city. ABC7 reports that the film’s extras are largely Oakland natives and that local labor unions supply much of the film’s crew, lending extra authenticity and community support to the production.
“Oakland's vibrancy with these national large scale projects is very exciting,” said The Oakland Film Office’s James MacIlvaine in an interview with SFGATE. “And very good for the local workers that are grips, electricians, sound camera operators, location team, and everything else that goes with a film shoot."
So, while many Too $hort fans will have to wait with bated breath for the movie’s eventual release, it looks like Bay Area residents can probably score a behind-the-scenes sneak peek. Oaklanders, Blow the Whistle and let us know the next time you catch the film’s crew in action!
By Grace Orriss
