Thinner Kevin James filming 'Boom' at Quincy High

Kevin James, filming the made-in-Massachusetts flick "Here Comes The Boom" at the old Quincy High School located at 52 Coddington Street, has slimmed down dramatically for his role as a physics teacher who moonlights as a mixed-martial arts fighter.

Yep, "Paul Blart" is a leaner, meaner King of Quincy.

The flick, co-starring Henry Winkler and Salma Hayek, follows James as he tries to save his best friend's job and the failing school's music program. James began filming on Monday, March 28 and is returning to his singlet roots in the film. For the record, he was a wrestler while attending Ward Melville High School in Stony Brook, NY. The made-in-Quincy flick is slotted to continue shooting in Massachusetts until June.

James, who filmed three made-in-Boston films before "Boom" including "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" and "Grown Ups," started losing weight while shooting "Zookeeper" in late 2009. "Zookeeper" follows James as a zoo caretaker who consults with the animals in an attempt to learn their methods of dating and mating to help him win back the woman of his dreams. Rosario Dawson stars as Kate, the smart zoo veterinarian who works alongside Griffin.

The made-in-Boston film "Zookeeper," also starring Leslie Bibb, has been pushed to a July 8, 2011, rather than its original 2010 release. Apparently, the flick generated huge scores during a test screening, fueling Sony Pictures to move it to a highly coveted summer slot.

Click here for the latest on "Here Comes The Boom."

--Photos shot by Loaded Gun Boston

IFFBoston announces film lineup for 2011 fest

The Independent Film Festival of Boston (IFFBoston) announced the films that will be featured at the 2011 festival kicking off on Wednesday, April 27 and closing on Wednesday, May 4.

The ninth annual festival will take place at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square, the Brattle Theatre in Harvard Square, the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, and the Stuart Street Playhouse in downtown Boston. The festival, complete with over 110 film screenings, filmmaker Q&A sessions, panel discussions, visiting filmmakers, parties and events will showcase the best in current American and International cinema.

"Being Elmo" directed by Constance Marks will open the festival on Wednesday, April 27 at the Somerville Theatre. This marks the first time the IFFBoston will open with a documentary. The film follows Kevin Clash, from humble upbringings as he follows his dream to become a puppeteer and one day work with his idol, Jim Henson, to the present day where he has traveled the world performing as the puppeteer and voice behind Sesame Street’s breakout star, Elmo. Director Constance Marks, Kevin Clash, and Elmo will be in attendance on opening night.

"Conan O'Brien Can't Stop," directed by Rodman Flender, will close the festival on Wednesday May 4th at the Coolidge Corner Theatre. The documentary follows late night host Conan O’Brien from the days just after his breakup with NBC following their proposal to move the Tonight Show past midnight and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of O'Brien’s touring stage show of 2010. Director Rodman Flender will be in attendance on closing night, which will take place in O’Brien’s hometown of Brookline.

Click here for more information on Boston's Independent Film Festival. Also, click here for the latest on IFFBoston 2011

Sarah Jessica Parker shooting scenes in Boston

"Sex and the City" siren Sarah Jessica Parker filmed exterior scenes for her set-in-NYC flick "I Don't Know How She Does It" at several locations scattered throughout Boston on Wednesday, March 9, with locales including Post Office Square, Government Center, the Public Garden and the Boston Common in front of the Massachusetts State House.

The flick, co-starring Christina Hendricks from 'Mad Men" fame and also featuring Kelsey Grammer, Pierce Brosnan, Greg Kinnear and Olivia Munn, is based on Allison Pearson's book following a fictional high-powered finance exec and working mom Kate Reddy as she navigates through the complexities of life.

Think Bridget Jones with a husband and two kids.

Parker, who stars as the female narrator Kate, was spotted with director Douglas McGrath in the Boston Common late on Wednesday. Hendricks, who could easily be SJP's red-headed Miranda replacement in the film, was filming outside of the State House.

Filming is scheduled to continue at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace on Thursday March 10, but may be delayed because of an expected rainstorm.

Last July, crews with the made-in-Boston flick "What's Your Number?" with Anna Faris and Chris Evans shot a wedding reception scene at the 1.7-acre park at Post Office Square in Boston's Financial District. For the Faris movie, set designers worked with the already stunning green space that sits atop an underground parking garage and has been named one of the best squares and plazas in the world by PPS (project for public spaces). The trees in the square were covered with white, paper lanterns and the scene included a live band and Faris wearing a stunning pink bridesmaid gown.

Parker's "I Don't Know How She Does It" film is slotted to hit theaters in 2012.

--Copyrighted photos for Loaded Gun Boston by Ryan Miner, Beantown Photo