Steven Spielberg’s Cold War Movie, ‘St. James Place,’ Starring Tom Hanks & Amy Ryan, Set To Film In Ditmas Park

Steven Spielberg’s new Cold War-era film, “St. James Place,” starring Tom Hanks and Amy Ryan and written in part by the Coen Brothers, has been filming all around our borough recently, transforming DUMBO and South Slope into Old New York – and now the movie is coming to Ditmas Park.

The movie is based on the true story of James Donovan, an attorney who negotiated with the Russian government for the release of a captured spy pilot, Francis Gary Powers. During the Cold War, Donovan also negotiated with Fidel Castro for the release of prisoners captured in the Bay of Pigs invasion.

“St. James Place” is going to be filming from about 6am to 10pm on on Wednesday, October 1; Thursday, October 2; Monday, October 6; Tuesday, October 7; Wednesday, October, 8; and Thursday, October 9. With so many dates for filming, we can’t help but think that we’ll definitely be spotting Tom Hanks around our neighborhood.

You’ll need to move your cars for the filming – signs posted around the neighborhood said tow trucks will arrive at 10pm on Tuesday, September 30.

You won’t be able to park on the following streets:

• Both sides of Ditmas Avenue between Marlborough Road and East 19th
• Both sides of East 17th between Ditmas Avenue and Dorchester Road
• Both sides of Ocean Avenue between Ditmas Avenue and Newkirk Avenue

According to the posted signs, if you have special needs, such as deliveries, moving, traveling, or construction, you can contact the Locations Department at (917) 671-4276.

“As guests in your neighborhood, we will make every effort to be respectful of the daily routine of the community,” the signs say.

If your car is moved for the filming, call Chris at (646) 761-4400.

And, if you snap any photos from the set, you can email us at editor@ditmasparkcorner.com and we’ll post them to the blog!