Filming hidden by black sheets; Aniston dines at Pine Tavern

By Nina Mehlhaf, KTVZ.COM

Tuesday was only the second day of shooting for the Hollywood movie "Management" in Madras, and already paparazzi have descended upon Central Oregon.

Photographers from tabloid magazines like the National Enquirer are all hoping to get a shot of stars Jennifer Aniston and Steve Zahn.

But it's the Madras business owners around the set location who are getting all the sightings.

Lights, cameras - but very little action that we could see on the set of the romantic comedy "Management."

Set at Sonny's Motel on Highway 97, crews shielded the actors from the prying eyes of several paparazzi cameras with large black sheets.

Madras is all abuzz over stars Aniston and Zahn, rumored now to be staying in Bend, even dining out Monday night at the Pine Tavern Restaurant.

"This is way exciting," said Peggy Laurine of the Madras Apple Peddler restaurant, next door to the filming location. "It's good for business. It helps promote our community and yes, we're all just waiting to see her."

Aniston plays a traveling hotel art salesperson. And the set, Sonny's Motel, is supposed to double as Kingman, Arizona. That's why the motel sign was changed out to read the Kingman Motor Inn.

And it may be the site for several love scenes, as the two characters have a quick fling which Zahn's love-sick motel manager character can't get over.

Crew members have been taking advantage of their surroundings, particularly Pelicans Shoes just next door, where several have bought warm boots for the Central Oregon cold.

Maria Gutowski of Pelicans Shoes confessed, "I haven't gotten a whole lot of work done. We've been up here gawking, looking through the window - it's exciting!"

Gutowski was disappointed to hear plans were scrapped to turn her store into a yoga parlor for a scene with Aniston.

But while our cameras were inside, a leather belt worn by the star in the movie was brought in to be cut shorter.

"I'm sure she doesn't want everyone to recognize her," Gutowski said. "She walks around with a hat, glasses and a nice, thick coat."

The film is set to premiere next September and has other shooting locations in L.A. and Portland. Woody Harrelson also co-stars.