Filming in D.C.: Natalie Portman in Town as ‘Jackie’

In case you missed Kevin Spacey at the National Portrait Gallery for his “House of Cards” portrait unveiling, or Ashley Judd at Gaston Hall or Halcyon House, or Leo DiCaprio at Cafe Milano or 1789 Restaurant, there was also a chance to catch a glimpse of actress Natalie Portman, filming in town for next year’s movie, “Jackie,” a couple of weekends ago. On March 6, Portman was in Silver Spring to introduce her film, “A Tale of Love and Darkness,” at the closing night of the 26th Annual Washington Jewish Film Festival.

Sure, many actors have traveled to Washington, D.C. — not only to testify before the Senate or House on Capitol Hill or to put their influence behind a good cause — but also for doing their daytime job: working on a movie.

The production crew of “Jackie,” which stars Natalie Portman as first lady Jacqueline Kennedy, filmed on 14th, 15th and 17th streets NW near the White House. The movie’s story focuses on the days immediately after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It’s scheduled for a 2017 release, with Pablo Larrain directing (“No” and “The Club”) and Darren Aronofsky producing (“Black Swan,” “Noah” and “Pi”).

The 34-year-old actress, who earned an Academy Award for “Black Swan,” is the same age as the first lady was when JFK was killed in Dallas in November 1963. Last week, she was in Easton, Maryland, for the filming of scenes of the Kennedys’ Dallas airport arrival.

The film work for the story of the national tragedy was good news for D.C. film advocates like D.C. Council member Vincent Orange, who responded to an email inquiry: “I’m elated that the movie ‘Jackie’ is being filmed in D.C. This follows the filming of ‘Veep’ and ‘Bourne Identity 5’ in the nation’s capital. Moreover, D.C. residents and students from Richard Wright Public Charter School are participating in these productions. These productions utilize D.C.’s Film Incentive Rebate Program, which requires a minimum expenditure in the D.C. economy of $250,000. Our newly created Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment, under the leadership of Angie Gates, is doing a great job. It is our hope that Mayor Bowser will increase the Film Incentive Rebate Fund in order to secure jobs, business opportunities and movie production expenditures in D.C.”