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Are we famous now?
Allow me to nerd-out for a moment as I try to understand the recent news I came across.
So apparently the sequel to THE Avengers, a big-time famous people-everywhere movie, will be sniffing some local South African, air. Well, actually it’s more like the air will be captured in some scenes and sadly no lead actors & actresses are said to be sniffing it. But hey, can’t a fan dream a little?
According to various articles I have stalked, it would seem that The Gauteng [not Cape Town as it always seems to be…] Film Commission has been dreaming big and spreading all kinds of nice words and pictures of Johannesburg’s ‘physical assets’ in an attempt to be seen and ogled.
Now obviously Jo’burg must have been looking very sexy and endowed, especially with the added information on all the benefits of filming in our colourful country, because Marvel studios have been confirming left, right and centre that maybe one of their projects could do with some South African magic.
It’s a pity they don’t seem to be willing to encourage the stars of the show to come on with them and wiggle in some culture, but I suppose that’s understandable considering our less-than-favourable image of late thanks to poor translations and even poorer service delivery etiquette as proven by our endless striking workforce and unhappy citizens.
But who knows, maybe that will change? If we could push the envelope that far why not further, huh?
See the offered hand and take the arm, right? The good ole South African way!
But in all seriousness, one must wonder: does this mean we’re famous now?
Sure we had the whole ‘District 9’ spotlight for a while, but as good as the movie was, it didn't rake in nearly as much as The Avengers first movie at the box offices not to mention that this movie is one of ‘those’ movies. You know them, can’t mention a single lead without everybody at least knowing about it, superhero fan or not.
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/MarvelFreshman/news/?a=93814
Even if the scenes shot make it past the editing knife and get a few minutes of actual footage on screen, the impact would be monumental. But of course that’s just my opinion. I figure people will see our city up on the big screen and wonder, ‘where is that?’ or even ‘we should go see that!’
It just takes one brief glance and a curious mind, to ignite some pretty snowballing opportunities for our concrete jungle to be seen as worthy exploration grounds. And it must always be noted that the value of a curious nerd, geek, enthusiast or what-have-you should never be underestimated, after all how else would a movie of ridiculously handsome superheroes and constant, predictable, story lines be grossing over the $200 million mark in its first week showing?
The Avengers: Age of Ultron could be one of the stepping stones our country needs to finally be taken serious in terms of international exposure. Be it for the tourism scene, the cinematography scene or even the arts scene where all these stories tend to be born from. Either way, it’s the type of thing that gets ambitious minds bubbling and dreaming big.
http://screenrant.com/the-avengers-2-shooting-locations-south-africa/
Of course, if it is in fact true that no leads will be gracing us with their greatness, then at least we still have the Pitt-Jolie family to drool over, as they move temporarily into our atmosphere.
Who knows, maybe one of them actually happens to be one of the cast and their early move was just a big old distraction??
http://news.yahoo.com/brangelina-move-africa-film-113259237.html;_ylt=AwrBEiKcJPJSrVQAOLjQtDMD
But as I said, let us fans dream of all the possibilities as the world once again turns to our channel and hopefully don’t get disappointed by the outcome [or attacked by someone’s random pet lion].
