'Schitt's Creek' star Annie Murphy in Brockton to film new movie

BROCKTON – Hollywood is back in Brockton – this time for a new TV show that'll shine a light on the secret life of a sitcom wife.

Annie Murphy, the Canadian actress known for her role as Alexis on the Emmy-winning show "Schitt's Creek," was spotted in Brockton on Friday on set in the Campello area for her new dark comedy "Kevin Can F*** Himself." The television series was created by Valerie Armstrong and it is being brought to life by executive producer Rashida Jones, star of "Parks and Recreation" and "The Office," with eight one-our long episodes expected for the AMC channel. No release date has been announced yet.

Film crews were working on Nason Street in Brockton last week, when Murphy appeared in front of the camera and lighting equipment, walking around in pajamas and a robe. The 33-year-old was filmed carrying a yellow garbage bag down the sidewalk for a scene. "Kevin Can F*** Himself" – the title being a comedic jab at popular sitcom actor Kevin James and his short-lived "Kevin Can Wait" series – is expected to feature a mix of multi-camera and single camera formats, switching between a traditional sitcom style, to a more personal view of Murphy's character, giving her inner thoughts.

Nearby, across from the Deftos liquors store on Main Street, a vacant building was dressed up with a storefront sign to make it look like a salon for the TV show, with lettering marking it as 3545 Davis Ave., a fictional address. A fake street sign was installed nearby for a Shelton Street, as part of "Kevin Can F*** Himself." Yellow posters point an arrow to the base camp, a set and the catering tent.

Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan visited the set on Friday, after he worked with the production crew for AMC and the Massachusetts Film Office last winter to coordinate plans for the use of city streets, parking lots, and a branch library building, along with police and firefighter details. That planning effort was underway before the coronavirus pandemic set in, which delayed production earlier this year and added a layer of complexity to the project.

"I am very pleased about their decision to film in Brockton," Sullivan said. "They looked at many other municipalities and they agreed that our 'City of Champions' is a special place. I am hopeful that the series is a huge success and that AMC continues to film in Brockton for many years to come."

This isn't the first time Hollywood has come to Brockton in recent years. The 2017 film "Detroit" was partly made in downtown Brockton, along with Dorchester, Dedham and Detroit itself, bringing Star Wars star actor John Boyega to the city, along with Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow. Then, 2018 movie "American Woman," previously working under the name "The Burning Woman," was filmed largely on Burwell Street, with other scenes at Harry's Westgate Pub, a Trucchi's grocery story in West Bridgewater and Ames Nowell State Park in Abington. And 2012 comedy "That's My Boy" was made partly in Brockton, when actor Adam Sandler filmed scenes at the former Temple Beth Emunah.

Sullivan said he hopes there's more to come in the future. The Brockton mayor thanked Lisa Strout, the director of the Massachusetts Film Office, for her efforts to promote film production in the state.

"I am excited that major television networks and motion picture film studios have Brockton on their radars when considering filming in Massachusetts," Sullivan said. "I welcome future discussions with television and movie production companies about coming to Brockton."

So far, since production started last week, everything has been going smoothly at the set on Nason Street. Sullivan said AMC entered into agreements with residents and businesses to use private properties as part of the production of "Kevin Can F*** Himself." The company also notified neighborhood residents of their planned filming scheduled, Sullivan said.

"I have been very impressed with the professional of all AMC representatives and employees," Sullivan said on Sunday. "It was really interesting to see the filming process and how the actors do their respective scenes."

AMC has been working the city's public health officials, including coronavirus consultant Dr. Richard Herman, on following pandemic guidelines. Sullivan said AMC has a health coordinator on site who has reviewed COVID health practices with Herman.

Sullivan did not have the financials handy when reached on the weekend. But the Brockton mayor said AMC is compensating the city, the school department and the Brockton Parking Authority for the use of city-owned properties. AMC has also hired local residents to assist on production sites, Sullivan said.

Ryan Carpenter, son of former mayor Bill Carpenter, said he's hoping to get involved as an extra in the new AMC series, and has been scoping out the production site in Campello. Carpenter was an extra on several other films in the past, including "That's My Boy" and "Paul Blart Mall Cop."

"It's cool they're looking toward our city," he said. "To see those opportunities come here ultimately is a very positive thing. God knows we need positive news right now."

Ryan Carpenter said his father, who died last year during his third term in office, pushed hard for movie production in Brockton, knowing it would help give the city's economy a boost.

"He was really trying to sell Brockton to them," Ryan Carpenter said. "Wherever they go, it's always great for the local economy. They're going to spend ridiculous money at local stores and stuff like that. I'm excited to see them back."