The company, called Bollywood Hollywood Production (BHP), has been filming scenes since July 17 and will end Aug. 12.

The production is expected to have a direct economic impact of $470,000, according to the county's Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).

The cast and crew are staying at the Days Inn in Southern Pines during local filming, resulting in more than 1,500 room nights, according to the CVB.

"The U.S. Kids Golf (Champion-ship) and this thing have made our summer," said Beverly Stewart, director of sales for the CVB. "These people are great to work with."

The movie is called "Don't Worry Be Happy" and will star both American and Indian stars. It's being shot primarily at the North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham and the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Stewart has helped the production by scouting local areas for filming.

"Meeting the requirements and expectations of film scriptwriters and producers has been especially challenging because they have a very definite picture in their mind," Stewart said. "But it's been fun, too, and we're delighted to have them filming in our area."

BHP has completed more than 10 feature films and television commercial projects. BHP's pictures include a broad range of genres and styles including coming-of-age, comedies, action-comedies, dramas, "art-house", thriller and critically-acclaimed festival films.

At least two other production companies are thinking about doing some filming in Moore County during the end of this year and into 2007.

Stewart scouted locations for one of them with a writer, producer and director last week.

That movie is an independent American film that takes place in the 1970s. If the producers choose to film here, it will occur in October, Stewart said.

Matthew Moriarty may be reached at 693-2479 or by e-mail at moriarty@thepilot.com.