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.
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.
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??
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].
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