WCPO 9 On Your Side 'joins' new Emilio Estevez movie

CINCINNATI -- WCPO 9 On Your Side is going Hollywood.

The news station has agreed to let its satellite truck and another vehicle be used in "The Public," a movie Emilio Estevez is currently shooting in Cincinnati.

“In recent years Cincinnati has been a destination for Hollywood,” said Jeff Brogan, vice president and general manager of WCPO 9 On Your Side. “One of the reasons our region keeps landing these movies is because the area has been so welcoming to filmmakers. We’re happy to be a part of that and promote Cincinnati.”

"The Public" centers around a standoff with police and library officials at the Downtown branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County after patrons, many homeless and mentally ill, turn the library into an impromptu shelter for one night during a brutal cold snap.

Film Cincinnati first announced details of the film in December. Estevez, who wrote the screenplay, is directing and starring in the movie, which also will feature Alec Baldwin, Taylor Schilling, Jena Malone, Gabrielle Union and Che "Rhymefest" Smith.

Last week Smith revealed in an Instagram post that actors Jeffrey Wright, Christian Slater and Michael Kenneth Williams were starring in "The Public," too.

RELATED: 'Westworld,' 'The Wire' actors join Emilio Estevez movie filming in Cincinnati

After filming started last week, Smith shared photos with Williams, Wright and Estevez from inside of the library.

 

Thank you Cincinnati for being so kind & exposing us to your Arts, Culture and delicious foods. Check out Emillio Estevez, Micheal Kenneth Williams and I going over the script and slip in a little talk about Social Justice solutions. #thepublic #biggeorge

A photo posted by Rhymefest (@rhymefest) on

Jan 27, 2017 at 3:55pm PST

 

Hanging out with my Co-star Jeffery Wright. They all convinced me to record the movie's theme song here in the Library Studio #thepublic #biggeorge

A photo posted by Rhymefest (@rhymefest) on

Jan 26, 2017 at 4:06pm PST

 

Straight from the set, the Cincinnati Public Library where our film takes place is one of the Largest Libraries in the Country. I'm learning so much about the roles these institutions play in our communities, they're basically free universities that you can utilize to become a specialist in almost anything. The Library's history in America is complex & Continues to evolve. Check out some pics from the set. #thepublic #biggeorge

A photo posted by Rhymefest (@rhymefest) on

Jan 26, 2017 at 1:02pm PST

Cincinnati Museum Center staff also shared a photo with Estevez at the library. The caption suggests the museum's polar bear, which is temporarily calling the library home during the renovation of Union Terminal, might make a cameo in the movie.

Thanks to #EmilioEstevez for making our polar bear (and exhibits staff) a star! #CMCatPLCHC #CurateMyCommunity pic.twitter.com/eXjTLRuYDi

— CincyMuseum (@CincyMuseum) January 25, 2017

Outside of work, Smith also has posted pictures of himself smoking a cigar outside of the Beer Sellar in Newport, touring Music Hall and standing inside the bandstand at Washington Park.

 

Already made new friends & found the Cigar Lounge thanks @beijingsingh for getting me familiar and being my Cincinnati family

A photo posted by Rhymefest (@rhymefest) on

Jan 31, 2017 at 3:19pm PST

 

Touring Cincinnati today checking out the Music Hall, the parks and community development taking place. Artists like Hi-tek come from a beautiful place called Cincy! @beijingsingh

A video posted by Rhymefest (@rhymefest) on

Jan 30, 2017 at 2:04pm PST

 

Somebody told me I have a powerful voice and should speak on more issues. I responded, that he only thought my voice was powerful because I reserve my comments more often. It's time for more action less talk. Don't trust someone who's "All Rhetoric" with no works #moreactionlesstalk

A photo posted by Rhymefest (@rhymefest) on

Feb 2, 2017 at 9:10am PST

Other people have spotted the movie's crew as well.

Arnold's Bar & Grill shared a picture of bar manager Mario Valentino with Wright after the actor visited the establishment at 210 E. 8th St.

HighStreet Design Studio employees spied the crew filming Sunday near the store on Reading Road.

Alec Baldwin is shooting his new movie in the neighborhood behind HighStreet. pic.twitter.com/kq7i6IX3mk

— HighStreetCincinnati (@HighStreetCinci) January 29, 2017