05:27 PM PDT on Tuesday, June 15, 2004

Associated Press

ASTORIA, Ore. -- Filming is underway in Astoria of "The Ring II," the sequel to the scary movie "The Ring."

Australian actress Naomi Watts starred in "The Ring." (AP Photo)

"It's a positive experience for everyone," said executive producer Neil Machlis, who has worked on such films as "Birdcage," "Garfield," "Grease" and "Primary Colors." "It's not often that a Hollywood film comes to Astoria."

A chaotic mix of more than 230 local extras was being used last week to make a carnival scene appear lively.

Additional extras will be used to fill up the streets when "The Ring II" moves to downtown Astoria.

Brenden Ainslie, a 6-year-old extra, has already planned on fame from his cameo appearance, quite certain the movie will travel all around the world.

"We're making a tape today and we're supposed to run straight to the stuff and run to three different places and not do what you're supposed to do," he said.

While Brenden's job is to run off, other movie extras get their faces painted and bob for apples.

La Mar Blackner, a local actor, is in the carnival scene. He said he came for "fame, fortune and little bling bling."

"They film so many movies here I thought it would be good to see what it's all about," he said. "It takes a tremendous amount of time."