Nov 7, 2014 2 min read

Washington County Courthouse is quickly becoming a desired location for film crews.

On Friday, crews spent hours preparing the second floor of the courthouse for a scene in the upcoming, untitled Will Smith movie.

The movie examines how “American football players suffer from major head injuries and lifelong debilitating problems as a result of repeated concussions and efforts of the National Football League to deny it,” according to the Internet Movie Database.

Barry Stephens, a location assistant with the film, said filming will last throughout today. The deconstruction of the set will occur Sunday.

Stephens said there is only one courthouse scene in the film. He said the scene is small, but noticeable.

Washington County President Judge Debbie O’Dell Seneca said she was contacted earlier in the week for permission to use the courthouse. She said shooting will occur in her courtroom and possibly in the hallways.

“They had the windows washed and changed the light bulbs in my courtroom and in the hallway to provide dimmer lighting,” she said. “We’re happy to highlight the Washington County Courthouse.”

Stephens said the scene was originally going to be shot in Pittsburgh at the Allegheny County Courthouse, but the director, Peter Landesman, liked the Washington site better.

Stephens was unsure Friday if there would be an Washington County extras featured in the film.

The movie does not have a release date yet, and also features actor Alec Baldwin and actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Smith plays Dr. Bennet Omalu, who was attacked by the NFL for researching brain injuries. Omalu, a forensic pathologist and neuropathologist, discovered chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which is caused by repeated blows to the head. He discovered CTE when he performed an autopsy on former Pittsburgh Steeler Mike Webster.

In July, film crews descended upon the courthouse for the boxing movie “Southpaw,” which features actor Jake Gyllenhaal. O’Dell Seneca’s courtroom was also used in that film. A release date has not been set for the film.

Mary Helicke, chief clerk for Washington County, said security and building maintenance will be provided to ensure filming goes smoothly. The production company was charged a $1,000 location fee, which will go toward future renovation projects, Helicke said.

Cherry Alley will remained closed until Sunday when crews leave the area.