Rockaways rocked by NBC TV pilot filming

Recently, Rockaway residents have seen explosions, helicopters flying overhead . . . and stars.
That is because NBC has been shooting scenes for its pilot TV program “Kings.”
With a story-line about a modern-day monarchy, “Kings” centers on the running of the government of a fictitious city. With its plot involving an on-going war, many scenes were filmed at The Dunes, a neighborhood at Arverne by the Sea.
“When we start [filming],” explained Danny Coss, a location assistant for NBC, “We find locations - that’s the easy part. The hard part is making it work, figuring out the logistics of it.”
“In this case,” he continued, “We had pyrotechnics and a helicopter.”
The Dunes’ ocean view fit the bill for the filming requirements.
“It’s a big, open space,” said Coss, who lived in Jackson Heights for over 20 years. “When you look toward the sea, you see an unbroken horizon.”
This, he explained, makes the computer animation process easier, and it’s “big enough for a war.”
Not to mention 200 people on location for the filming, as well as the equipment and unarmed tanks on site.
“People have been trying to get on top [of the tanks] to take pictures,” said Coss, explaining that the studio has armed, 24-hour security.
Additionally, Arverne has security patrols.
Directed by Francis Lawrence, who also directed the movie “I Am Legend,” the pilot stars actor Ian McShane - of “Deadwood” fame - as King Silas. Shooting is taking place at The Dunes over five days during the month of May.
Previous filming locations also included a home in Bellerose and the Queens County Farm Museum.
“We are trying to stay in the five boroughs of New York City,” said Coss. Both the governor and mayor have provided tax incentives.”
“It’s been a wonderful experience,” Coss continued. “The Rockaways are great, and The Dunes will be a fantastic project when completed. Arverne is a boost to the waterfront, with beautiful homes. The whole community will be wonderful.”
Arverne by the Sea, set on 127 acres, is a 2,300-home planned community by developer Benjamin Beechwood LLC.
The Dunes is the newest neighborhood. Currently in pre-construction, when complete, it will consist of 270 two-family homes with an income-producing rental unit.
Limited opportunities are being offered for Arverne by the Sea customers to view the shooting and have a chance to meet the director. For more information, call 718-474-5400.
“Kings” will probably air in the fall on NBC Channel 4.