The makers of the new action flick "47 Ronin" didn't want to film their movie in Oregon. But that doesn't mean the state won't have a starring role. Oregon has a connection to a big-budget movie that hits theaters this week.
“47 Ronin” is a big, loud action movie starring Keanu Reeves. The actor may be the box-office draw. The trees and shrubs on set probably aren't. But the greenery is the star of the show to some Oregon nursery owners.
Producers spent thousands on Oregon-grown maples, pines, ferns and other plants in an attempt to recreate the look of 18th-century Japan. Theresa Yoshioka with the Oregon Department of Agriculture says nursery owners are hoping for some repeat business from movie-makers.
“I think it's a great statement that Hollywood is looking to Oregon for some of these plants,” Yoshioka said.
Yoshioka says even in the age of computer-generated effects, you just can't beat an honest-to-goodness living plant for authenticity.
