Film and Television Industry Spent $223 Million in Hawaii in 2014

According to Donne Dawson, the Hawaii Film Commissioner, the film and television industry spent a total of $223 million in productions in 2014.  This is a slight decrease from the $228 million that was spent in 2013 or the $245.6 million that was spent in 2012.  Dawson commented, "I don't think there's a way to explain (the drop), really.  We did have a project that was slated for 2014 that pushed to 2015. If it hadn't, the figure would have been significantly higher. These things happen for a variety of reasons. It's the nature of the industry."  Dawson added that she does not anticipate much growth in spending in 2015.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 1-18-2015, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
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Walt Disney Studio to Create New Animated Feature About Polynesia

Walt Disney Studios has announced that their 2016 animated feature film will take place in Oceania, and will feature a young Polynesian girl named Moana. The basic plot is that a "spirited teenager sets sail for a fabled island. During her journey, Moana teams up with the demigod Maui, her hero, and together they encounter enormous sea creatures, breathtaking underworlds and ancient folklore." Marisa Mayase, the spokeswoman for the Polynesian Voyaging Society, commented, "The Polynesian discovery and settlement of islands across the Pacific Ocean is one of humanity's remarkable achievements. It is a compelling story that continues today. Disney has an opportunity to show that voyaging is not just a part of our past, it is a part of our future."

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 10-21-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com

New Godzilla Movie to Be Filming on Oahu

Warner Brothers Pictures and Legendary Pictures have confirmed that the latest Godzilla movie will be filming on the island of Oahu start in July of this year. The film has been shooting in Vancouver since March 18, 2013, but needed a secondary location for the movie. Donne Dawson, Hawaii film commissioner, Donne Dawson, commented, “They’ll be filming in some very public places. The public will have no problem observing filming activity. It is not going to be hidden away in the jungle.”

Gareth Edwards will direct the movie, which will star Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche, David Strathairm and Byran Cranston. Honolulu film commissioner, Walea Constantinau noted that the filming of Godzilla would be excellent for Hawaii’s economy. Constantinau added, “This is an indelible franchise that lives through history. For us to be part of it, with Hono­lulu front and center in some of it, is an unbelievable marketing opportunity.”

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 6-4-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com