An all-but-finalized deal would open the vacant Anne Arundel Medical Center for use in the movie "Ladder 49," starring John Travolta and Joaquin Phoenix, in late April or May.
Most of the action-drama will be shot in Baltimore starting March 24.
AAMC spokesman Lisa Hillman said she expected a deal to be signed shortly. The movie is being produced by Touchstone Pictures and Casey Silver Productions.
While the movie's stay is expected to be only about three days, Mayor Ellen O. Moyer said "Ladder 49" will give Annapolis a boost.
"It's excitement of a different variety," she said. "We're used to the ups and downs of the legislative session and our national sailing events.
"Once again, we're hitting big time with what looks to be a first-rate movie."
Films including 1992's "Patriot Games" and the yet-to-be released "Head of State" have had scenes shot in Maryland's capital.
City Economic Development Director Mike Miron could not put an exact dollar value on the movie's stay. But he said local businesses, such as hardware stores, could benefit from the stopover.
Mr. Miron hopes that the movie results in business for city hotels. But a source familiar with the film who did not want to be identified said hotel stayovers were not likely.
Both Mr. Travolta and Mr. Phoenix - best known as the evil Emperor Commodus in 2000 Oscar-winning flick "Gladiator" - are expected to be on the set, Mr. Miron added.
He said the old hospital was chosen because it would be too disruptive to shoot in a working hospital. AAMC vacated the site in December 2001 for a new complex in Parole.
"Ladder 49"'s plot centers on Jack Morrison, a firefighter played by Mr. Phoenix who reflects on his life while trapped in an inferno. Mr. Travolta will play Jack's fire chief and mentor.
Using Hollywood magic, the hospital's former first-floor intensive-care unit will be converted into a burn ward, Mr. Miron said. The maternity ward will also be used for a birth scene, he said.
Crews will open the hospital's lobby and cafeteria for meal breaks. Plywood covering up the hospital's windows will be removed during the filming.
While the hospital's parking garage will not be used, its surface parking lot will, Mr. Miron said. Workers will transport several trailers to the site during the filming, but they will take the city shuttle from Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium to the hospital.
Mr. Miron did not expect any street closures during shooting. Because the scenes take place indoors, the impact on the surrounding neighborhood will be minimal, he said.
Sandy Cohen, president of the Murray Hill Residents Association, also anticipates a smooth stopover.
"They've got room to accommodate (the movie-making equipment) that would minimize the negative effects," she said.
The fact that the shooting will be indoors "will probably diminish the fun for the star struck among us, who probably will be delighted that this venue was chosen," Mrs. Cohen added.
Mr. Miron said movie representatives would keep neighbors informed of their progress.
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