For most of Thursday, the cast and crew of "Portlandia" were busy, as usual. Co-creators and stars Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein performed multiple takes of a sketch with veteran "Portlandia" guest star Kumail Nanjiani ("Silicon Valley.") The crew set up cameras and sound equipment, crammed into tight locations in two different locations in North Portland.
But Thursday was more than another workday for the IFC comedy that has made gentle fun of progressives, eccentrics and oddballs in Portland, and beyond. "Portlandia" is filming its eighth and final season, and the series will shoot its very last day on Saturday.
Despite that looming date, Armisen, Brownstein, and members of the crew weren't letting sentiment catch up with them. They still had work to do.
A monitor shows Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein and guest star Kumail Nanjiani in Portland, filming a sketch for the upcoming eighth and final season of "Portlandia."
But the significance of these final days of filming was highlighted by an event that interrupted Thursday's schedule.
In a brief ceremony at Arbor Lodge Park, Tim Williams, executive director of the Oregon Governor's Office of Film & Television, brought up Armisen and Brownstein to unveil a plaque commemorating "Portlandia," which will be placed in Portland City Hall.
Also on hand was Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read, who spoke about the economic impact of "Portlandia," which has, during its eight years of filming in Portland, accounted for nearly $40 million in direct spending.
In a question-and-answer session with reporters following the ceremony, Armisen and Brownstein reflected on their years making "Portlandia," the show's impact on the city, the current political climate, and more.
"Eight seasons is a lot," as Armisen says. "We were lucky to make it that long."
I'll have much more from our visit to the "Portlandia" set during this eighth and final season soon on OregonLive and in The Oregonian.
-- Kristi Turnquist
kturnquist@oregonian.com
503-221-8227
@Kristiturnquist