dcforme

Yes lol...Indeed us Creek fans new the 6th was the last..But the announcement just made it official...Made it even more sad..Here is another article from the Wilmington Star on DC ending..

The WB pulls plug on 'Creek'
Current season will be last for Wilmington-filmed show


By Allison Ballard
Staff writer
allison.ballard@starnewsonline.com





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Crew members on the set of 'Dawson's Creek' prepare for a scene Monday at Screen Gems Studios. The WB announced this season will be the show's last.
STAFF PHOTO - KEN BLEVINS








Cast and crew of the locally filmed Dawson's Creek learned Monday that this season would be the last for the popular WB show - one that has bolstered Wilmington's film industry and economy during its six-year run.

The announcement came from network president Jordan Levin, who stated he wanted to allow the writers, producers and cast of the show to end it with creative integrity and enthusiasm.

The news spread gradually among the show's employees as they worked on an upcoming episode at Screen Gems Studios. There was an understanding that this season would bring an end to the adventures of Dawson (James Van Der Beek), Joey (Katie Holmes), Pacey (Joshua Jackson), Jen (Michelle Williams) and Jack (Kerr Smith). But due to the show's strong ratings, there was speculation the network would add a seventh season.

"It's been an unbelievable experience," said Mr. Smith in a statement. "It's the best crew and cast I've ever worked with. I'm going to miss everybody, but unfortunately ... it's time to go."

The mood on the set was mixed when the announcement came, said Dale Williams, associate producer.

"This crew has been together for six years," she said. "It's very much like leaving a family. But people are relieved to know the answer. I think they will enjoy shooting these last episodes. I'm glad we found out this early on."

Although the crew of 100 local people who work on the show will soon have to find new work, many weren't surprised.

"Going into this season, it was the last season," said Henry Ezzell, best boy grip. "And the season before that was the last season. I think we're prepared for it."

The cast and crew are scheduled to film through April 24, and the last episode will be the two-hour finale May 14.

Over the years, the show has boosted tourism and the local economy.

Johnny Griffin, director of the Wilmington Regional Film Commission, said the show pumps about $1 million per episode into the local economy. About 23 shows are produced each season, although it varies.

"And it has kept Wilmington in the headlines, within the industry, for the past six years," Mr. Griffin said.

Feature films, such as Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood and Domestic Disturbance, come to the area and then pack up and go - and don't always stay in filmmakers' minds. But people in the industry can always watch the show for an example of what the Wilmington area has to offer.

"It's free advertising," Mr. Griffin said. "And it also makes up a big piece of the local pie. Based on the 2001 numbers, Dawson's Creek was two Domestic Disturbances.

"It's going to leave a big hole in the local film production here - one we are actively trying to fill."

Mr. Griffin and Frank Capra Jr., president of Screen Gems Studios, recently made trips to Los Angeles to talk to television producers about bringing in another series. And while both are optimistic about the chances for another series, it would be difficult to match Dawson's success.

"Dawson's Creek is a tourism engine within itself," said Judith Grizzel, president of the Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Articles about the area and the show have appeared in the national and international press. The bureau printed a Dawson's Creek frequently-asked-questions handout specifically to handle the demand of inquiries about the show. And its staff developed a self-guided tour of filming locations.

"It's going to be really, really sad to lose it," Ms. Grizzel said.

Aside from the effect to the economy, the show's cast and crew have contributed toward community efforts.

"They've really become a part of the family," said Wilmington Mayor Harper Peterson, whose Water Street Restaurant frequently was used as a filming location.

Dawson's Creek premiered in January 1998, and its popularity helped the then 3-year-old WB network gain viewers.

"We will always carry an emotional attachment to Dawson's Creek, for without it, The WB would not exist," Mr. Levin said in a statement. "The WB has grown up alongside the cast, and in the process, the series became a defining and life-altering experience for all involved."

Allison Ballard: 343-2376