Ben Affleck has been spotted in Austin shooting his new movie, "Hypnotic," which is filming at the Federal Courthouse on 4th and San Antonio Streets in Austin.

Hordes of cars and heavy-duty equipment have the section of 4th Street, from the courthouse to the edge of Republic Square, blocked off for filming, which is set to continue through Nov. 17. One of the workers on set who did not disclose his name said the crew will be filming until around 10 p.m. today.

There was also a little robot, which made cute noises and could be programmed to follow someone around. (Laura Figi/Austonia)

The movie, brought to life by Austinite and "Spy Kids" director Robert Rodriguez, follows Affleck in the role of a detective who becomes enveloped in a mystery involving his missing daughter, a string of high-profile crimes and a secret government program.

New Austin transplant Carole Cline lives nearby, so she watched the crew film for a few hours. Cline said one of the props set up in front of the steps of the courthouse—a hotdog stand—looked so realistic she almost went up to order before she noticed the equipment.

Cline said she watched Affleck film a scene where he was running down the courthouse steps in the opposite direction of a crowd passing by and that he had to repeat the sprint "at least 20 times."

Shortly afterward, the crew shifted to filming in the street for what appeared to be a car wreck scene. Three cars were tightly clumped together along with a steady stream of fog, a prop police car, an ambulance and a fire truck.

Affleck and partner Jennifer Lopez have been renting a condo in Austin while "Hypnotic" is filming, so keep an eye out for the high-profile couple around town. Affleck will also be seen in at least four movies coming up: DC's "The Flash," George Clooney's "Tender Bar," Ridley Scott's "The Last Duel" and Adrian Lyne's "Deep Water."

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