Netflix film to bring stars to Island

What do Whoopi Goldberg, Vivica A. Fox, Vanessa Williams and Jenifer Lewis have in common?

They will all be on Shelter Island filming scenes for a Netflix comedy, “Women Like Us,” between Sept. 1 and Oct. 1. 

Michelle Obama is executive producer of the film that tells the story of a recently widowed woman whose sister and lifelong friends bring her to the Hamptons on her 30th wedding anniversary. (Sorry, Islanders, but those out-of-town movie-makers think Shelter Island is part of the Hamptons). According to the production team the film is “an emotional journey of healing and sisterhood.”

Production spokesman Brian Ferguson told the Town Board at the Aug. 18 work session that current plans call for shooting at Crescent Beach, the Pridwin, Sunset Beach Hotel and, possibly, South Ferry. 

A drone is expected to be used for shots of the women arriving and leaving the Island. Mr. Ferguson said the filming won’t require any road closings, but there could be times when moving people and equipment could result in a slow-down of traffic through the area. The film crew will be expected to provide their own security, including a boat offshore to respond should there be any water accidents. Nonetheless, Police Chief Jim Read said he would have a marine boat in the area in case it’s needed. He also expects to have an officer on site for coordination with the film crew.

It’s expected that vehicles connected with the shoot will be parked at the Sunset Beach Hotel lot, possibly the Perlman Music Center, and occasionally at spaces overlooking Crescent Beach.

The Chief suggested the Town set a $10,000 fee with an understanding that any money not directly related to the film would be returned.

“In general, I think it’s a nice thing for the community,” Chief Read said.