Downtown Lawrence Transforms Into Set For New Ben Affleck Movie

LAWRENCE (CBS) -- Ben Affleck is bringing Hollywood to Lawrence.

The film director and actor will shoot parts of his next flick, "Live by Night" in different parts of downtown Lawrence. The city was chosen as the backdrop for the 1920's prohibition-era crime film because of its true-to-era architecture.

"We know our historic downtown is a treasure, and it is nice to have Hollywood validate that," Mayor Dan Rivera said.

The film, based on the book by Dennis Lehane, will star Affleck, Sienna Miller and Zoe Saldana.

Filming will take place for two weeks beginning Thursday.

"When Hollywood comes to Lawrence, you know we have some good stuff going on and having Batman walking around isn't too bad either," Mayor Rivera says.

All costs for the filming will be covered by the production company, city officials said. The city will also receive $100,000 for the project.

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