FOLLOWUP: Film crew at Don Armeni Boat Ramp on busy fishing day – and with drones at night

3:26 PM: As discussed here Wednesday, some were concerned about a commercial film crew using part of the lot at Don Armeni Boat Ramp today when boaters were allowed to head out for chinook salmon. So WSB’s Anne Higuera went there this afternoon to see how things were going.

She noted at least a dozen vehicles associated with the production, which she was told is for a Ford commercial. One person returning from fishing told her he had been able to get in and out without a problem, although, in a side note, he said the biggest hassle of the day had been dealing with a new app for procuring permits. Meantime, a (corrected) Parks employee on duty told Anne that things had been moving quickly as most people were hitting their limit soon after going out, so they returned to shore before long. All the while, the production crew continued its work on the south side of the lot, with lots of gear including a wardrobe rack.

Their permit is for work that could run as late as 1 am tonight.

(Added: Photo by Doug Eglington)

7:23 PM: Doug Eglington, who sent the photo above, just sent this one showing drones awaiting their role in the shoot:

ADDED 11:50 PM: Doug sent later photos of the drones, illuminated:

7 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: Film crew at Don Armeni Boat Ramp on busy fishing day - and with drones at night"

  • Fishermen July 17, 2025 (4:36 pm)

    Does the production company pay a fee to close down 3/4 of the boat trailer parking? I hope the city is making good money for this location. It seems to be happening every summer lately during fishing season. 

    • WSB July 17, 2025 (5:12 pm)

      Yes, permits cost a chunk of change, for everyone from film crews in parks to parades and festivals in city streets.

  • Fisherman July 17, 2025 (7:35 pm)

    Thank you. That’s good to know. 

  • Rocky Bullwinkle July 17, 2025 (7:44 pm)

    I’m sure (hope) the city tries not to overcharge film and commercials shoots because production companies bring money into the city like employing local crew and renting equipment.

  • Kathy July 18, 2025 (12:16 am)

    Dear Ford Commercial makers: please include a dog in your commercial. My daughter and I have seen a lot of car commercials lately on Amazon Prime Video. Some with a dog in them, and some without. We swore we would never buy a car based on a commercial that had no cute dog in it.

    • k July 18, 2025 (12:06 pm)

      I want a car maker to go after cat people the way Subaru has marketed to dog owners.  Just one Toyota commercial with the couple driving away happily as the cat clings to the headliner of their Camry…

  • PNW Raven July 18, 2025 (10:37 am)

    Washington has had many films, TV shows, and commercials filmed here. The state’s cities and counties are well aware of the revenue earned from rental equipment, hotels/motels, restaurants, using other local services and vendors, hiring extras, etc. That’s generates far more tax in revenue than the cost of a permit.

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