The Cape Film Commission in South Africa has urged caution for a plan to alter a local landmark that’s become a popular filming location. Cape Town is considering developing its foreshore highway, which has been sitting unfinished for several decades.
The Uruguay Film Office will join the Board of Directors at the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) in 2013 and 2014. Uruguay’s membership was initiated by the Latin American Film Commission’s Network (LAFCN) and it becomes the first Latin American member.
Hugh Jackman’s X-Men spin-off The Wolverine has been doubling a suburb of Sydney for the streets of Tokyo. Parramatta in Greater Western Sydney has had street signs and vehicle number plates switched for Japanese equivalents as part of the film’s set design.
The Malta Film Commission has been awarded EUR500,000 to help it develop its film crew base. Money will be funnelled into training below-the-line production employees like location scouts, special effects and lighting experts, and wardrobe managers.
[slideshow id=315]Air Hollywood offers mock-up aeroplane interiors, terminal and airport security sets near Burbank in California. These are spread across four separate sound stages and other facilities include a prop house and a stock footage department.
Google Maps has partnered with a specialist marine organisation to expand its imaging to selected underwater environments. The Catlin Seaview Survey has been documenting the health of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef using a specially-designed underwater camera.
[slideshow id=314]UK-based Rattling Stick has filmed a series of commercials for AXA Insurance on location in Sri Lanka. The spots follow a man mastering how to ride an elephant as a metaphor for promoting lower insurance costs for experienced motorists.
South Africa's Cape Town Studios is preparing to host the pirate-themed miniseries Black Sails. The project involves Transformers filmmaker Michael Bay as an Executive Producer. It’s scheduled for a 16-week shoot and is the latest major production to visit the relatively new Cape Town facility.