22 / LOCATIONS
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Image by Ashim D Silva via Unsplash
Exceptional beaches and mountains collide in Cape Town © Kyle Cut Media (via Unsplash)
LOCATIONS FOR AFRICA Katie Reynolds-Da Silva explores the plethora of beautiful African locations that will be available to filmmakers the world over once the global pandemic begins to dissipate.
T
he global lockdown has had one distinct advantage: drone shots have shown us just how spectacular the world’s natural spaces are when devoid of humans. Thankfully, we know that with the right permit, just about any film location can be ‘locked down’ and shot in its people-free splendor. In fact, a small army of location professionals are on hand to make sure the perfect building, park, or street is ready to turn your vision into reality, to the collective sigh of relief from producers everywhere.
MORE THAN A MOUNTAIN
When booking a trip to South Africa, one might conjure an image of Table Mountain, or
vast plains filled with creatures great and small. But locals know that we are more than a mountain. Where else can you find a purple city? Try Tshwane, with its explosion of Jacaranda-lined streets. While you’re there, take a look at the majestic Union Buildings, ideal for official/ governmental scenes. Seeing as you’re in Gauteng, the richest square mile in Africa is well worth a visit. Situated in Sandton, the futuristic skyscrapers can double for any economic powerhouse on the planet. When you’ve had your fill of luxury and you’ve got relaxation on your mind, it’s time to head for a game reserve. The Pilanesburg a notable example, filled with a
diverse ecological array. The accommodation is equally diverse, and you can find a budget-friendly rondavel or a five-star uber-luxe resort within kilometres of each other. A film-friendly destination with an illustrious film CV, Sun City Resort and Casino is a noteworthy spot. Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore called it home in their Blended collaboration. As did Clive Owen in his casino thriller Croupier. Sun City is also frequently used for music videos, live events and celebrity weddings. Further north, the arid, sweeping dust pans of the North West are ideal for the cars-moving-very-swiftly type of shot. Why go slow
when the land-speed record is begging to be broken? The Kruger National Park is an obvious choice for footage of wild animals; and with the absence of visitors recently, the animal populations are sure to
SAFETY FIRST Location experts such as Amazing Spaces has been so proactive that they have partnered with a specialist cleaning company to ensure that every space is sanitised and free from any potential viruses. In this way, they are doing their bit to halt the spread of the pandemic.
