It has been confirmed that Marvel Studios will film parts of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron in the Johannesburg city centre and surrounding areas in the Gauteng province.The Johannesburg Joint Operations Committee (JOC) announced that action photography sequences will be shot throughout the city, but that principle cast members will not be included in the local filming of the movie, directed by Joss Whedon.
Marvel Studios enjoyed tremendous success with the blockbuster Marvel’s The Avengers in 2012, which was the first film to reach more than $1bn at the international box office and became the third highest grossing film of all time.
“We’re thrilled that Marvel Studios is bringing a major motion picture project to Johannesburg, and we’re committed to showing them the very best our region has to offer,” said Phindile Mbanujwa, CEO of the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC).
According to the GFC, the organization ‘showcased the city to Marvel Studios in 2013, sharing information about Johannesburg’s physical assets and the benefits of filming in the region which include the possibility of qualifying for the recently revised government film incentive which is intended to encourage and attract large-budget films and television productions that will contribute towards employment creation, enhancement of South Africa’s international profile, and increase the country’s creative and technical skills base’.
Parks Tau, mayor of Johannesburg, said, “We are excited to host Marvel and the filming of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. It’s very positive for the city and we have worked diligently with the JOC to make our city an attractive location for films of all sizes.”
He concluded: “It strengthens Johannesburg’s position as a worldwide film production centre with first-class facilities and production support. It also has a very positive impact for the region and is a great opportunity for the city to be showcased to a worldwide audience.”
Throughout the two-week shooting schedule, the film will also generate many jobs for South African crew members who will be employed by the production.
The JOC, the Johannesburg Metro Police, the South African National Police, local business owners and the citizens of Johannesburg and the Gauteng province will all ensure that the production runs smoothly.
