Joburg roads closed for Hollywood blockbuster
Following the still unconfirmed spotting of Chris Hemsworth on Friday, today Hollywood is infiltrating itself deep into Joburg.
Today a number of streets in the city centre was supposed to be closed for production, as Marvel’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron started its two-week filming schedule around Johannesburg.
Shooting has however been postponed until tomorrow, 11 February.
Albetina Sisulu Street, between Harrison and Rissik streets, will be closed off until 7pm tommorow and possibly Wednesday.
Until 23 February the following roads face closures: President Street, Joubert Street, Commissioner, Sauer and Albetina Sisulu streets, Kingsley Sithole Road and Basil Zuma Street.The Gauteng Film Commission has been supportive of the American franchise shooting in the City of Gold.
The film, directed by Joss Whedon, will shoot action photography sequences throughout the city.
The film commission showcased the city to Marvel Studios in the autumn of 2013, sharing information about Johannesburg’s physical assets and the benefits of filming in the region, including the possibility of qualifying for the recently revised government film incentive which is intended to attract large-budget films and television productions.
“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 Gauteng Film Commission CEO Phindile Mbanjwa.
Johannesburg Mayor Parks Tau 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 to make our city an attractive location for films of all sizes. It strengthens Johannesburg’s position as a worldwide film production centre with first class facilities and production support. It also has a positive impact for the region and is a great opportunity for the city to be showcased to a worldwide audience.”
The film will also generate jobs for South African crew members who will be employed by the production. Additional jobs will include over 1 000 extras throughout the two-week shooting schedule.
The production will work closely with the Johannesburg Joint Operations Committee, the Johannesburg Metro police, the South African national police, local business owners, and the citizens of Johannesburg and Gauteng as a whole.
