Sleepy Adamsville turned into a bustling Hollywood set late last week, as crews working with noted director M. Night Shyamalan took over Gray's to shoot scenes for “Remains,” a romantic thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal. They're expected to be in various locations across Little Compton on and off through the end of the week.

Crews arrived early Friday and began transforming the former Gray’s General Store into the set for that day's shooting before heading to Sakonnet Point for additional shooting. After taking the weekend off, they returned Monday and are due back again on Friday.

Their presence wasn't unexpected, as crews had already been spotted shooting scenes in Warren and came to Little Compton with the help of resident Donna Pilkington, who assisted in finding locations. It wasn't her first foray into the movies; Pilkington hosted director James L. Brooks and crews as they filmed scenes for his upcoming movie, "Ella McCay," at a home she owns in Providence.

While filming took place on a closed set inside Grays, crews worked outside building staging while security guards and police maintained a presence, directing traffic and keeping the curious away. Many drivers stopped by the set trying to find out more information, but were told to keep on driving.

“I got a call this morning from a friend of mine who was stuck in the Adamsville traffic and absolutely loved it,” Pilkington said.

Still, the crowds grew. Small groups from Little Compton, Westport and beyond congregated across the street from the store, doing their best to try to get a glimpse of Gyllenhaal, who spent Friday's shoot inside.

Though it was busy, residents said they were happy to see the film crews at the old general store.

“Everyone is very excited about it,” Adamsville resident Jan Williams said. “We think it is great for the Waites, who own Gray’s store."

Old hat for Adamsville

Several of the eight Kinnane brothers, who run their The Kinnane Brothers film production company out of Adamsville, said they were glad to hear of Shyamalan's presence. The brothers recently announced that their first film "Solo Mio" — written, directed, edited and executive produced by them and released by Angel Studios — is set to hit theaters nationwide next February. It stars Kevin James, Alyson Hannigan and Jonathan Roumie.

“I’m sure some people were inconvenienced, but for us, we couldn’t have been more excited about having M. Night Shyamalan visiting town,” Chuck Kinnane said Monday afternoon after concluding a flight to Canada, where the brothers are themselves scouting locations for a film. “From everything I heard, the crew and everyone were very respectful.”

The Kinnanes said they dream of shooting a film in Rhode Island.

“You don’t always have to go to New York or L.A.,” added Jeff Azize, the Kinnanes' brother-in-law, said, pointing to Shyamalan's film as an example. “This is the biggest film ever filmed in Little Compton.”