Steven Spielberg’s New UFO Film Brings Hollywood to the Jersey Shore

Parts of the Jersey Shore will serve as the set for a new Steven Spielberg UFO movie. Filming starts this week in Cape May County, and towns like Tuckahoe and Woodbine are getting a boost from the Hollywood business during a traditionally slow time of year. 

“Not too much exciting happens in Tuckahoe, so this is very exciting,” one onlooker reported to NBC10 News Philadelphia as she stood with a friend, watching the activity.

According to a Downbeach report, Spielberg's UFO-themed film, reportedly called “The Dish,” will star Emily Blunt of “Oppenheimer” fame. Spielberg is expected to be in Woodbine to direct filming during the week of March 10-14. Woodbine Mayor William Pikolycky said that several scenes for the film will be shot along the railroad tracks from Woodbine to Buena Vista Township and include trains operated by Cape May Seashore Lines.

The influx of film crew members also benefits hotels and restaurants in the area. Some, such as Impala Suites in Ocean City, are experiencing abnormally high late-winter occupancy rates, especially on weekdays.

In Woodbine — whose water tower slogan announces it's the “Gateway to the Jersey Cape” — Spielberg's production crew members have been stopping by the Dionysus Restaurant to pick up trays of breakfast bagels, muffins, and pastries.

 “It's pretty cool. It's exciting. It's nice to see new faces,” said Dionysus manager Jacki LaDouceur in an interview with Downbeach. LaDouceur's father, Angelo Kossyvakis, has owned the Woodbine restaurant for 38 years.

Speaking with NBC10 News Philadelphia, Ludlam Island Brewery owner said, “It's nice to feel a full bar this time of year when it's our offseason down here at the Jersey Shore.”

Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce executive director Michele Gillian explained that the boost in people in the area “exposes Ocean City to a different environment for these people that come in and do filming.” she said.

Some of the greatest bands of all time are actually fictional bands from movies and TV shows. If only we could actually see them perform live!

Over the years, there have been countless movies and TV shows focusing on bands that aren't actually real. Sometimes, it's quite obvious and comical, while other times, you might have had no idea it wasn't about a real band. They can be grounded in reality or over the top--there are examples of it all in your favorite pieces of entertainment. However, can we all agree we wish these five fictional bands from movies and TV were real?

Recently, I shared some examples of fictional food from movies and shows that look delicious. Now, it's time for some fictional bands. Not only are there shows and movies about fake bands, but there have also been several songs that were made specifically for these works of art. One of my favorite examples is "Scotty Doesn't Know" from the movie EuroTrip. It became a hit classic, but it's actually from a real band--so it can't make the list. Granted, the real band doesn't have Matt Damon on vocals, but I count them as non-fiction, nonetheless.

We've seen fictional bands in comedies, mockumentaries, dramas, and even in some animated shows. It can be a great way to create comedic situations or to parallel what real bands go through without having to worry about securing a band's rights or anything. I imagine that can be quite the process when you could simply invent a band instead.

When thinking about some of the fictional bands from movies and TV to add to the list, several came to mind right away. However, that doesn't necessarily make them the best. I wanted this list to be quality and agreed upon by the majority. So, I had to do a bit of homework. While doing my research, I was blown away by how many there are! I had forgotten about some of these, and in many cases I didn't realize they were fictional bands! I guess I always thought "Josie And The Pussycats" was a real band. I guess I didn't really pay attention to the movie. Likewise, the same thing with "Cheetah Girls" I thought it was a real group. However, they only became a real group after the movie came out and they did some shows and stuff. Those bands will not appear on the list below. We can consider them to be honorable mentions, though?

Let's get to the list! What bands would you add to the list that you'd love to see live and in person but will likely never be able to because they aren't real? Let us know!

Look, you can't talk about fictional bands without talking about Spinal Tap. They're arguably the greatest fictional band of all-time. Sure, they did end up playing some shows but that doesn't count! They're from a movie and so I'm calling them fake. Also, you'd be surprised how many people don't realize they aren't real. It's a mockumentary! Ugh. The actors are all quality musicians but it remains a fake band.

https://youtu.be/voVY3-Xe8KY?si=YeBR8Uc94RdXceOK Do you remember The Beets from "Doug?" I had this song stuck in my head for the better part of my childhood growing up. It was so catchy! I wanted to see them. Doug and everyone seemed so hype about them. I wanted that feeling! It would be so cool to see them perform their songs live. I bet you'd remember more lyrics than you;d expect. 

This is one of the newer examples on the list. I watched this show and it was fantastic. The music is cool, the characters are relatable, and the songs are awesome! I'd definitely see them perform live. This would have been my type of band back in the day. If you haven't watched it yet, it's highly recommended!

https://youtu.be/rPIt52BwTak?si=gOr0nQzjbplACb3d Anything Steve Smith sings gets instantly stuck in my head. Just like Family Guy and South Park, American Dad does a great job incorporating original songs. They are always great and they are always funny. Somehow, they never seem to miss. It's funny how the show will reference Boyz 12 and their music even outside of the original episode. A nice Easter Egg for fans of the show.

Of course this had to make the list! It's one of the most memorable moments and episodes of SpongeBob! Can you image being at the Bubble Bowl to see this one-of-a-kind performance? That crowd definitely looked hype. Honestly, I don't think you're ever too old for SpongeBob. It remains hilarious to this day. Or am I just immature?