Confirmation is coming in on what we first reported last week – That Kevin Smith could be shooting Mallrats 2 at the Granite Run Mall in the Philadelphia suburb of Media this summer.
Philly.com followed up on our previous story that it looked as if the indie filmmaker was going to shoot his planned comedy at the location before it falls under the wrecking ball later this year. Reaching out to Granite Run Mall co-owner BET Investments, the same people who did not return calls we placed last week, Philly.com was told by company President Michael Markman –
We have been talking with [Smith’s people]… They are definitely interested in filming at the mall.
Previously, Smith had plans to film another comedy sequel, Clerks 3, this summer, but moved its production dates to make room for Mallrats 2 when he learned that a location “we all dig” was “go[ing] away.” Smith had already secured some PA state tax credits in the amount of $2.1 million to shoot Clerks 3 in the Philadelphia area.
The key factor to Smith shooting at Granite Run Mall boils down to one of time. BET Investments is looking to get their scheduled demolition of a portion of the Mall underway this coming fall. As Markham told Philly.com –
The issue is if they’re going to be ready to do filming… Going forward, we will need to work out a deal. If they can complete plans prior to demolition, we would love to work with them.
One of the final steps to be taken in order to clear the way for BET Investments to start demolition is to get a zoning ordinance amendment approved by Middletown Township Council. That vote is scheduled for next month.
