Movie crews to close streets around Pike Place Market today

Here's the scene: A taxi is stuck in traffic. The frustrated passenger jumps out and starts walking to his hotel, only to have a sudden rainstorm force him back to the cab. Through it all, the Pike Place Market sign glows in the background.

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Where but Seattle?

Crews are shooting various Seattle scenes this week for "Traveling," a movie starring Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart.

From about 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Wednesday, filming will be done around the Market and Post Street Alley. Pine, Stewart and Virginia streets between First and Western avenues will be closed most of the day.

Cranes are in place to help create the Seattle rain effect in case the real stuff doesn't materialize. A traffic jam also will be manufactured.

Most of the movie, which takes place in Seattle, was filmed in Vancouver, B.C., but key Seattle backdrops are being filmed around the Puget Sound region this week.

"Traveling" is about a self-help guru who comes to Seattle for a workshop. He gives advice to others, but the guy can't help himself -- until he meets a quirky florist, played by Aniston. Her fans don't have to look for her around town; the bubbly actress isn't in Seattle this week, said a publicist for Universal Pictures.

The studio also isn't revealing where it will be filming, but most of the shots will be done in public places.

Karin Zaugg-Black with the city's Office of Economic Development said the four days of filming is expected to add $1.4 million to the local economy, with work for 114 people. The production crew is also hiring trucks, a crane, buying food and renting hotel rooms.

"It's a very exciting thing to have in town; it's another signal to us that we are continuing to attract more film business here," she said.

James Haydu, a spokesman for Pike Place Market, said it is business as usual there, but with a bit more activity.

"The Market is completely open to pedestrians. The parking garage is open and operating," he said.

Most of the filming during the day will be around Virginia Street and in front of the Market. Wednesday evening, crews will be filming a scene at the gum wall.

"So far, so good," Haydu said Wednesday morning, as he watched the action. "It is good attention for the city and for the Market."